Things to Do
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is working to update the state-run course.
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston. Google Maps
It’s a swing and a miss for a Massachusetts golf course just named the worst in the U.S.
Save money during New England travel in August
Golf website MyGolfSpy recently released a list of the 10 worst golf courses in America, and the state-operated Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston ranked No. 1.
Two other Massachusetts golf courses made the top five: Norwood Country Club ranked No. 3, and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton ranked No. 5.
The Leo J. Martin and Ponkapoag golf courses are both owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
“This isn’t a great look, Massachusetts public golf. You’re on this list three times. There are 50 states. I’m no math major, but that isn’t ideal,” MyGolfSpy wrote.
Here’s what the site wrote about the Leo J. Martin Golf Course:
“With an astonishingly low Google rating of 2.7, Leo J. Martin is only considered a golf course because it calls itself one. The greens are… just fields with weeds and sand? How is anyone playing golf here?”
Reviewer comments about the course pulled by the site include “Perfect place to twist an ankle” and “I’d rather stare at a wall for 4 hours.”
Boston.com reached out to the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation about the ranking, and a spokesperson said course updates are in the works.
DCR said it hired a new director of golf course maintenance who is addressing the issues at its two agency-managed courses.
The agency said it has also hired a consultant for the design of a new irrigation system at the Leo J. Martin Golf Course and the design has been completed, the permitting process will wrap up this winter, and construction is slated for spring 2026.
Furthermore, a new maintenance plan for the greens launched in 2024 is ongoing, according to DCR, with core aeration, top dressing, speed seeding, deep tine aeration, and rolling the greens some of the work completed this past spring.
The cost to play at the DCR courses is $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and $30 on weekends and $19 for 9 holes daily.
Where do you golf in Massachusetts?
Kristi PalmaCulture writer
Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
