Brookmeadow or Widows Walk

NJ G@LFER · September 22, 2011

Taking a trip up to Boston this weekend and planning to play on Saturday. We have a tee time for Widows Walk for Sat. morning but with the rain and it being in the "wetlands" I am wondering if we should switch to another course. Any advice?

I also reserved a time for Brookmeadow around the same time thinking it might be a bit dryer.

spellman21 · September 22, 2011

I would recommend playing BrookMeadow out of those two, solely because Widows Walk isn't enjoyable the first time out; it is a pretty challenging course especially with the wind blowing. If you venture towards the cape I would recommend checking out Crosswinds, Pinehills or Waverly Oaks.

DNice26 · September 22, 2011

Totally agree.....played both and I can confirm that Brookmeadow is far more enjoyable. Their greens are typicaly in prettty good shape too.

I think Brookmeadow holds water though......so........

You should check out [b]Old Scotland Links[/b]! I used to play there all the time (when I lived in Boston)......great price and a fun course which is typically in great shape.

bryanr · September 22, 2011

I like Brookmeadow, and often play there when looking for a good course that doesn't cost close to $100 to play. It does, however, get soggy in the rain and I'm just picturing it now on a day like Saturday appears to be and it doesn't seem pleasant.

I haven't played Widow's Walk but the feedback so far indicates it's not a great choice either either.

If you're willing to spend $100+, there are two good options - Granite Links in Quincy, and Pinehills (or similar) in Plymouth.

I don't like Granite Links ($125) all that much overall but it's hard to beat the views and the drainage is outstanding (it was built on top of a rock quarry, after all). It suffers a bit in the same way as Widow's Walk in that there are some odd holes that can be frustrating/irritating the first time through. It's also overplayed and slow on the weekends, but you may get a faster round with the inclement weather. It's worth nothing again that the views are outstanding which is an even bigger plus since you're visiting Boston. The tavern there is also a great place for food after and there is also an outdoor tent that's a good place to have a beer.

The other option, Pinehills ($110), is pretty much always going to be put out there when you ask for recommendations near Boston. The facilities are top notch and both courses are beautiful, fun and challenging. The Nicklaus course is a bit more forgiving and the Jones is a bit more frustrating (more bunkers and crowned greens). There are other options nearby in Plymouth that you could look into as well. Waverly Oaks is in my view on par with Pinehills in terms of the courses themselves, just lacking a bit in practice facilities. The pace of play at Waverly Oaks is much better. I played in some on and off light rain a few weeks ago at Waverly Oaks and had a very enjoyable afternoon. Waverly is almost as much as Pinehills ($95) but you can play there for $70 after 2pm (Pinehills also has a post-2pm rate of $75).

Some courses are starting to aerate now with the summer season winding down so be sure to call ahead and make sure you're not playing on sandy punched greens.

NJ G@LFER · September 22, 2011

Great feedback, thanks guys. I'll have to check out Olde Scotland Links.

We were deciding between Presidents, Widows and Brookmeadow because we wanted to stay close to Boston and keep it under $100. I would like to play Pinehills but it's too far for the rest of the group.

BBKB1217 · September 23, 2011

Presidents, last time I played was a mess. its been a few years, but no real reason to go back and Ive never heard anybody say anything good about it.

George Wright is a course in Boston that is a great layout and was in decent shape when I played through pretty bad rain on Wed.
you have to drive through some 'rough' neighborhoods to get there, but its fine during the day.

I havent played widows walk, but brook meadow is nice. nowhere near the layout that George Wright is though, but its probably slightly better conditions (though I haven't played there in/after rain). Braintree is another decent municipal close to Boston.

Unfortunately, you have to drive about 45 minutes out of Boston to get to the good public courses (other than Granite Links). I would think George Wright and Brook Meadow are your best options if you want to stay closer.

Sunday weather looks 'better' for golf if you have a choice.