I arrived as a single golfer and was let on the course rather quickly. Richard at the front desk and Mac both were very helpful in setting me up with a set of rental cars and pairing me with two other locals who were blast to play with. The course is a great old historic course. While not overly long, it was well maintained, and you can sense the history as you walk the fairways. Starting at 7:30 in the morning we had a four hour round and never waited for a group in front of us or had a group piling up behind us. I played this course while traveling on business and will definitely come again when I'm in the Boston area. read more

Franklin Park Golf Course - 17th hole. Par 4. - Golf Near Me - Dorchester, Massachusetts

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An incredibly fun and historic public golf course. The pace of play was rather quick and we finished in three hours and 45 minutes. The Marshalls were very helpful. I will definitely be back to play Franklin Park golf course again. read more

Fun course, great conditions and a reasonable price. I played 9 holes one Saturday and came back for 18 the next day on Sunday. Nice and open course which helped me keep track of my balls. The starters don't mess around so make sure you are on time. I was excited to see they are working on the course and continuing to make improvements. The Franklin Park Zoo is free on Sundays so get there early to find a good parking spot. Redesigned by Donald Ross, William J Devine is the second oldest public course in the country. It's been around for a while and lives up to the reputation! I will be returning this summer. read more

Franklin Park Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Dorchester, Massachusetts

What a place. Sure, it's probably not your spot if you want quiet, fast-paced golf without distractions, but if you want a hell of a ride, this is it. I play a decent amount of golf but don't take it that seriously. I booked a $20 slot in the evening with my girlfriend and without a warm up or stretching my stiff shoulders, decided to tee off. The road runs right next to the first hole, and, of course, I sent it straight into the road. Somehow, extraordinarily, it didn't hit the dozens of cars streaming by. After that, I settled down. The golf moved pretty quickly and the course is a bit hilly and a lot of fun. You get a bunch of locals hanging out playing loud music and drinking enough to kill a horse, but it's all part of the experience. Had a great time. read more

Outside of moderately slow pace (which is common in the Boston area) the course is great. I absolutely love the layout and it's pretty impressive how well they maintain the greens and fairways. I usually play here once a week after work and only pay $25 for 9 holes. My only suggestion would be to allow people to play 9 holes off the back as well because every time that we go the front it gets extremely packed while the back looks desolate. It seems like a no-brainer. All it would do is alleviate some of the stress that is put on the front and generate more money in general. read more

This is a great municipal course. Don't come here if you like to play in peace though. The neighbors like their music loud and carries across the course. Other than that the pace was great for a Saturday and fairways in good shape for drought conditions. This is much better than the other muni course I play at for golf league read more

My first time there. The facilities were nice. The course was nice for a public course. Greens ran true but could have been a bit faster. My only problem was there was no need to have a 5hr round. That's on management. They need to keep people moving. It's not fun. At one point, there were three groups waiting for the tee box. read more

Honestly this place is just hilarious. Whoever said "I'm gonna put walking path around a golf course because what could go wrong" is an innovator. I'm pretty sure the 9th hole has a playground off to the right of the tee box... the course itself is actually pretty nicely maintained too. As long as you aren't worried about hitting a pedestrian and you aren't distracted by a whole block party then this place is 10/10. read more

I love Franklin Park. I've been golfing here for almost 6 years now, more often in recent years than previous, so most of my review is based on experience within the last 2 years. I golfed here about once a week this entire past summer. Season prior to that, I got out maybe once a month, and season prior to that, maybe a few times a season. Anywho, the course has improved dramatically from the first time I ever went (6 years ago) to now. They're managing water issues much better now (the course used to turn into a watering hole with just a bit of rain), the greens are fairly well maintained and the fairways are almost pothole and mud hole free nowadays. Now, this is a municipal course, so don't waltz in expecting any bells or whistles. Go up to the counter, pay your green fees, check with the starter and you're off. The course has never played slow in my experience and I've also never had anyone on my tail. It plays through at a good pace. It is a fairly long course, with a few par 3's (my favorites). Two holes on the back nine have water hazards (good luck shooting over the water on hole 16 - I've yet to make it over!). Bunkers are well placed (as I manage to hit about 40 % of them!). The staff are kind of an odd bunch, but I have gotten along well with all of them (maybe because they like seeing good looking younger girls playing golf, just sayin). They can sometimes be sticks in the mud, but I think it's because they're just a bunch of old men working on a municipal golf course, what do you expect? As for amenities, Franklin Park almost had it all! The golf course settles in as a piece of the larger aptly named Franklin Park, an extension of the Frederick Law Olmsteads Emerald Necklace. There are jogging paths and playgrounds around the course, the FP Zoo across the street. Franklin has a large clubhouse with a decently stocked proshop, ample seating and a great food spot inside. There's also a grill at the end of the 6th, but it's a crap shoot as to whether someone will actually be selling the $2 hotdogs there or not. There are multiple water fountains, no outhouses. There is a practice green off the front hole by the clubhouse. Clearly, I enjoy the course, because I go back again and again. it is also now a 5 minute drive from where I live and costs 40 bucks for 18 with a cart (resident rate, weekdays). It's a municipal course. It's next to the ghetto. Knowing these things, give Franklin a chance, you probably won't be disappointed. PS: They have senior mornings on Tuesdays and Thursday and they do host member tournaments maybe once a month during the summer season, so it may be worth calling to check ahead of time if you're a good drive away. We somehow managed to luck out and missed all the tournament days this season! read more

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I have only tested out a few of the Boston area golf course but in my opinion this place ranks pretty low in quality. While greens fees aren't too bad, the course upkeep isn't the greatest. People don't seem to replace their divots or fix their ball marks. Last time I played there a kid rode across the fairway on a bike as I was about to tee off. And being a college student, you can bet your ass I aimed straight for the S.O.B. I am just angry my skills weren't advanced enough to allow me to knock him on his ass so I could get myself a free bike. (this would have been the same as hitting the ball cart guy at the range, right?) The one thing I must say is that the guy in the shop was nice enough to give me a Nine Hole voucher after it started T-Storming while we were on our 10th hole and had to call it a day. It's close and cheap and not bad if you need to settle on a place. If you are looking for better quality, I like Presidents, George Wright, or Newton Commonwealth. read more

If you get a chance play this course! It was fun. Nice layout, course in great shape and greens are very good! Showed up at 8:30 am and was able to tee off by 9:10, played with some local guys, Sal, Jim and Joe. Had a blast! Will definitely play this course again. read more

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Well I have mixed feelings about the course. There is good, and thre is bad (and not all the bad is the fault of the course) The good. - Hole 17! The bridge over the river (I added it into the pics) looks amazing. It is hard to believe you are in Boston! - The overall condition of the course was good. Not to many bare spots, or wet spots. Often New England Weather can wreak havoc on a course, and they seem to do a great job of keeping it up (especially for a municipal course) - The layout and challenge was pretty good. Obviously, they had to work with what they had. But it is a fun course to play. The bad - No beer allowed? What, really? On a golf course?! - the NOISE! and crowds! and this wasnt 'on' the course. Around the course, on the streets, at the Zoo, LOUD music (ok, if you are 1000+ yards away and can still clearly hear the music, it is TOO loud, IMO). The streets were lined with cars and the parking lot filled (not all with golfers) It was hard to find parking, and the noise got a little annoying at times (Listen, I know people like different types of music. I know not everyone likes what I like, but likewise, I dont think I should be FORCED to listen to music I dont like on a golf course!) - A little pricy. The course itself wasnt that bad, but as a non-resident, and that wanted a cart, it was $60+. Yes, I know, it is golfing - but it is also a municipal course. Newton is cheaper, Even wayland CC is cheaper after 2 (we went at 3). no discount for later times, etc. If the course was less expensive, I could see myself going back. But for the price it is (keep in mind, I am in watertown, Boston Residents would save $6 I think), and for the added noise, I will venture elsewhere read more

Franklin Park Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Dorchester, Massachusetts

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Same review as William J. Devine page: There are some harsh reviews below but let's be honest, you get what you pay for. This golf course isn't terrible. Yes, you can hear the Lion roar at the zoo next door, there is no driving range and on Sundays you get to listen to a BLARING reggaeton music on the 8th and 9th holes... But it is close to the city and its relatively inexpensive. If you are looking for a nice leisurely and relaxing round, this isn't the place. But if you are looking for a place close to the city with decent fairways and pretty good greens, it works. read more

Franklin Park Golf Course - 9th hole near the park with all the raggaeton. - Golf Near Me - Dorchester, Massachusetts

The only reason I gave 3 stars is because of the layout of the course. It has a fun layout that's easy enough for beginners but also has some tricky blind shots to make it more challenging for lower handicap players. If it weren't for the layout I'd be giving this course 2 stars. First off the condition of the course was shockingly poor. The fairways were ok, but the greens and bunkers were the worst I've seen this year. There is also a real lack of signage and distance markers throughout the course making it difficult for anyone who hasn't played here before. My biggest disappointment was the lack of course supervision. Due to the fact that this course is located in a public park, we saw a lot of people not playing golf wandering around the course (I saw someone doing yoga on the 14th fairway). Franklin Park is also very busy so don't expect to have a nice peaceful round. You will hear music blasting from cookouts around the park (Wasn't a negative for me, just an observation) There were a few groups in front of us that kept forgetting their gear at tee boxes or around the greens which slowed pace of play down considerably. I didn't see any form of course supervision during the entire round. It felt like a free for all. In all, paying $77 (Out of town, 18 holes w/ cart) was not worth it at all. There are plenty of other course in the Greater Boston area that are in much better condition for less $. If you are looking to screw around on the course and take 6 hours to play 18 holes for $77 then this is your kind of place. read more

NEVER AGAIN! Took over 3 hours to play 9 holes today!! It's filled with hackers and people who don't know how to play golf. People waking onto golf course from the zoo and other areas stealing 2 golf balls alone today from our threesome!-Friggin unbelievable!!! Some just wandering around and from the zoo area and waking on the course like it's a park. The rangers are the only saving grace on this course. They do try to speed up the play of the golfers, but when the clubhouse overbooked the course and people who have no idea how to play, there not much to be done. For $70.00 with cart, $63.00 with my resident discount, it's wasted money!! DO NOT PLAY HERE!! read more

Normally like this course but had a completely idiotic experience. They have a rule of no carts at 5:30, so you have to get out and carry wherever you are on the course. At 5:27, we were 200yrds away from the club house on the 18th hole and the marshal made us leave the cart. read more

Oh boy. William J Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park is a gem in more ways than one. First of all: the layout. This is a truly fun classic Donald Ross layout that's accessible for beginners and challenging enough for low handicappers. The 12th hole is the hardest Par 4 I've ever played, but many of the other Par 4s are driveable for the longest hitters. There are only 2 Par 5's (11 and 18 - the latter of which is a fantastic example of a Par 5 that's under 500 yards but still isn't easily reachable in two because of the way it's designed), so the course plays to a Par 70. Second of all: Ravioli, Holy Cannoli, this place can get pretty crazy funky during the summer months. Here's a list of what I've witnessed at Franklin Park: -A man crash his golf cart into a tree on the 10th hole -A duo FLIP their cart /FRONTWARDS/ on the hill going down the 16th hole (they've since added speed bumps) (FYI I had no association with these people and only witnessed this incident because I was on a nearby hole) -A man overdosed on heroin laying in the swamp on the side of the ninth green -A child no more than 8 years old try to steal my golf cart on the side of the 8th green -A gentleman trying to sell me James Brown records at the 3rd hole tee box -Kids running rampant across the course stealing golf balls -Music being played so loud from cars in the parking lot and various adjoining parks that you can't hear what people are saying 10 feet away from you ... And I'm sure I'm forgetting more. But, this is an experience. This is TRUE city golf. I come back here at least once a year at minimum to hopefully gather more tales to tell of this historic place. You should, too! read more

Not worth the money. $57 before a cart or pushcart is a robbery. Especially since half the greens and tees were overtaken with leaves. Honestly didn't see one person in the course with a leaf blower. One of the holes was completely shut down with a pin stuck in the 2nd cut rough. Didn't even try to mow a small green. Not only did they not tell anyone they also didn't cut the price down. Honestly just drive the extra 15 mins to the north shore read more

Lets see, on our first visit we had: 1) A group of teenagers rob our bag in front of the staff. 2) When the staff confronted the boys we were told "well they said they didn't steal anything". 3) Again in front of the staff the boys jumped on our golf cart and threatened our group. 4) Staff refused to get involved and assured us it was just the area. 5) On multiple fairways we had older men walking across our game brown bagging liquor. 6) No parking (This is next to a state park so the golf course cannot claim their own spots). You will however find plenty of locals drinking/smoking in self made camps in said spots. This course is in a ghetto and the staff has absolutely no control over the locals. Even while staff was well aware of what was going on, no compensation was offered. Avoid this course at all costs. read more

While I didn't witness too much insanity (aside from a pedestrian following us for two holes insisting we teach him the rules of golf), this remains a letdown. Course layout is solid and well-maintained but fun is apparently not welcomed. We were followed to our car by employees to ensure we didnt pack beers in our bags and were challenged excessively about being Boston residents when asking for the resident rate. They told us they'd kick us out if they see us off a cart path on any par 3. Every employee I met was unpleasant and rude. Average course but with the strict rules and feeling of being watched at every turn, I won't be coming back. Golf is for leisure and relaxation, which won't be your experience here. The $70 price for this place is about double what it's worth. read more

A-OK for this course. It's a good beginners 18 hole course and bonus for Boston residents for getting a discount with ID. Once your on the course you forget you are in the middle of Dorchester. It can be serene in some spots, with a bunny here and there but others are open to part of the park where you will see picnics and other activity. The vibe I got when we entered was a little rough. When walking into the pro-shop, the first thing we were loudly told was to leave your clubs outside. Before even being greeted I found that not friendly. I've never had a problem with bringing them in other pro shops but I guess they want to make sure you don't take any of theirs out with you. The holes are challenging and in better condition then I expected. Though a couple were kind of swampy at the hole. There was one crazy dog leg hole towards the end of the 9 that was very difficult. When you hit it, you may land your ball on a completely different hole so look out. The starter will prefer to pair you up with other groups. If you want to be alone you'll probably have to go when its very slow. Going down one of the hills one of my club covers flew out and I thought I lost it, but the ranger I saw said he would look for it and did find it and brought it back to me very quickly. So props to that guy! read more

I'd like to give this course a better rating, but I can't. It is pretty cheap, I payed $35 for 18 holes (with resident discount). The course was reasonably maintained, and had some challenging holes. So overall pretty good for a public course. The main reason I had a bad experience was because of it's location -- in franklin park. The first major problem is the noise. Holes are often near picnic areas, or little league baseball fields, or busy roads. The constant background noise isn't conducive to a relaxing day of golf. The second major problem is the random homeless/sketchy people hanging out in the woods around the holes/walking across the fairways. It's a little unsettling to put your club behind the ball, look out, and see a homeless guy wearing a surgical mask walking across the fairway. Then you wait... This didn't happen once, it happened a couple times (different people). Also the other reviews are right, this place is always packed. it makes for a slow day of golf. All in all I'll probably end up paying a bit more ($10-$15) to play a round at Putterham up the road. read more

I've played here many times in the past couple years but what spurred me to write this review was the service I experienced today from the staff, specifically Tim. I left my sand wedge on the 16th hole but didn't realize it until I was finishing the 18th. They let me borrow a golf cart to drive back to look for it and on the way, I talked to a foursome who said they gave it someone who worked there. I drove back to the clubhouse to see if they could radio around to the marshals. They did but no marshal had it. Tim, who was working the pro shop, drove out himself to talk to other groups and a few minutes later came back with a lead that the club was claimed by a group on the front nine. He offered to drive me around which I accepted and sure enough on the 10th hole, we found the group that claimed my club as theirs. This level of service was unexpected, Tim was very nice, and deserves a bit of yelp recognition. read more

Donald Ross was clearly a genius and this course is another testament to his skills. While a number of reviews hammer this course, I found none off the usual complaints. Staff are friendly (as far a friendly goes in Boston). While this is clearly a muni course, it is well maintained with decent bunkers and nice greens. The course design is fantastic. Unlike the tricked up courses designed today, Ross used the natural terrain the craft a real gem. The number one and number two stroke holes are real testers. The 10th hole and the 11th are great designs with elevated greens. The only real draw back is the time needed to play. It is easily a five hour round but worth the time. There is some noise from the locals but it really it just adds to the cool city course feel of the place. read more

One Star is pretty tough to get from me, but Franklin Park managed to do it. Last time I was here the experience from the outside staff was pretty bad. Even though there were only three or four people hanging out waiting to tee off we had to wait for over 45 mins to get out. Once we actually played some golf, the course was alright, but there is definitely some people partying and mini-bikes riding between a few holes that can be a little bit annoying. The course was also a little bit busy, so we skipped over a group in front of us, and on the way back to finish up the 9th hole we got stopped by a marshall who insisted that we had played our share, and kicked two of us off, but let the other two out of our foresome continue on to finish the last hole. I can only guess it was because they were locals and we had only been there a few times. The two locals even asked the marshall to let us finish out and he wasn't hearing it. I wouldn't have cared that much except the marshall showed complete favoritism. The golfers have always been great, but the staff is usually a mess. Needless to say I'm not going back, and its mostly due to the service not the actual course itself. read more

This is the most challenging of the Boston area municipals. It's hilly terrain creates a lot of blind shots, the greens are moderately fast and full of many undulations and contours. The day I played the pin placements were in some nasty places, the putting was really tough. I am sure the course does get easier the more times you experience it but for a track that's not overly long, it's no walk over. George Wright and Ponkapoag are easier tasks. I walked the 18 and that was a pretty good workout in itself, the hills are going to wear you out a bit. The price point is fair, $35 for 18 holes walking on a weekday, same as George Wright. The maintainence is pretty good for a public course, it's not perfect but you won't be unhappy with it. One bonus is this course puts out a fair number of water coolers, something other courses in the area have seemed to forget about. Definitely a course I will play over and over, recommend. read more

Gotta give this place 3 stars. Course was in decent shape the neighborhood surrounding however is not. Literally guys BBQ feet away from your tee box, loud music, kids running around everywhere, parking lot full of old and broken alcohol bottles, and the constant smell of a skunk in the air. For what turned out to be $70/round hard to say I see myself returning. read more

Its a good public course and a reasonable price. Staff is a little wet behind the ears but remember your in the middle of a city. Greens roll nice for a public course and for your average golfer challenging enough. Big Hitters can go low here. I can drive several par fours and have been close to a couple others. In response to Julie R review below me...they probably gave you attitude because you NEVER bring your bag into a clubhouse. GOLF ETIQUETTE 101. If your gonna complain sound intelligent please. read more

First of all Dirt... I dont mind a litte ganj offering here and there. How hospitable! Like it! ANYWAAAAAAAYS. I love this course because its cheap and on my level. I dont think I have ever seen a girl my age here but ehh whatevs. I like their sandwiches and the awesome lady who makes them. Its perfect cuz its right in the city and I live in southie so its nice to not have to go up to Newton or down to Presidents. All the people who work here are so chill and I have a good time everytime I go. Check it out everyone ..stop being golf snobs haha read more

It was a fun course. I was told playing this time of year (early in season) is much different than later in the summer when the rough is fully grown in. I thought it played pretty simple yesterday. Played from the back tees at 5900 it is super short. I was coming in with wedge on most of the par 4s, and really driver is only necessary 1 or 2 holes. That seems to be a trend so far in Boston with courses being very short. I'm from Southern california and am used to playing long straight ~7000 yard courses so it's been fun playing some more 'technical' golf courses here. My only complaint is some of the greens are just ridiculously hard. On 2 occasions I flushed wedges that would normally at least sit (and normally spin back) that took huge hops and rolled off the green. Maybe it's because of the lack of rain this year. Also, because it's a park you have random people walking around all over the course. I guess sometimes golf balls 'disappear' on some of the blind tee shot holes for this reason. The parking lot also seemed more like a tailgate lot than a clubhouse parking lot. People were blaring music and grilling food. I think this kind of adds to the fun/uniqueness of the course though. Lastly, I do not have a car and this was accessible from Boston using the T (orange line) and Route 22 bus. Took me 35 minutes from North Station. I'll be going back read more

Ok. The course is actually in decent space and the price to value is still great especially if you're a Boston resident. However, the place of play is simply unacceptable. I know with COVID that courses are overloaded right now and also trying to make up for lost revenue at the beginning of the season, but 1 hour and 15 mins for 4 holes is not ok. I had to walk off. Please get a range out there. There are a lot of new golfers on the course so maybe even get two rangers to help people learn the game and how to keep up with the pace of play. I won't be back to William J. Devine GC until they make some improvements on pace of play. read more

I rarely if ever leave reviews but this was the worst round of golf I've ever experienced. So the course is nicely maintained but one particular person ruined this day for us. Lee Cameron the field ranger came up to us twice and patronized us about our skill and our pace of play all while we were waiting for the group in front of us to play through. He had the audacity to come up to us a second time (again while we were waiting for the group in front of us) on the 18th hole and told us we should be shooting from the yellow t box and then asked us what our handicap was. We had to tell him to step back as he was walking towards us without a mask. He claims he was only trying to have a conversation with us but it seems like he had nothing better to do than patronize players on their skill and game. I was just trying to enjoy a day with the fellas but this guy really ruined it. WONT BE BACK. Also someone got a permit to blast regaeton music right next to the golf course. You could feel the thump of the bass on the majority of the holes. Apparently this is a regular thing. I'm all for loud music but maybe they could get a permit not right next to the course. The most stressful game of golf I've ever had. AVOID read more

Been playing at this course since 1965 as a college kid. It's now much better than back then and everyone has been great. We now make the pilgrimage once a twice a year. Bring about 16-20 guys and have a great time. It has always been fun. Sadly, many of my friends who played there regularly are gone now! read more

Don't know how this course has played in the past, but for a publicly maintained course in Boston, you CANNOT beat it... I played 2-3 times a week and am about a 12 handicap and regularly shoot in the low 80's, and have played almost every course within 20 miles of Boston - the condition of the fairways and greens of this course is an as good of shape as any other course I've played. I'd give this course 5 stars, except for the fact that the local hackers use the 12th hole as a their own personal driving/chipping range, without regard to the fact that someone might be teeing off. Can also get pretty crowded on the weekends, so either book early tee times or account for at least a 4.5 - 5.5 hour round if you're looking to play on sat or sunday. Not as bad early mornings during the week, and I have regularly done 18 in about 3 to 3.5 hours. read more

5 stars - course layout and design. Donald Ross 2 - pace of play. Slow slow slow 4 - staff is very friendly 4 - location is great for us city folks 3 - overall rating. I love the course especially for a muni. I think it's a classic Donald Ross course. I just hate playing in 5-6 hours. Haven't played during the week but if it's quicker it's worth playing. Not in the best shape but very cool city course read more

Bobby Jones claims the 12th hole is the hardest par 4 he's ever played. That alone warrants a visit!

I've been to this course a handful of times and the staff have surpassed my expectations on how poor service can be each time. The course itself is decent, fairways are in ok shape and it offers some challenge. However, there's an older gentleman they have as a starter (70s, white hair) that is by far the rudest and most disrespectful person I have ever dealt with that works in "costumer service". First couple times I went, we had to wait at least 25 minutes after our tee time to play. The final time, we walked up to the tee box at 11:21 (our tee time was 11:20). He immediately started insulting us and said the remaining 2 of our foursome teed off 20 minutes ago. He then went on to let a foursome of walkers out before us (2 riders) and then called us "clowns" as we went to tee off. I completely understand the importance of being on time but give me break. He said "if it were up to me I wouldve charged you and sent you home". Believe me when I say this place isn't worth your money and I will never be returning. I'd recommend newton commonwealth or george wright to anyone looking for a nicer and cheaper course. Granite links if you're looking for the best of the best. read more

Franklin Park is great but if Dave P thinks its the hardest municipal course in boston he must not have played George wright yet. The Wright is not only a superior layout but far more challenging as well. If you spray drives at Franklin you can still salvage a round, not at GW. Both are gems and way underpriced. read more

I come here pretty frequently (over the summers about once every 3-4 days). This is a good municipal golf course - but it is definitely still a municipal golf course. It's decently well kept, the greens will have ball marks and will tend to be on the slower side (watering of the greens is pretty frequent here), but your putts will roll true. I believe the greens are bent grass so you'll have to play for a little more break than if you're used to Bermuda. The course itself has a decent layout. For the front nine, there are some holes that aren't very imaginative (1, 6, 8) but there are also some gems. Hole 2 is a cool risk/reward hole where you can either lay up or try to drive the green on a narrowing fairway. Hole 4 has a blind tee shot over a mound of grass. Big hitters can cut over the trees on the dogleg right hole 7, but it's always risky because there is a pond poking out. On the back nine, you have hole 12 which is probably the hardest on the entire course -- you won't get a good lie off your tee shot and you'll have to judge the wind going into an elevated green. Hole 17 gives you a beautiful shot over a pond onto a massive green -- but you need to be careful to land your ball below the hole or else you'll have a really fast putt coming down. On the whole, Franklin Park is a great value. You're not paying for a country club, and you get what you pay for. You have to be careful about coming out on Fridays and weekends, though, as play will usually take a mind-numbing 5-6 hours. read more

Having only played this course about 1x per year for the last few years a recent round was an eyeopener. The price is great, putting green and chipping green were in great condition and the clubhouse was terrific. The course is a wide open and fair test. Some of the holes are designed to offer the player many options: iron, wood, etc. Doglegs both ways and some awesome views in the Fall. Love to play a New England style course right in the heart of the city. By far better than Leo J or Ponk. or Newton Com. I would put it right on a par with some of the courses west of the city for about half the price. Will be back to see if it stacks up again. read more