Most "golf near Boston" lists are sorted by rating or reputation. This one is sorted by how far you actually have to drive.
All distances measured from downtown Boston. Ratings are from Carl's course database of 135 courses across Greater Boston.
Under 6 miles
William J. Devine Golf Course, Dorchester — 4.4mi | rating 4.2
The closest full 18-hole public course to Boston. Devine opened in 1896, which makes it the second oldest public golf course in the United States. The Franklin Park setting is unusual — you're playing inside a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park inside the city, which gives the round a character you don't get at a suburban muni.
Green fees run about $40–52. City of Boston booking system, same permit structure as George Wright. The course gets less attention than George Wright partly because the neighborhood is unfamiliar to a lot of golfers who don't live nearby, but the layout rewards the visit.
Fresh Pond Golf Course, Cambridge — 5mi | rating 4.2
Nine holes, Donald Ross design, $27–30, alongside the Fresh Pond Reservoir in West Cambridge. Probably the least-discussed course relative to its quality and location. If you're coming from Cambridge, Somerville, or anywhere along the Red Line corridor, this is your course. Two hours, under $30, greens that reviewers consistently describe as the best part of the round.
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course, Newton — 5.8mi | rating 4.1
Nine holes off the Mass Pike, operated by the City of Newton. Easy from the western suburbs. Not the most memorable layout, but it's accessible, reasonably priced, and busy on weekday mornings for a reason.
6–9 miles
Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course, Chestnut Hill — 6.2mi | rating 3.9
City of Boston course on the Brookline border. Gets used but doesn't generate much enthusiasm in reviews. Fine for a quick round if you're in the neighborhood.
Presidents Golf Course, Quincy — 6.2mi | rating 4.2
A 27-hole facility in Quincy, operated by the city. Presidents sits right on the Quincy/Boston line and is less discussed than its neighbor Granite Links, but at 4.2 it's a solid round closer to the city. Worth knowing about when Granite Links is booked.
George Wright Golf Course, Hyde Park — 7.4mi | rating 4.5
The best public course in Boston by most measures. Donald Ross, 1938, $39–52 depending on residency and day. The 7.4-mile distance from downtown is closer than most people expect — about 20 minutes without traffic, less from the southern neighborhoods. See the full writeup here.
Furnace Brook Golf Club, Quincy — 7.3mi | rating 4.5
Nine holes, city-owned, right next to Granite Links. Regularly shows GolfNow rates well under $30. The greens get good reviews — undulating and well-maintained. Convenient if you're already heading to Quincy and Granite Links is full.
Granite Links, Quincy — 8mi | rating 4.6
The skyline views are real. 27 holes, resort-style conditions, $80–100 range depending on timing and GolfNow deals. The highest-rated public 18-hole course this close to Boston and it knows it. Tee times are competitive on weekend mornings.
9–12 miles
Gannon Municipal Golf Course, Lynn — 10mi | rating 4.5
Most rounds played of any course in Massachusetts in 2025 (20,659). Inside Lynn Woods Reservation, $47–55 for non-residents. Full writeup here.
Winthrop Golf Club, Winthrop — 4.3mi | rating 4.1
Worth mentioning: Winthrop Golf Club is technically one of the closest courses to Boston at 4.3 miles, on the Winthrop peninsula east of the airport. Nine holes, scenic, not widely discussed. The drive involves going around the harbor or through the Sumner Tunnel, which adds time despite the short distance.
Sandy Burr Country Club, Wayland — 15.3mi | rating 4.3
Semi-private with public access. The Fried Egg called it "the best value for a public golf course in the area." 35 minutes west. Worth the drive when you want something better maintained than a standard muni.
The short version
If you're in Boston proper and want the closest decent 18: Devine.
If you're in Cambridge or Somerville: Fresh Pond, 9 holes, $27–30.
If you want the best quality within 10 miles and are willing to plan ahead: George Wright.
If you want the easiest tee time close to the city: Presidents or Furnace Brook, both in Quincy.
Want someone else to sort out which of these has an opening? That's what Carl is for — join the waitlist and we'll text you when your spot opens up.
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