Newton Commonwealth Course
Newton, MA, USA
Newton Commonwealth is Boston golf, distilled: a sporting proposition woven into the city's fabric, accessible to all. Carved into the rolling terrain of Newton, just west of the city, this classic layout whispers of early 20th-century design. Original architect Wayne Stiles crafted a course that prioritizes strategy over sheer length. While not a bomber's paradise, the course subtly dictates play; shorter irons into well-guarded greens reward thoughtful positioning off the tee. The terrain is more inland links in feel with fescue bordering fairways and small but undulating greens. Newton Commonwealth isn't chasing national renown; it provides the city with a community hub. This isn't a stuffy club clinging to tradition, but a place where the city's passion for the game is enjoyed, and an ideal venue for local tournaments.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in MA
Public: #113
Golfers describe this as a very short, space-constrained layout with interesting green complexes that can scratch the itch for a quick round, though opinions on its overall quality vary sharply. Several reviewers criticize the conditioning of tee boxes and fairways, while others note the cramped routing forces golfers to play between multiple holes with frequent shouts of "fore," and slow pace results from overpacked tee times. Some find it suitable for beginners or teaching new players given its brevity and accessible difficulty, though most suggest better options exist nearby. Reviewers mention friendly pro shop staff as a positive, but the consensus leans toward viewing it as a last-resort course rather than a destination worth seeking out.
played in the pouring rain for a GGC scramble but course map was really hard to follow
Play here a lot, scratches the itch, very short, but interesting layout, fun green complexes
Friendly pro shop guy
Honestly the worst course I’ve played in my life. Course needs serious help in the tee boxes and on the fairways. The course is very land locked and they are limited on space.
This course is not even worth the time. The layout is so bad, they overpack the tee times so you’re waiting up to 10 minutes to tee off on every hole. Most holes are crammed between multiple others so the whole round you hear “fore!” being yelled non stop. Not even like it’s cheap either.
I’ve spend what most would probably consider as “too many” hours of my life playing this course. If you are feeling the need that you HAVE to play golf, it’ll get you out there and playing golf but there are better options in the area. First par three has you teeing of under 100 yards and off a mat. Take someone you are teaching to play here, it’s perfect for that.
A fine option but would not go out of my way to play
Public courses closest to Newton Commonwealth.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Newton Commonwealth has a Course Vaults score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 39 explicit golfer ratings.
Newton Commonwealth was designed by Donald Ross.
Yes. Newton Commonwealth is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Newton Commonwealth is 70.
Newton Commonwealth plays 5,354 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Newton Commonwealth is 121.
