Braintree Municipal Golf Course

Braintree has become a favorite of mine in the Boston metro area over the last few years.

Let’s start with the good. The layout is pretty average for a municipal course. It’s mostly flat and generally wide open with Mid irons into par 3s, mostly short par 4s and par 5s with a few long par 4s. Conditions are about what you’d expect for a muni. The highlight of this course without a doubt are the greens. They are shockingly good!!! They are rather large, roll smooth, and are receptive but the pace is surprisingly quick for a muni course.

Now the not so good. My only real complaint is with property management. I have never seen a marshal on the course aside from the first tee. This leads to slower than average rounds, though I suppose that’s to be expected at a muni course.

They have a “practice tee” area, but you can’t use it as it apparently is closed. One time, I used the tee area to stretch out before my round seeing as I couldn’t warm up. A staff member came charging over after about 10 minutes accusing me of hitting balls and nearly through me off property. I tried to explain that there was no evidence of me hitting balls, nor were there even balls available for me to hit. I don’t get it.

Also, the practice green is for putting only. There are numerous signs that say “no chipping”. On my most recent visit, there were several what appeared to be high school kids chipping around the green. A staff member, who looked to be a professional or at least some form of management came to speak to them and said “you know you shouldn’t be chipping” but left and they continued to chip around the green for 45 minutes. Apparently the rules don’t apply to everybody?

While the greens are phenomenal and the layout is decent, I don’t think the value is all that good. They advertise $50 to walk on the weekdays and I think carts are $20 bucks PP.

Course conditions were good. The greens were true and fast, rare for a municipal course. Lots of ppl not replacing their divots

Staff was incredibly rude. Wouldn’t allow my wife to have a drink and drive the cart with me. She was told to leave and they screamed “no spectators” at us. Forced me to get a cart with a complete stranger even though I prepaid through Golf Now. Stranger was smoking weed in the cart, and had to periodically blow into breathalyzer throughout round. Stranger also told me he paid half of what I paid for the round. Horrible conditions, and incredibly slow pace of play. Stay away! George Wright, Franklin Park, Putterham, and even Newton Commonwealth are much better. Don’t waste your money!

Braintree Muni can be considered a hidden gem. Depending on day/time, you can play/ride for under $60. Overall the course is always well maintained (granted: for a public), the routing is varied interesting and fun, and the staff is helpful while staying out of the way (what I am looking for). Unfortunately, it does get crowded in the summer, so you may be playing a 5hr round. I'd still recommend an 18 to any and all.

The course was a lot better than I had anticipated since it rained the night before. It had drained well and with the exception of muddy spots in a few low areas of the course, it was relatively dry.

greens were cut and rolled and in great shape, there were some wet areas in fairways but course was in good shape

Played Braintree a few days before it closed for the season. Asked the Pro Shop if there were any temporary greens and was told no. Also asked about aerated greens and was told the greens were rolling good, no problem. However, there were 2 temp greens within the first 4 holes. Also greens were aerated late in the season (late November) and had not healed. Terrible greens situation.

Played the course the last week before winter shutdown. Very affordable, however disappointed in staff. I asked if there were any temp greens and the answer was no. However, the course had 2 temps in the first 4 holes. Also, greens were aerated late, in November and had not healed.

Not worth playing this late in the year.