Ponkapoag Golf Course

Canton, Ma

www.ponkapoaggolf.com

This 1936 Donald Ross course was once recognized as "worst golf course in america." September 2000 Boston Globe article described in detail the blooming dandelion population found growing on several greens. Their website doesn't utilize pictures of their own course but rather some random course in Florida. (too ashamed?) There is no irrigation for the fairways. 9 holes of the 36 were so poorly cared for they became unplayable and had to be closed, now no longer maintained and completely overgrown.

For all the tall tales and bad reputation; when all things are considered Ponkapoag is my favorite golf course to play (when paying my own way) in the state of Massachusetts. The peak weekend rate is an extremely wallet friendly $30. Once you get past the burnt out fairways, shaggy greens, rude employees, and realize what Ponky is at it's core - a Donald Ross Gem - you may just fall in love as well. It is no joke that with the right caretakers this facility could rival almost any in the country, public or private. The fact the USGA once looked at "ponky" as a legitimate US Open venue to provide a sequel to the transformation that was done to Bethpage Black speaks for itself.

The course provides the opportunity to swing away without fear of losing your ProVI , yet the approaches and undulating green complexes provide a true test. I could bore you with the design features and shot making strategy that exist at this course but it's almost something that needs to be experienced first hand... Don't view the brown fairways as a negative but as an opportunity to play the course close to it's original intent - not a lot of irrigation in 1936. (Bump and run is your friend) Getting to play a course like this is what makes the game fun and why Donald Ross is a legend.

This course is not for everyone... but for those purest that don't need the glizt and glamour of a "member for a day atmosphere" and just want to play golf, and enjoy this great game Ponkapoag is a special place to be. Just make sure to get there early and save yourself from the 6 hour round.

This course is the girl that has all the potential in the world but her incompetent parents have left her in a dark place. Under those baggy tattered clothes lies a victoria secret body without the stuck up attitude. With some therapy and a fresh wardrobe this girl would quickly be out of my league.. Hope one day I'll get to see it.