Course 133: Salem CC Review

"From an informal meeting of 12 men held in the former Salem Club on Salem Common on November 4, 1895, has grown in the past century one of the priceless parcels of golfing real estate in the United States- The Salem Country Club." - Gary Larabee

When I check off a new golf course, I post a review on Instagram. If you are interested in reading the review early, and reading some additional thoughts that go beyond the Instagram caption limit, you can become a Supporter or Founder.

Course 133: Salem CC (Peabody, Mass.)

After playing Salem CC, it’s clear why the USGA has hosted six national championships at the course and why it appears on many lists of the best courses in the state.

It’s big. It’s brawny. It’s tough. It’s fair.

The Donald Ross layout stretches over more land than most Ross’ in the region, or at least that’s how it feels. Even with the size, Salem has a quaint, old-school feel because the walk is rather easy, the holes are delightful, and you’re never fighting the land.

It’s tough to pick out a “bad” hole or a dip in quality at any point in the routing; it’s a steady, relentless hum of good golf with varied holes and shots.

I’d give the back nine the edge, as its closing stretch is excellent. The last three holes, all par 4s, make you earn your supper. The short par 3 12th, uphill 13th, and par 5 15th are also excellent.

The set of par 3s is very good. The longer of the par 3s - 6 and 14 - have openings in the front to allow shots to roll up. The 3rd and 12th require a shot over bunkers, rough, and a false front (on 3) to leave a birdie putt.

The greens are typical Ross, and I’m sure in July they can be wicked. But at a manageable speed in September, they are fair and interesting and require accuracy to find proper sections to have a makable putt. At times, the false fronts can feel a bit penal, especially with the frequency they appear. One other nitpick would be the step cut. The grass goes from fairway straight to rough. That can leave some funky shots, especially when the fairways have some slope to them and push the ball up against the rough's edge.

Off the tee, even with tree-lined holes, Salem CC is open, playable, and never congested. The fairways have a lovely rumpled quality to them. Salem CC is a can’t miss in Mass. A wonderful blend of many of my favorites: Winchester, Worcester, and Concord.

It’s one of the best in the state.

Subscribe to Supporter to read the rest.