Golf is a sport that requires patience, skill, and strategy. It is a game that can be played alone or with friends, and each round presents its own challenges. I’ll share the best 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts and give your highlights and links for each course.

And since this New England site covers food and golf, I’ll list a popular restaurant near the course. Just in case you want to grab food before (or after) a day of golf.

The benefit of these courses is that if you are short on time or just looking for a quick game, 9-hole courses are a great option. Massachusetts has plenty of options for those who want to play a quick game without sacrificing the quality of the course.

Whether you are a seasoned golfer or just starting out, there are the best 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts to choose from. With courses ranging from beginner-friendly to championship-level, there is something for every golfer.

West Bridgewater Country Club in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The image is the golf course and a small pond on a blue cloudy day.

Understanding 9-Hole Golf Courses

9-hole golf courses offer golfers a quick and convenient way to enjoy a round of golf. They are perfect for those who have limited time or are just starting to learn the game. In this section, we will discuss the basics of 9-hole golf courses.

Course Layout

9-hole golf courses are not smaller or less challenging than their 18-hole counterparts. They are the same par and yardage as an 18-hole course’s front or back 9. A 9-hole golf course is ideal because you should be able to play a round in about 2 hours. These courses are similar to full size courses and offer the same challenges but in only 9 holes.

Tee Times and Pace of Play

Because 9-hole golf courses are designed to be played quickly, they often have more flexible tee times and a faster pace of play. This means that golfers can often get on the course without having to make a reservation in advance, and you can complete a round in as little as an hour or two.

Cost

9-hole golf courses are generally less expensive than 18-hole courses, making them a great option for those on a budget. Additionally, because they require less time to play, golfers can often fit in a round during their lunch break or after work without having to take a full day off.

The Importance of Location and Accessibility

When it comes to finding the best golf courses in Massachusetts for a quick 9-hole game, location, and accessibility are key factors to consider. You want to find a course close to home or work that doesn’t require a full-day commitment. Personally, I like to fit in a quick round after a day of teaching.

In addition to location, accessibility is an important factor to consider. You want to be able to easily book tee times, park their cars, and get on the course quickly.

Many courses offer online booking options, which allow golfers to book tee times in advance and avoid long wait times.

Another factor to consider is the availability of amenities such as clubhouses, pro shops, and restaurants. A solid snack and drink cart is also key when golfing. You want to be able to relax and socialize after a round, and having access to these amenities adds to your experience.

Top 9-Hole Golf Courses in Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a quick 9-hole golf course in Massachusetts, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts:

Highland Links

Highland Links was founded in the 1890s and plays like a true links-style course. It has plenty of sand bunkers to keep you honest, and the rolling fairways have thick fescue along the sides to test your patience.

The drive to North Truro on the Upper Cape might seem like a hike, but it is worth it. Playing this course is similar to how the original game of golf started on the sandy courses in Scotland. There is also a historic landmark on the course, the Highland Light House, so it is truly a unique experience playing here.

Address:
10 Highland Light Rd
North Truro, MA 02652

Phone: 508-487-9201

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

Type of Course: Public
Par: 35 | Slope: 116 | Rating: 33.6
Amenities: Putting green, Chipping green, Practice bunkers
Food/drink on site: Lighthouse Cafe

My recommendation for Seafood: Captain’s Choice (4 Highland Rd, North Truro, MA 02652)

Donnybrook Country Club

Donnybrook CC is located in Lanesborough in the Berkshire Mountains. It is a beautiful course with elevation changes, fairways with valleys, and blind shots. The layout of the course is challenging but not impossible so all skill-level golfers can enjoy it.

The scenery is top-notch; you see mountains, trees, and old stone walls on almost every hole. The elevated tees and greens add some excitement to your shots and make you focus on accuracy.

Address:
775 Williamstown Rd
Lanesborough, MA 01237

Phone: 413-499-7888

Call for a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

Type of Course: Public
Par: 36 | Slope: 125 | Rating: 32.5
Amenities: Putting and chipping green
Food/drink on site: Snacks and drinks

My recommendation for Breakfast: Biggins Diggins (545 South Main Street, Lanesborough, MA 01237)

One of the 9-Hole Golf Courses in Massachusetts

Chelmsford Country Club

Chelmsford CC is one of the nicest 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts that is easy to walk, is reasonably priced, and has unbelievable conditions. It plays at just under 2500 yards but it is a challenging course for any skill-level.

The good news is there aren’t many sand bunkers. But there are a lot of trees, and the greens are difficult to hit because of how small they are.

Address:
66 Park Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Phone: 978-256-1818

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

Type of Course: Public
Par: 33 | Slope: 108 | Rating: 32.1
Amenities: Practice range and full-stocked Pro Shop
Food/drink on site: Bar and Grill

My recommendation for Italian: Rufina’s (170 Concord Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824)

Furnace Brook Golf Club

Furnace Brook GC is a green gem hidden in Quincy, MA. This is a semi-private course, so tee times to the public are somewhat limited, but there is still plenty of time to play this fantastic course.

The course layout is challenging because there are a lot of valleys and hills, even though it is in the middle of the city. The greens play fast, and the fairways are in great shape. Another bonus is there are no water hazards on the course, so you can let it rip.

Address:
20 Reservoir Rd
Quincy, MA 02170

Phone: 617-472-8466

Book a tee time | Layout | Rates

Type of Course: Public
Par: 35 | Slope: 116 | Rating: 67.2
Amenities: Putting green, Pro Shop
Food/drink on site: Food and drinks available

My recommendation for Pub food and Draft beer: Fowler House Cafe (1049 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169)

Golf course with sand traps and trees in the background. The golf hole is in the center with a flag with red and white stripes. This is one of the 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts

Northfield Golf Club

Northfield GC is located off Rt. 91 on the New Hampshire border. This is a links-style course with narrow, tree-lined fairways. There are water hazards on the par-3s and some bunkers on the course you want to avoid.

This is a great course for golfers of all skill levels, with three different tee boxes to play from, and it offers challenging shots on every hole. The greens are small and fast, and the rough can get thick, so try to avoid it.

Address:
31 Holton St
Northfield, MA 01360

Phone: 413-498-2432

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

Type of Course: Public
Par: 36 | Slope: 115 | Rating: 33.5
Amenities: Putting greens, chipping/sand practice green, Pro Shop
Food/drink on site: Food/snacks/drinks available in the clubhouse

My recommendation for Modern American food: The Gill Tavern (326 Main Rd, Gill, MA 01354)

Cohasse Country Club

Cohasse CC is a private club in central Mass between Worcester and Springfield near the Connecticut border. It is private, but I included it in this list because it is one of the best 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts.

Cohasse is a Donald Ross designed course, so that means it has elevated greens with slight slopes and false fronts. The fairways and tee boxes are immaculate so it is a great course for all skill levels.

Address:
393 Eastford Rd
Southbridge, MA 01550

Phone: 508-764-6801

Course Tour

Type of Course: Private
Par: 35 | Slope: 113 | Rating: 35
Amenities: Driving range, practice green, Pro Shop
Food/drink on site: Tern Tap & Tavern

My recommendation for Mexican food: Burrito Hut (936 Main St, Southbridge, MA 01550)

Whitinsville Golf Club

Whitinsville GC is another private course, but again this is one of the best 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts, and hopefully you get to play it. This is a Donald Ross design with sloped greens that have false fronts and there are plenty of bunkers to avoid.

The layout is simple, with wide, hilly fairways and some water hazards to avoid. This is a great course no matter what your handicap is, and the layout will force you to play strategically instead of just trying to hit it far.

Address:
179 Fletcher St
Whitinsville, MA 01588

Phone: 508-234-6210

Course Layout | Scorecard

Type of Course: Private
Par: 35 | Slope: 139 | Rating: 35.1
Amenities: Driving range, practice green, Pro Shop
Food/drink on site: Food/snacks/drinks

My recommendation for Diner food: Peg’s Diner (87 Church St, Whitinsville, MA 01588)

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Golf Course

When choosing a golf course for a quick 9-hole game, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you have an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:

Course Difficulty

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a golf course is the level of difficulty. If you’re a beginner or a casual golfer, you may want to choose a course with a lower difficulty level, while more experienced golfers may prefer a course with a higher level of difficulty.

When evaluating the difficulty level of a 9-hole golf course in Massachusetts, consider the following factors:

length of the holes
amount of hazards
obstacles
the overall layout

You can also check the course rating and slope rating to get an idea of the difficulty level.

Amenities

Another important factor to consider is the available amenities. This includes a driving range, practice greens, and a clubhouse with food and beverage options.

If you’re planning to spend several hours at the course, it’s important to have access to these amenities to make your experience more enjoyable. Additionally, some courses may offer additional amenities such as a pro shop or golf cart rentals.

Cost

Finally, cost is another important factor when choosing a golf course in Massachusetts. We, golfers, know that the cost of playing a round of golf in Massachusetts can vary widely.

When evaluating the cost of a course, consider not only the greens fees but also any additional costs such as cart rentals and food/beverages.

Additionally, some courses may offer discounts or specials for certain times of day or days of the week, so be sure to check for these options. Certain golf courses also offer discounts to military and veterans.

By considering these factors when choosing a golf course for a quick 9-hole game, you can ensure that you have an enjoyable and satisfying experience on the course.

Benefits of Playing a Quick 9-Hole Game

Playing a quick 9-hole game can offer many benefits to golfers of all skill levels. Here are some of the advantages of playing a shorter game:

Time-Saving

One of the most significant benefits of playing a quick 9-hole game is that it saves time. Unlike an 18-hole game that can take up to 5 hours to complete, a 9-hole game can be played in 2-3 hours. This makes it an ideal option for those who have busy schedules and cannot commit to a full day of golf.

Cost-Effective

Another advantage of playing a 9-hole game is that it is usually less expensive than an 18-hole game. You can expect to pay half the price since you are playing half as many holes. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy a game of golf without breaking the bank.

Perfect for Beginners

If you are new to golf, playing a quick 9-hole game can be a great way to ease into the sport. Since it is half the length of an 18-hole game, it can be less intimidating and less physically demanding. This can help build confidence and make the game more enjoyable.

Ideal for Practice

Playing a quick 9-hole game can also be an excellent way to practice your golf skills. Since you are playing fewer holes, you can focus on specific aspects of your game, such as your putting or your short game. This can help you improve your skills faster and more efficiently.

In summary, playing at a 9-hole hole golf course in Massachusetts can save time, money, be less intimidating, and help you improve your golf skills. It is a great option for golfers of all skill levels who want to enjoy a game of golf without committing to a full day.

Conclusion

Overall, Massachusetts is a great area for golfers who are looking for a quick round. With so many excellent courses to choose from, you are sure to have a great time on the links.

But what do you think? Do you enjoy 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts?

Would you add anything to the list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts?

According to Yelp, some of the best 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts include Furnace Brook Golf Club, Highland Links, and Northfield Golf Club.

Additionally, GOLF Magazine has rated The Country Club in Brookline as the best golf course in Massachusetts.

Where can I find a 9-hole golf course near Boston?

You can find a 9-hole golf course near Boston by visiting Yelp or 9holegolfcourses.com. Some of the top-rated courses include Donnybrook Country Club and Chelmsford Country Club.

Are there any par 3 golf courses near me?

You can find a par 3 golf course near you by visiting Golf Pass. Some of the top-rated par 3 courses in Massachusetts include The Links at Mass Golf and Red Farm Golf.

Can you play just 9 holes of golf at these courses?

Yes, most 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts allow you to play just nine holes. Most also offer rates for 18 holes or will have a lower fee if you choose to play another nine after you finish.

However, it’s always best to call ahead and confirm their policy.

How do you score a 9-hole game of golf?

To score a 9-hole game of golf, you add up your strokes for each hole and record your total score. The goal is to have the lowest score possible.

How many golf courses are there in the Boston area?

According to Golf Advisor, there are over 100 golf courses in the Boston area. Some of the top-rated courses include The Country Club, Pinehills Golf Club, and Red Tail Golf Club.

Do any 9-hole golf courses in Massachusetts offer specials or group discounts?

Contact the golf course directly to see if they offer specials or group discounts.

Want more reviews and information about golfing in Massachusetts?

Growing up here, I wanted to highlight my favorite places to golf and eat while sharing what makes New England unique.

And so New England Golf and Grub was created.

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The Best 9-Hole Golf Courses in Massachusetts for a Quick Game