Is this America’s most maligned golf course? A river runs through it, but that’s not what’s got people talking. In August, My Golf Spy dropped a bombshell, declaring Leo J. Martin the worst golf course in the United States. But here’s where it gets controversial: Massachusetts snagged three spots in the top 10 worst courses, according to their rankings. Among them? Ponkapoag Golf Course (affectionately dubbed 'Ponky' by weekend warriors) at No. 5, and Norwood Country Club at No. 3.
Now, Ponky isn’t just a golf course—it’s practically a literary landmark. Renowned sportswriter Rick Reilly immortalized it in his 1996 novel, Missing Links, a hilarious tale of middle-aged friends who scheme to crash a snooty private club. But let’s be real: My Golf Spy’s rankings aren’t exactly scientific. They’re based on social media reviews, which, as we all know, can be as reliable as a sand trap on a windy day.
The comments about these courses were brutal. One reviewer called Ponky ‘worse than a goat track,’ while another compared Norwood Country Club to ‘calling Burger King fine dining.’ Leo J. Martin? One golfer quipped, ‘The greens are brown, the fairways look like a stony beach, and I wouldn’t play here again—even for free.’ Ouch.
But here’s the thing: I played Leo J. Martin last week with my son, and it wasn’t the disaster everyone made it out to be. For $17 (senior rate) and $27 (my son), we got 18 holes—a steal compared to the $37-$46 greens fees at Norwood. Sure, the course needs some TLC, but it’s a budget-friendly option for folks who can’t afford private clubs. And this is the part most people miss: it’s a haven for beginners, families, and anyone who just wants to enjoy the game without breaking the bank.
Take Alexis Kissam, a Wellesley resident who brought her 9-year-old son and his buddy to play. ‘It’s a great place to learn,’ she said. ‘Everyone here is so nice.’ Martin Hanley, a supervisor at the course, admits the negative reviews sting. ‘You can’t judge a place by social media alone,’ he said. ‘We serve the community—people of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages.’
And he’s right. As we chatted, a golf program for autistic individuals was underway in the background. The Martin attracts everyone from a retired 90-year-old physicist to early birds teeing off at dawn. ‘This place is a gem,’ Hanley added. ‘It just needs a little love.’
But here’s the real question: Does the state care enough to invest in it? Grass seed, fertilizer, and water aren’t cheap, and while the Martin’s layout is stunning—think challenging holes and breathtaking nature—it’s crying out for attention. As my son and I approached the 4th hole, a flock of geese took flight, forming a perfect V over the Charles River. ‘The nature here is amazing,’ Hanley told us later. ‘A river runs through it.’
So, is Leo J. Martin the worst course in America? Or is it a diamond in the rough, waiting for someone to see its potential? What do you think? Is it fair to judge a course solely on its condition, or should its accessibility and community impact matter more? Let’s hear it in the comments!
