Thoughts on Family Friendly Country Club in RT2/128 Area?

[hockeyplayer19]

I have a young family that, hopefully, will enjoy summers of golf, tennis, and swimming in the next 4-7 years. I live in the Route 2 & 128 intersection area, so clubs with these 3 amenities nearby are probably limited to Concord CC, Nashawtuc CC, Winchester CC, and maybe Weston GC. I'm not sure the Newton courses are geographically desirable, especially taking 128 south on a Friday evening in the summer to sneak in 9.

 

I'm looking for information on wait list lengths (time), initiation fees, and annual dues/minimums for these clubs (or others, as appropriate). I'm sure the initiation fee is in the $40-50k range, I have that information for one of them, but also wanted any other information on how family-friendly these courses are.

 

Here is my take:

 

Nashawtuc - I have played the course but was unimpressed with the layout. Condition was great but the course seemed boring to me. The course also floods easily given the nearby rivers and the lack of elevation. It seems very family friendly with a "Camp Nashawtuc" type feel for the kids in the summer and skating rink/cross-country skiing in the winter. This course also seems to have a shorter wait list than most.

 

Concord - I am a big fan of Donald Ross courses, so this has good appeal to me especially since they have recently re-done the bunkers and irrigation along with other course improvements.. My suspicion is that the wait list is very lengthy and the initiation fees on the higher end. Do they only invite members who live in Concord?

 

Winchester - Another Donald Ross course in great shape after recent renovations but limited practice facility/range (I've read they have approached Conservation Commission on clearing some woods for a 28-acre practice facility). Again, I assume a lengthy wait list and higher initiation fees.

 

I appreciate any feedback.

 

Thanks.

[eacsgolferdad]

Winchester CC is a great course especially after the work they've done in recent years. It will be miraculous if they get approval for the new practice facility though. A smaller scale proposal was denied previously. The waiting list was decades long the last I knew and couldn't even get onto it without a connection.

I agree with you about Nashawtuc. The conditions are usually good but the layout is sort of boring. They do have flooding problems. This is probably your best chance of joining the three courses in a reasonable amount of time and more family friendly than WCC.

[crcraig]

If you're willing to travel a little farther, there's also Charter Oak in Hudson. I know very little about it, but Google Earth shows a pool and tennis courts. It's a newer club, and I'm pretty sure you could join now.

Belmont is another club that has all three amenities, but I think that's going to be at least as hard to get into as Winchester, and perhaps harder (depending on your religious affiliation).

[hockeyplayer19]

Thanks for the replies. I think Charter Oak is a bit too far away to be practical. Belmont's religious affiliations would likely not be open to someone like me. Plus, I hear they are in the six-figure initiation fee range with further proof that you donate at least the equivalent of your tax liability to a charity with their desired religious affiliations.

Weston GC is another with a likely, very long waiting list.

[hockeyplayer19]

[quote name='eacsgolferdad' timestamp='1404443088' post='9634589']
This is probably your best chance of joining the three courses in a reasonable amount of time and more family friendly than WCC.
[/quote]

Do you have more insight into why WCC may not be as family-friendly as Nashawtuc?

[eacsgolferdad]

[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1404599757' post='9643189']
[quote name='eacsgolferdad' timestamp='1404443088' post='9634589']
This is probably your best chance of joining the three courses in a reasonable amount of time and more family friendly than WCC.
[/quote]

Do you have more insight into why WCC may not be as family-friendly as Nashawtuc?
[/quote]
Unless it's changed in the last few years, the membership is an older (old) set. It's like going to grandma's house and knowing you'll get scolded every time you step out of line. Just my two cents.

[sjpaster]

Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...

[DRGJR72]

I am from that area (grew up in Arlington until age 23) and actually worked at Winchester CC. I was a looper and also worked in the kitchen. From what I recall you have to be invited by a member to join and the waiting list used to be quite long (something like 10 years).

You also have Belmont Country Club. Most likely similar waiting list to Winchester.

[hockeyplayer19]

[quote name='sjpaster' timestamp='1404840774' post='9660349']
Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...
[/quote]

I think Wellesley is a bit further out but I also hear it has a huge waiting list. Thanks for the idea, though.

[crcraig]

hockeyplayer19, I'm sure you've figured this out by now, but your geographic location really makes this tough. Basically, just about every private club 5-10 miles inside or outside Rt. 128 is going to be rather difficult to join. The recession may have pruned the waiting lists 5-6 years ago, but not so much anymore. The only ones I know of that are readily available are south of the city (Blue Hill and Spring Valley).

I was in your position 15 years ago (lived in Waltham) and ended up sucking it up and driving west for 30 minutes to Wedgewood Pines. There was simply nothing else available. You're going to have to weigh what is possible versus what is your ideal situation.

[hockeyplayer19]

[quote name='crcraig' timestamp='1404870815' post='9663495']
hockeyplayer19, I'm sure you've figured this out by now, but your geographic location really makes this tough. Basically, just about every private club 5-10 miles inside or outside Rt. 128 is going to be rather difficult to join. The recession may have pruned the waiting lists 5-6 years ago, but not so much anymore. The only ones I know of that are readily available are south of the city (Blue Hill and Spring Valley).

I was in your position 15 years ago (lived in Waltham) and ended up sucking it up and driving west for 30 minutes to Wedgewood Pines. There was simply nothing else available. You're going to have to weigh what is possible versus what is your ideal situation.
[/quote]

Yes, trying to get a nice course with <4-hour rounds within a 15-minute drive is very unlikely. I agree Blue Hill and Spring Valley are more likely to be open but the commute is less than ideal, hence my dilemma.

There is a separate (old thread) on this site about avoiding Wedgewood Pines. How is the course/club? Are the initiation fees and dues reasonable?

[allparz]

Framingham CC isn't too far out the Mass Pike -- very nice track, Pool - Kid's pool, think they paved the Tennis Courts...
No wait list and initiation I think less than $10k -
Disclaimer - I used to be a member but moved to RI

If you were going to be living in that area for the next 20 years I would find some Concord CC Member and get on the wait list. Easily the best family facility for golf, pool, tennis. Maybe there is a social membership that would give access to the pool and tennis and Golf 2x a month....

[hockeyplayer19]

[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1404916022' post='9666051']
If you were going to be living in that area for the next 20 years I would find some Concord CC Member and get on the wait list. Easily the best family facility for golf, pool, tennis. Maybe there is a social membership that would give access to the pool and tennis and Golf 2x a month....
[/quote]

Thanks for the feedback. Do you know if Concord CC accepts members that don't live in Concord? I seem to recall hearing that they only accept Concord residents (or former, well-established residents/legacies). Also, any idea on initiation fees for Concord CC?

[crcraig]

[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1404873254' post='9663781']
There is a separate (old thread) on this site about avoiding Wedgewood Pines. How is the course/club? Are the initiation fees and dues reasonable?
[/quote]

I haven't been a member at Wedgewood since 2006 (moved too far away to make the drive reasonable), so I don't have any recent information. In general, the course is tight and fairly difficult, especially for beginners. The back nine has about 5 forced carries over water or wetlands and must be almost impossible for beginning juniors and women. As I understand it, the front nine was more-or-less designed by a professional architect, while the back nine is mostly the brainchild of the owners (former road construction firm owners), and it shows. The range is pretty small too.

All that being said, I enjoyed my time there. There were a good group of people to play with on weekend mornings and the course was in reasonable shape given the dues (which were probably half of those of a Route-128 belt club).

[cbaldell]

[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1404916022' post='9666051']
Framingham CC isn't too far out the Mass Pike -- very nice track, Pool - Kid's pool, think they paved the Tennis Courts...
No wait list and initiation I think less than $10k -
Disclaimer - I used to be a member but moved to RI

If you were going to be living in that area for the next 20 years I would find some Concord CC Member and get on the wait list. Easily the best family facility for golf, pool, tennis. Maybe there is a social membership that would give access to the pool and tennis and Golf 2x a month....
[/quote]

Framingham CC is a good option. They recently redid many of the facilities, including the pool and multiple dining areas (formal and less formal). The inititation, as allparz mentions, are <$10k (closer to half that, I believe) and the dues are reasonable (also <$10k). There may actually be a wait list (or close) for full family members at this point. I know membership is growing there pretty substantially.

[hockeyplayer19]

Thanks for the feedback on Framingham CC. As previously mentioned by others and acknowledged by me, my location and desire don't make it easy! ;-) Framingham CC is approximately 30-minutes away without traffic. Ideally 15-20 minutes or less would make it ideal but that may be an unrealistic goal, so Framingham CC is something I will consider further.

I'm networking to see if I can confirm whether Concord CC only accepts members from or tied to Concord. I wonder if their Website reference to "strong tradition of local, family-oriented sporting and social activities" is any indication of local residents only be admitted. Again, if anyone can confirm this before/if I get any information, that would be great.

Another unlikely aspect, especially at the established clubs, would be no restrictions on tee-times for me and my wife. Most have you identify a primary member for pre-noon tee-times on the weekends/holidays. I actually enjoy playing golf with my wife but waiting until the afternoon should be fine. It would be nice to tee off earlier but I'm already pushing my luck on location and availability.

[cubiclegolfer]

Unfortunately for most of the clubs you listed, getting on the wait list is just a first step. You will need multiple letters of recommendation from existing members etc. All great courses though. Weston just hosted the Mass Open. Nashawtuck used to have a senior event I believe. Winchester is holding the New England Am this year. Tons of history all around as well.

[hockeyplayer19]

[quote name='cubiclegolfer' timestamp='1405972664' post='9752091']
Unfortunately for most of the clubs you listed, getting on the wait list is just a first step. You will need multiple letters of recommendation from existing members etc. All great courses though. Weston just hosted the Mass Open. Nashawtuck used to have a senior event I believe. Winchester is holding the New England Am this year. Tons of history all around as well.
[/quote]

Thanks. Actually, I think you need the letters of recommendation and an existing member in good standing (typically for longer than 3 years) to sponsor you to even get on the waiting list.

I'm still waiting to hear back from a colleague who knows members at Concord to see if they would even welcome someone not from Concord.

[Pomps]

[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1404916022' post='9666051']
Framingham CC isn't too far out the Mass Pike -- very nice track, Pool - Kid's pool, think they paved the Tennis Courts...
No wait list and initiation I think less than $10k -
Disclaimer - I used to be a member but moved to RI

If you were going to be living in that area for the next 20 years I would find some Concord CC Member and get on the wait list. Easily the best family facility for golf, pool, tennis. Maybe there is a social membership that would give access to the pool and tennis and Golf 2x a month....
[/quote]

I'm in the same boat, although I'm looking for a single. I live in Boston, so I'm trying to find something not too far outside the city, but also the initiation is not insane. I actually received information from Framingham today. For a single, it's $5000 bond, $15000 initiation and $7200 for the year 2015, then $125 monthly food assessment. I also spoke to Hopkington CC, a little bit farther outside the loop. Initiation is $10k, and then family dues are $7975 and $100 monthly food assessment. I'm still waiting to hear back from Granite Links, Blue Hills, Needham CC and some others.

[hockeyplayer19]

[quote name='Pomps' timestamp='1424226413' post='10975443']
[quote name='allparz' timestamp='1404916022' post='9666051']
Framingham CC isn't too far out the Mass Pike -- very nice track, Pool - Kid's pool, think they paved the Tennis Courts...
No wait list and initiation I think less than $10k -
Disclaimer - I used to be a member but moved to RI

If you were going to be living in that area for the next 20 years I would find some Concord CC Member and get on the wait list. Easily the best family facility for golf, pool, tennis. Maybe there is a social membership that would give access to the pool and tennis and Golf 2x a month....
[/quote]

I'm in the same boat, although I'm looking for a single. I live in Boston, so I'm trying to find something not too far outside the city, but also the initiation is not insane. I actually received information from Framingham today. For a single, it's $5000 bond, $15000 initiation and $7200 for the year 2015, then $125 monthly food assessment. I also spoke to Hopkington CC, a little bit farther outside the loop. Initiation is $10k, and then family dues are $7975 and $100 monthly food assessment. I'm still waiting to hear back from Granite Links, Blue Hills, Needham CC and some others.
[/quote]

Ask a lot of questions at Blue Hill CC as I've read that they have lotteries for prime, weekend tee times because they have so many members. You mention "Some others" but another to look into is Spring Valley. I didn't care for the course layout when I played it 10 years ago but I understand they have done some renovations. Wollaston in Milton is another option that sometimes needs members. I liked Wollaston's layout, for the most part.

[allparz]

Pomps,

If you don't mind driving and don't play much during the week then you might consider Metacomet in Providence - No Initiation and depending on your age between $250-$500/mo - +125/monthly minimum which can be spent on alcohol, great old Ross course, No Pool or Tennis, 40-50 members single digit, no starting times, great competitive tourney's.

I work in Braintree and play mostly weekends - but it works out great - use the range at Granite Links some during the week or one by my house in Attleboro.

There are probably 3 members who live in Boston and play here on Weekends...

There is a Golf Show at the Casino in Smithfield this weekend - Twin River - Metacomet and other local courses will be there with their offers - maybe check it out - what else is there to do but go skiing....

[hockeyplayer19]

I finally confirmed the residency requirement for Concord CC. You must reside in Concord, Carlisle, Acton, or Lincoln to become a member.

[PeterSanto29]

[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1404850371' post='9661419']
[quote name='sjpaster' timestamp='1404840774' post='9660349']
Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...
[/quote]

I think Wellesley is a bit further out but I also hear it has a huge waiting list. Thanks for the idea, though.
[/quote]

Please no one else join Wellesley. We have too many members and the course is getting beat up easily

[mr.haha]

[quote name='PeterSanto29' timestamp='1439238326' post='12112118']
[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1404850371' post='9661419']
[quote name='sjpaster' timestamp='1404840774' post='9660349']
Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...
[/quote]

I think Wellesley is a bit further out but I also hear it has a huge waiting list. Thanks for the idea, though.
[/quote]

Please no one else join Wellesley. We have too many members and the course is getting beat up easily
[/quote]

Could your tone sound any more douchy? If someone wants to join Wellesley they are more than welcome to apply WITHOUT your approval.

[Pomps]

[quote name='mr.haha' timestamp='1439297249' post='12115780'][quote name='PeterSanto29' timestamp='1439238326' post='12112118']
[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1404850371' post='9661419']
[quote name='sjpaster' timestamp='1404840774' post='9660349']
Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...
[/quote]

I think Wellesley is a bit further out but I also hear it has a huge waiting list. Thanks for the idea, though.
[/quote]

Please no one else join Wellesley. We have too many members and the course is getting beat up easily
[/quote]

Could your tone sound any more douchy? If someone wants to join Wellesley they are more than welcome to apply WITHOUT your approval.[/quote]

Exactly. Wow.

[cubiclegolfer]

[quote name='Pomps' timestamp='1439908821' post='12161112']
[quote name='mr.haha' timestamp='1439297249' post='12115780'][quote name='PeterSanto29' timestamp='1439238326' post='12112118']
[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1404850371' post='9661419']
[quote name='sjpaster' timestamp='1404840774' post='9660349']
Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...
[/quote]

I think Wellesley is a bit further out but I also hear it has a huge waiting list. Thanks for the idea, though.
[/quote]

Please no one else join Wellesley. We have too many members and the course is getting beat up easily
[/quote]

Could your tone sound any more douchy? If someone wants to join Wellesley they are more than welcome to apply WITHOUT your approval.[/quote]

Exactly. Wow.
[/quote]

Overcrowding at Wellesley (post giant new $20mm plus clubhouse) is kind of a running joke among the greater Boston golf circles so I can sympathize with that poster's half hearted joke. Don't think he was trying to be a bad guy.

[JimFlan]

I realize I'm a few years late to this and I'm taking a long shot here on getting a reply, but I'm currently in a very similar situation - same geographical location with a family of kids who have really taken to golf, and I'm having the same problem with finding a club to join - the ones nearby (Winchester, Belmont, Lexington, etc.) are impossible to get into and the fees are just too high anyway, yet any reasonably priced club seems just a hair too far (especially accounting for traffic). Hockeyplayer19, I'm just curious what you might have wound up doing three years ago and whether you might have any suggestions for me. Thanks in advance!

[PeterSanto29]

Have you looked into Wellesley CC? I know some people who are younger and members there. I don't know anything about it though...

 

I think Wellesley is a bit further out but I also hear it has a huge waiting list. Thanks for the idea, though.

 

Please no one else join Wellesley. We have too many members and the course is getting beat up easily

 

Could your tone sound any more douchy? If someone wants to join Wellesley they are more than welcome to apply WITHOUT your approval.

 

Omg why was I so unintentionally mean two years ago

[goduke7]

I was looking to get out at a nice place Wednesday- Called the International in Bolton and was told they do not accept public tee times. Is this new?

 

So for public options it seems like there aren't many good ones around. That stinks as we dropped our membership in the midwest when we moved to Boston. Nothing out in this area seems within reach even for under 40's.

[raynorfan1]

I was looking to get out at a nice place Wednesday- Called the International in Bolton and was told they do not accept public tee times. Is this new?

 

So for public options it seems like there aren't many good ones around. That stinks as we dropped our membership in the midwest when we moved to Boston. Nothing out in this area seems within reach even for under 40's.

 

The International was open to the public on a limited basis for maybe 2 years at the bottom of the recession - Oaks Course only.

 

I would actually say that New England is pretty solid from a golf perspective, except that it's not cheap. There is one zone west of Boston that's sort of a public golf desert, but there are a bunch of good options around the 128 / 495 belts (Pinehills, Blackstone, Red Tail, Shaker Hills, etc.). What there is very little supply of is the cheap-and-cheerful family friendly country club inside 128.