Went out this morning to Quail Ridge in Acton for 9 holes. It’s the fifth course in my quest to play every course in Massachusetts. Quail Ridge was supposed to be an 18 hole private course, but turned to a 9 holer because it was 2008 when they went looking for memberships. The course makes an effort to mix up the front and back with a few different tee boxes. The 1st and 10th and the 7th and 16th are the most different. The 7th and 16th play to different greens as a par 4 and then par 5. The course is quirky, with forced carries and a couple of tight driving areas. The tree lined fairways are narrow and there are a few blind tee shots. The best holes on the course are the par 4 third, a good test, if a bit unfair off the tee. But the green complex is great with some runoff area and good spikes. The par 3 fourth is a good looking hole over a water hazard to a raised green. The 9th is a par 3, which some people might be bothered by. I personally don’t hate it and look forward to playing more courses that finish with a short hole to see how I really feel about it. The course photographs well. It has a tinge of Pacific Northwest with the massive pines lining a lot of the holes. Yes, it’s a New England thing, too, but this had a different vibe for some reason. Given the course is in my childhood hometown, I’ll be back to try different tees (I played the white tees with three strangers). I hit a lot of long irons, (I need the practice), and for 27 bucks to walk on a Sunday the price is pretty great bc the course was well maintained.
THE FACTS
Date: July 12, 2020
Tee TIme: 11:15AM
Playing Partner: Tim, Chris, Pat
Tees: White Tees (yards)
Game: None
Score: 37
Birdie Count: 1 (9 total)