Five Courses I'd love to play again

+ News, Notes, and weekly favorites

Author

Sean Melia
October 17, 2025

Hey Everyone,

It’s starting to feel like the golf season is slipping through our fingers… quickly. Rain and cold and even frost delays are starting to emerge more often.

I was also surprised to see that MIAA High School Sectionals happened this week, too. They actually had live scoring at each site, so I compiled all the results and links. State finals are next week on Monday and Tuesday.

If you’re a coach or know a coach who has a team in the state finals next week, feel free to share any pictures or news from the venues! [email protected]

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News and Notes

Pro Golf

⛳️ Ethan Whitney is competing in the first stage of Q School in New Jersey. The recent Temple graduate is one shot outside the cutline with one round remaining on Friday. The top 18 and ties advance. He shot 64-71-72 (-6). Connecticut native David Pastore is currently leading. Live scoring

College Golf

⚓️ Ryan Downes won his first college event at the Bryson Invitational. He shot 70-69-64 (-13) to edge out Ryan Ford and Ethan Evans by a shot. Vanderbilt also won the team title. John Broderick played as an individual and finished in 46th place. Results

🏆️ Carson Erick (Hingham, Mass.), Alan Rose (Weston, Mass.), and CJ Winchenbaugh (Weston, Mass.) all finished T20 in the Georgetown Intercollegiate. They helped the Georgetown Hoyas win the team title. Harvard finished in second place, and Crimson freshman Reese Jensen (Duxbury, Mass.) finished in a tie for first place. Michael Matheson (Norfolk, Mass.) finished T48. Results 

🦬 In the Bucknell Invitational, Holy Cross finished in 4th place. Crusader freshman Leo Chu finished runner-up. Ryan Scollins has a T41 finish, while Matt Williams (22nd), John Scully (91st), and Ben Snyder (98th) competed as individuals. Results

🏆️ Boston University won the UAlbany Great Danes Invitational. Stonehill had a solid fifth-place showing. Jaelyn DeBoise (Springfield, Mass.) finished in 34th place, and Carol Piganto (Foxborough, Mass.) finished in 24th for Stonehill. Merrimack finished 7th and Holy Cross took 10th place. Ericka Redmond (Concord, Mass.) finished in 40th for Merrimack.   Results

🏌️‍♀️ Boston College finished second in the Quinnipiac Classic; the Harvard Crimson were on their heels in third place. Results

Amateur Golf

🏆️ Massachusetts won the Tri-State matches for the second straight year. Warwick CC was the site of the season-capping event. MassGolf has the full recap.

🏅 MassGolf inducted it’s largest class in recent years. Congrats to Edith Noblit Baker, Marion Maney, Florence Ogg McClusky, Alex Ross, Geoffrey Sisk, Richard F. Connolly, Jr., and Donald E. Hearn. Here’s the MassGolf article about the evening at Thorny Lea.

Five Massachusetts Golf Courses I’d Love to Play Again

Since I started my quest in 2020 to play every golf course in Massachusetts, I’ve checked off 166 courses. Some of them I’ve played twice (or more). Others, I’ve crossed off and happily moved on. But there are a few that keep popping into my head — courses I’ve only played once but can’t stop thinking about.

The 2025 Jack Shephard Awards…

In the show Lost, there’s a moment when Jack Shephard delivers the iconic line, “We have to go back.”

That’s how I feel about these courses.

You can read about it or watch me discuss each of these courses.

These aren’t the biggest names or the fanciest clubs. They’re the ones that stuck with me for one reason or another. Here are five courses I’d love to play again.

D.W. Field – Brockton, Mass.

Every year I tell myself I’ll make the trip back to D.W. Field, and every year I somehow don’t. It’s a solid 18-hole public course that’s affordable, walkable, and has a really fun set of greens. I’ve heard it’s only gotten better over time, and I’d love to go see for myself. Because it’s located in Brockton means it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But D.W. Field is a perfect example of excellent municipal golf in Massachusetts — accessible, challenging, and full of character.

Kelly Greens – Nahant, Mass.

This is what I like to call a “dive bar golf course.” It’s a nine-hole layout north of Boston, steps from the ocean. I played it during COVID when the clubhouse was closed, so I never got the full experience. I’d love to return on a sunny day, play nine holes, grab a beer across the street, and just soak in that sea-salt air. Kelly Greens might not be fancy, but it’s got that scrappy New England charm that makes a short round feel like a getaway.

The Ranch – Southwick, Mass.

The Ranch is tough — and that’s part of the fun. I played it in the wind last fall and loved every minute. The course was in great shape, the greens were slick, and the views were awesome. It’s the kind of place where local knowledge would really help, so a second round would feel like a new challenge. It’s also a great value: cart and range balls included, plus a good restaurant to end the day.

The Ledges – South Hadley, Mass.

I played The Ledges during the Mass Pub Links Championship in 2024. I didn’t have time to admire the course during that round — I was too busy trying not to embarrass myself. It kicked my butt, but in a good way. I’d love to go back, play it casually with friends, and take in the scenery. It’s a strong public course that’s affordable, fair, and fun once you know the layout.

Waubeeka – Williamstown, Mass.

I first played Waubeeka as a kid at Nike Golf Camp, and returned there early in my quest. It’s a tight, tricky layout with some really memorable holes — especially on the back nine. Being out in Williamstown always feels like a deep breath of fresh air. I’d love to make a weekend of it, maybe pair it with Taconic down the street, and see how it’s held up.

There are plenty of courses I’ve played that I’ll never rush back to, but these five keep calling my name. Part of this quest isn’t just about new checkmarks — it’s about revisiting places that remind me why I love golf in Massachusetts.

When I’m not golfing…

I’m reading…

⚽️ Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup. They are the second-smallest country (population: 525,000) to participate in the world's biggest event. Here’s a bit about the team and how they defeated the odds.

I’m listening to…

🎼 Gave Taylor Swift’s new album a couple of listens this week. Probably not in the top half of her 12 albums. The first three songs grabbed my attention, especially Opalite, but then it kind of fades.

I’m drinking…

🍺 On the way back from Cohasse CC last week, we stopped at Tree House. I bought Commonplace and Sojurn. Both very good.

I’m eating…

🇮🇹 This weeknight Spinach and ricotta lasagna was very easy. You don’t even have to layer the ingredients. You just break up the pasta sheets and mix everything together!

🥯 Went to Bagelaurus this week. Incredible spot. Recommend the honey and rosemary cream cheese.

I’m watching…

🐴 If you’re not watching Slow Horses you’re doing it all wrong.

📽️ Love is Blind always delivers. A good season so far.

👮 The Alabama Solution was a jarring documentary about the prison system. Then I watched this Golf Behind Bars piece by Golf.com. A stunning contrast.

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