
Main Course
Brae Burn Country Club
About this course
Brae Burn Country Club, a fixture of the Newton, Massachusetts landscape, possesses a pedigree stretching back to the Golden Age of golf design. The original routing, laid out in 1912, bears the hallmarks of Donald Ross, whose strategic brilliance shaped the gently rolling parkland into a challenging and aesthetically pleasing experience. Substantial revisions by Ron Forse, beginning in the late 1990s, have solidified the course's playability for the modern game. Brae Burn is a course that requires a discerning eye and deft touch, as the subtle contours of the greens demand precise approach play. While not exceptionally long by modern standards, its defense lies in the placement of hazards and the strategic positioning required off the tee to gain the optimal angle for the next shot. Favoring neither power nor fade bias, the course presents a balanced test that rewards thoughtful execution and course management. The club has played host to significant championships, most notably the 1919 U.S. Open, where Walter Hagen claimed his second major title. Beyond tournament golf, Brae Burn maintains a strong regional standing, known for its vibrant membership and commitment to the traditions of the game. Brae Burn is also reputed for its rich social atmosphere. Itโs a place where generations have gathered, and where after a round, you might find members debating the merits of hickory shafts versus modern graphite while enjoying the club's famed New England clam chowder โ a culinary tradition as deeply rooted as the course itself.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MA
Quick facts
- Location
- West Newton, MA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1897
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Donald Ross
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,668 yards
- Difficulty
- 76.8/143
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
FAQ
Common questions about Main at Brae Burn Country Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Main at Brae Burn Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 39 logged golfers.
Main was designed by Donald Ross.
Main at Brae Burn Country Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Main is 72.
Main plays 6,668 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Main is 143.







