Boston Metro West Clubs

Hey all,

New member here and relatively new to golf. Another question about Boston-area clubs; didn't find the answer in a search of prior postings.

Moved from Chicago back to Boston (living in Weston on the Wellesley/Weston line) about a year ago and took up golf after inheriting a bag of clubs from my brother. In the last four months my wife and I have really been bitten by the bug - me moreso than her. I've been hitting the local muni to play or practice 5-6 times a week. Shoot in the high 90s/low 100s and eager to improve.

We're looking into local clubs a few minutes from our house and have got our eyes on Weston Golf Club or Woodland Golf Club, perhaps Oakley as well. Are there any folks on here that are either familiar or active members with these (or other nearby) clubs? Would love to learn more about the culture, membership, dues/waitlist, track, etc.

We're in our early 30s, both professionals in the pharma/biotech industries, and are minorities. Being new to the area we're looking for a club that skews younger/families, with a welcoming membership, and where we can cultivate relationships/friendships... and of course excellent golf.

Appreciate any tips!

A

From what I've heard, a lot of the area clubs are offering cheap-ish rates for younger folks.

Of those, Woodland is the obvious choice.

Weston is a difficult admission process that will take a few years unless you know exactly the right guys.

Oakley, you would be able to walk right into, and is the cheapest of the group. Despite the Donald Ross pedigree, it's the weakest golf course (barely over 6,000 yards from the back tees).

Woodland rides the waves of the economy. Right now, there probably is a bit of an admissions process / wait. They did a pretty solid clubhouse re-do about 5 years ago which really improved the facilities for younger families (and they didn't spend a ton of money doing it). Can't beat it from a convenience perspective.

Thanks folks for the insights.

Any thoughts on Pine Brook or Brae Burn? I am also in close proximity to those two.

Thanks folks for the insights.

 

Any thoughts on Pine Brook or Brae Burn? I am also in close proximity to those two.

Pine Brook is (reputed to be) very expensive and always in immaculate condition. It is the west suburbs' most prominent historically jewish club, with a solid family membership. Most of the people I know there are families with young kids. I have no idea what the admission process looks like.

Brae Burn (and Charles River) is in the same category as Weston. If you don't know anybody, admission is going to be very tough...but if you do know the right people, it's less than a year.

Nashawtuc is another to consider. Probably not that far a drive for you, and a decent family club that's not impossible to get into.

I would say Nashawtuc is probably the best bet given your situation and approximate location. Before making a decision, though, why not network within the community that you and your wife work in to see where those folks belong and try and gain referrals or sponsorship that way?

Keep in mind that clubs like Brae Burn, etc. are very expensive and involve multiple interviews to even be considered. And typically you must know a member already to be recommended. But the courses are immaculate and the amenities are terrific. Worth looking into at the very least.

Thanks folks for the thoughts - good considerations. Nashawtuc is a bit of a hike for us and would prefer - given ability to get in as well as fit, etc. - Brae Burn, Woodland, WGC.

Woodland is nice. If it was me and all things equal I would try and join Wellesley CC. One of my fav tracks

Dedham Polo....Played there a while ago but thought it was a good course.

Woodland is nice. If it was me and all things equal I would try and join Wellesley CC. One of my fav tracks

Challenge with Wellesley is the waiting list. Pretty straightforward process, but I understand it is over 5 years now

As far as the course is concerned, there are some funky aspects to it (long walk between front 9 and back 9, back to back finishing 5's, etc.) but overall it has a number of very good holes. Course is in generally good shape given how much play it gets. If one lives in Wellesley or Needham and doesn't mind the wait, it is a good spot

Dedham Polo....Played there a while ago but thought it was a good course.

Every time I play Dedham, I like it more and more. I believe it is the only Seth Raynor course in Massachusetts. Has some really big elevation changes (makes the walk slightly more challenging for some), but a very playable course. They've historically had water challenges given some of the lower areas (flooding some years,not enough water other years), which has historically made conditions a bit hit or miss.

More interesting, though, is they are spending real money this off season on a restoration. From what I understand, they are trying to bring back some of the signature Raynor aspects to the course that have been lost over the years. I am very excited to play it again this summer.

As far as membership, I believe it is a fairly short process if you can line up enough sponsors

You can't go wrong with Brae Burn or Charles River. Both fantastic Ross courses. Oakley is pretty cool too, but smaller in scale.

Anyone know if Charles River offers a young professional membership?

Anyone know if Charles River offers a young professional membership?

They do.

Jumping in here, I just moved to Newton, very close to Brae Burn and Woodland, is anybody on here a member? Coming from a young professional membership at The Bedens Brook Club down in NJ

Thanks!

I am really interested to find out as well