The Top 5 Donald Ross Public Golf Courses in Massachusetts

‍Donald Ross is a name every golfer should know. Born in Scotland and trained at St Andrews, Ross immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s and went on to design or remodel over 400 courses across North America. His signature style emphasized natural terrain, strategic bunkering, and famously deceptive greens that challenge golfers without punishing them. Massachusetts is home to dozens of Ross creations, and while many are private, a handful of public-access courses allow everyday golfers to experience his timeless design philosophy. Here are the top 5 Donald Ross public-access courses you can play in the Bay State today.

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1. George Wright Golf Course – Hyde Park (Boston)
Par 70 | 6,440 yards
Often ranked among the best municipal courses in the country, George Wright is Ross at his boldest. Built with WPA labor during the Great Depression, this rugged layout features dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined corridors, and some of the most challenging greens in New England. It’s a must-play for anyone interested in Ross’s architectural genius.

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2. Sandy Burr Country Club – Wayland
Par 72 | 6,427 yards
A daily-fee gem, Sandy Burr showcases Ross’s finesse with routing and short-game strategy. The layout blends natural beauty with challenging doglegs, raised greens, and thoughtful bunkering. Consistently well-maintained and affordable, it's a favorite for both weekend warriors and architecture buffs.

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3. William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park – Boston
Par 70 | 6,013 yards
The second-oldest public course in the country, "Franklin Park" combines rich history with Ross's subtle design fingerprints. Originally opened in 1896 and later restored by Ross, the course features rolling terrain, walkability, and a mix of holes that suit all skill levels. It's a vital piece of Boston's golfing heritage.

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4. Wachusett Country Club – West Boylston
Par 71 | 6,281 yards
Wachusett offers a country club experience at public rates. Though modernized over the years, it retains its Ross backbone through strategic greens and fairway movement. It also boasts beautiful views of the Wachusett Reservoir and hills beyond, making it one of the most scenic on this list.

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5. Greenock Country Club – Lee
Par 35 (9 holes) | 3,115 yards
Nestled in the Berkshires, Greenock is one of the oldest courses in America, originally opened in 1895 and redesigned by Ross in 1927. Though just nine holes, it offers alternate tees for an 18-hole experience and delivers classic Ross features: raised greens, subtle contouring, and strategic simplicity. It’s a historic gem in a stunning setting.

Complete List of Donald Ross Courses in Massachusetts (Public and Private)

Public/Semi-Public:

• Bass River Golf Course, Yarmouth
• Ellinwood Country Club, Athol
• Fresh Pond Golf Course, Cambridge
• George Wright Golf Course, Hyde Park
• Greenock Country Club, Lee
• Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course, Weston
• Ludlow Country Club, Ludlow
• Merrimack Valley Golf Club, Methuen
• Newton Commonwealth Golf Course, Newton
• Petersham Country Club, Petersham
• Sandy Burr Country Club, Wayland
• Southwick Country Club, Southwick
• Tekoa Country Club, Westfield
• Wachusett Country Club, West Boylston
• Whaling City Golf Course (Front 9), New Bedford
• Whitinsville Golf Club, Whitinsville (limited public access)
• William J. Devine Memorial Golf Course, Boston
• Wyckoff Country Club, Holyoke

Private:

• Belmont Country Club, Belmont
• Brae Burn Country Club, Newton
• Charles River Country Club, Newton
• Cohasse Country Club, Southbridge
• Cohasset Golf Club, Cohasset
• Concord Country Club, Concord
• Country Club of Pittsfield, Pittsfield
• Essex County Club, Manchester-by-the-Sea
• Framingham Country Club, Framingham
• Hyannisport Club, Hyannis Port
• Kernwood Country Club, Salem
• Longmeadow Country Club, Longmeadow
• North Andover Country Club, North Andover
• Oak Hill Country Club, Fitchburg
• Oakley Country Club, Watertown
• Orchards Golf Club, South Hadley
• Oyster Harbors Club, Osterville
• Plymouth Country Club, Plymouth
• Pocasset Golf Club, Pocasset
• Salem Country Club, Peabody
• Springfield Country Club, Springfield
• Tatnuck Country Club, Worcester
• Vesper Country Club, Tyngsborough
• Weston Golf Club, Weston
• Winchendon Golf Club, Winchendon
• Winchester Country Club, Winchester
• Worcester Country Club, Worcester
• Wianno Golf Club, Osterville

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