Butterbrook is a course I’ve played more than any other in the last 10 years. I ran a golf camp here. I’ve had golf gatherings with friends here. I’ve played pairing roulette here. I’ve played some of my best rounds here. It was fitting to officially check it off the list as my 25 course this summer with two guys I grew up playing golf with.
The course is really solid. Another gem out in Boston’s metro west region. The front nine is a trio of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s. The sixth hole, a tricky par 4 and the 7th a dynamite par 5 highlight the front. The second hole is a drivable par 4 with trouble everywhere. Lots of options off that tee. The holes wind and weave through the trees with some ups and downs and bunkers that frame a lot of holes nicely.
The drive from the 11th green to the 12 tee is long one and it brings you to a completely different piece of land. Waste bunkers and water instead of trees offer challenges to wayward tee shots. The par 4 13th is a great short par 4 usually played over a red barn, reminding the player that this course used to be a working farm. The 15th transports me to Florida every time. Water down the right side starting 150 yards from the green, thirsty for those nervous, chunky or wipey mid-irons that so many of us like to hit.
The 18th hole, following an excellent 17th always, always, leaves a lot to be desired and I wish the hole was rethought and redesigned. It’s like they ran out of space and jammed it in. Which is a shame, because the 17 holes before it measure up to many public courses around. Especially the par 4s and 5s. The set of par 3s are okay. 11 and 14 being the best of the five.
I’m planning on playing a whole lot of new courses in the near and distant future, but Butter Brook will always be a spot I revisit and enjoy.
THE FACTS
Date:
Playing Partners: Phil and Eliot
Tees: Blue (6174 yards)
Game: 5,3,1
Score: 73
Birdie Count: 3 (32total)