Private country clubs in Massachusetts are often associated with high costs and long waitlists, especially in and around Boston. But across the state, there are still clubs that offer strong golf, dependable amenities, and active member communities without exceeding a $25,000 annual budget. These clubs provide access to well-maintained courses, regular events, and family-friendly environments, all at a more manageable price point.
This blog features 20 of the best private clubs in Massachusetts where total membership costs remain under $25,000 per year. The selections span from the coast to the Berkshires and include both historic courses and modern facilities. Each club has been chosen for its balance of quality, accessibility, and overall member value.
20. Andover Country Club
Andover Country Club is located about 25 miles north of Boston and offers a traditional 18-hole layout with tight fairways and well-placed hazards. The course is moderately challenging but playable for most skill levels, with a mix of holes that require precision over power. The routing takes advantage of the rolling terrain and includes several elevated tees and greens. Course conditions are generally consistent, especially during peak season, and the greens tend to run fast and true.
The club also features a driving range, putting green, and a solid teaching program. Off the course, members have access to tennis courts, a fitness facility, and a seasonal pool, along with a banquet space that sees frequent use for weddings and private events. Dining includes a casual grill room and outdoor seating overlooking the course. Memberships are available in several tiers, with pricing that stays well below the Boston-area average. It’s a practical choice for families or working professionals who want private club amenities in a suburban setting.
19. Fall River Country Club
Fall River Country Club is a private, member-owned club that sits along the Taunton River and offers sweeping water views from several holes. The 18-hole course plays just over 6,000 yards from the back tees and features narrow fairways, mature trees, and small greens. It’s a shorter layout but one that demands accuracy and good course management. Wind coming off the water can add difficulty, especially on the back nine.
The club has a welcoming membership base and a no-frills atmosphere. It offers a full calendar of men’s, women’s, and mixed events, as well as twilight leagues during the summer. The clubhouse includes a pro shop, locker rooms, and a modest dining area that serves lunch and dinner most days during the season. It’s not a resort-style property, but for those who care more about golf than glitz, it delivers strong value. The all-in cost to join and remain active is among the most reasonable in southeastern Massachusetts.
18. Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill is known for its historical pedigree and well-preserved Donald Ross design, which makes up the Main Course. The layout features classic Ross characteristics—undulating greens, smartly placed bunkers, and a routing that requires thoughtful shot selection. The Acorn Course is shorter and flatter but still offers a good walking round, making the club a strong option for players who enjoy variety. The overall conditioning is strong, particularly on the Main Course, which often hosts local amateur events.
The clubhouse sits on a hill with views of the course and includes dining facilities, a full bar, and event space. There’s also a pool and a small tennis area, along with junior golf and swim programs during the summer. The club has invested in regular upgrades over the past decade without significantly raising dues. Located about an hour from downtown Boston, Oak Hill appeals to golfers who value architecture and tradition and are looking for a full-service club experience without the high fees seen closer to the city.
17. North Andover Country Club
North Andover Country Club is a private nine-hole course with a loyal membership and a strong neighborhood presence. The course plays to just over 3,000 yards but includes a variety of hole shapes and lengths that allow for strategic play. Multiple tee boxes are used to create distinct front and back nine experiences, so a full 18-hole round feels varied. The fairways are tight and tree-lined, and the small greens make accuracy a priority.
In addition to golf, the club has a small but well-maintained clubhouse that includes dining and event space, along with a pro shop and locker rooms. It’s a quieter, more personal environment, which many members prefer over larger and more commercial clubs. There are a number of league nights, holiday tournaments, and social events throughout the season. For those who want the benefits of a private club without long commutes or inflated costs, North Andover CC offers a well-rounded and convenient option for families and casual golfers alike.
16. Bass Rocks Golf Club
Bass Rocks Golf Club sits on the Atlantic coast and provides one of the most scenic golf experiences in Massachusetts. The 18-hole course is a traditional links-style layout with ocean views on several holes and frequent coastal winds that can influence club selection. Fairways are wide, but the greens are small and quick, requiring a sharp short game to score well. The course is relatively short by modern standards, but it offers an enjoyable mix of risk and reward.
The clubhouse underwent a renovation in recent years and now includes modern locker rooms, a full-service pro shop, and a dining room with expansive views of the water. The club also has a strong junior golf program and hosts a number of local charity tournaments and member events throughout the season. Despite its picturesque location, the overall membership cost remains within reach for many golfers, particularly compared to similar coastal clubs in the Northeast. It’s a strong pick for players who want relaxed golf in a stunning setting.
15. Hopkinton Country Club
Hopkinton Country Club offers a strong blend of golf and family-oriented amenities just west of Boston. The 18-hole course was designed by Michael Hurdzan and features a layout that winds through wooded terrain and rolling hills. The fairways are generous, but approach shots can be demanding due to elevated greens and tiered putting surfaces. The back nine in particular offers a good mix of par 3s and long par 4s that challenge players to use every club in the bag.
Off the course, the club offers a full-service experience with a pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and well-appointed clubhouse. The dining areas range from casual to more formal settings, and the club hosts regular social events including themed dinners, wine tastings, and live music during the summer months. Hopkinton CC attracts families and younger members who value both the golf course and lifestyle offerings. While it feels like a higher-end private club, the dues and fees stay under the $25K threshold, making it a smart option for those looking for year-round value.
14. The Ridge Club
The Ridge Club is a gated private club located on Cape Cod, offering an upscale experience without an inflated price tag. The course was designed by Robert Von Hagge and features wide fairways, large greens, and a handful of water hazards that come into play on several holes. The layout is playable for higher handicaps but still tests better players with its long par 5s and strategic bunkering. It’s one of the better conditioned private courses on the Cape, with consistent attention to detail from tee to green.
The club includes a resort-style pool, tennis courts, and an active social scene with frequent events during peak season. Dining is available in both indoor and outdoor settings, with menus that focus on locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce. The Ridge Club offers a limited number of memberships, which helps maintain uncrowded tee times and a strong member-to-staff ratio. For Cape residents or second-home owners looking for a reliable club on the Cape without paying Nantucket-level prices, this is one of the best options available.
13. Country Club of Pittsfield
The Country Club of Pittsfield is one of the oldest private clubs in Western Massachusetts, with a heritage dating back to the late 1800s. The golf course was originally designed by Donald Ross and retains many of his signature design traits, including tilted greens, natural routing, and subtle elevation changes. The course plays around 6,500 yards from the tips and provides a fair challenge for a wide range of golfers. Its tree-lined layout and consistent conditioning make it a local favorite.
Beyond the golf course, the club offers amenities that include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a recently refreshed clubhouse with updated locker rooms and dining spaces. There’s a strong calendar of member events ranging from holiday tournaments to themed dinners and youth programming in the summer. The club is a fixture in the Berkshires and maintains reasonable fees that appeal to full-time residents and second-home owners alike. It combines history, playability, and affordability in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare in private clubs.
12. Ledgemont Country Club
Ledgemont Country Club is located near the Rhode Island border and draws members from both Massachusetts and Providence’s western suburbs. The 18-hole course is well regarded in the area for its consistent conditions and enjoyable routing. The front nine plays through wooded corridors, while the back nine opens up slightly, with a few holes featuring water hazards. The course length is moderate, but accuracy off the tee is important given the tree-lined nature of many holes.
The club includes a large practice area, a putting green, and a short game facility that appeals to serious players. Inside the clubhouse, members enjoy a casual dining room and lounge, as well as regular social programming throughout the season. Ledgemont also supports competitive play, with both men’s and women’s club championships and interclub matches. For players who want a high-quality golf experience near the Rhode Island state line without a high annual financial commitment, Ledgemont stands out as a practical and reliable choice.
11. Granite Links Golf Club
Granite Links sits just minutes from downtown Boston and offers a rare mix of accessibility, high-end course conditions, and panoramic skyline views. The club features 27 holes, spread across three distinct nine-hole layouts that can be rotated for variety. The terrain is hilly and exposed, with significant elevation changes and long sightlines across the Boston Harbor. Wind is often a factor, adding a layer of difficulty to otherwise generous fairways. The turf is well maintained, and the greens are among the quickest in the region.
The club has built a strong reputation for its amenities, including a well-appointed clubhouse with multiple dining options and one of the most popular patio bars in the state. While Granite Links offers public tee times during off-peak hours, the membership provides preferred access, advanced booking, and member-only events. It’s not a traditional private club in the strictest sense, but the membership tier offers real value for frequent players looking for private access to one of Greater Boston’s most scenic golf venues—all within budget for this list.
10. Foxborough Country Club
Foxborough Country Club is a member-owned, private club that delivers strong golf in a low-key, unpretentious setting. The course, originally laid out in the 1950s and later updated, has matured into a solid test of skill, with narrow fairways, firm greens, and natural routing through New England woodlands. It plays around 6,500 yards from the back tees, with enough length and variety to challenge low handicaps while remaining manageable for higher-handicap players.
Facilities include a practice range, putting green, and short game area, along with a modest but functional clubhouse that supports a consistent social calendar. Foxborough CC puts a strong emphasis on pace of play and course access, often allowing members to walk on without needing long advance booking. Located midway between Boston and Providence, it serves a wide geographic membership and remains one of the most cost-effective private clubs in the region with a quality golf experience at the center of its offering.
9. Segregansett Country Club
Segregansett Country Club is a classic New England course tucked away in southeastern Massachusetts, offering a peaceful and walkable layout surrounded by mature trees. The 18-hole course features small greens, rolling fairways, and a few tight driving holes that reward shot placement over distance. It plays under 6,300 yards, but the routing keeps it engaging for regular play. Conditions are kept consistently good, with firm fairways and greens that roll well through the summer months.
The club has a dedicated membership with strong participation in tournaments and leagues. Facilities include a clubhouse with a grill room and outdoor deck, locker rooms, and a pro shop. Segregansett maintains a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, without the airs of more formal clubs. Dues are among the lowest on this list, making it an excellent option for serious golfers and recreational players alike. Its location near the Route 495 corridor makes it accessible for members from across Bristol and Plymouth counties.
8. Plymouth Country Club
Plymouth Country Club features an 18-hole Donald Ross design that has retained much of its original character. The course offers generous landing areas off the tee, but challenges arise on approach shots to sloped greens and well-guarded pin locations. At just under 6,400 yards, it’s not overly long, but thoughtful bunkering and fast greens demand precision. The layout rewards repeat play and rewards players who learn where to miss and how to manage each hole.
The club hosts numerous tournaments, including the Mass Open, and is respected in the state golf community for its competitive pedigree. Off the course, the facilities are modest but functional, with a clubhouse that supports regular events and casual dining. There’s also a practice green and short game area available for member use. Plymouth CC is one of the few true Ross courses available at this price point, making it a compelling choice for golf purists who prioritize architecture and course quality over frills.
7. Worcester Country Club
Worcester Country Club holds a special place in golf history, having hosted the first Ryder Cup on U.S. soil in 1927. The course is a well-preserved Donald Ross layout that offers a strong test of golf across rolling terrain. Tight fairways, elevated greens, and deep bunkers define the routing, while the hilly setting introduces awkward lies and sidehill stances that challenge all levels. The course stretches close to 6,700 yards and maintains fast, firm playing conditions through most of the season.
The club facilities include a large practice range, full-service clubhouse, pool, and dining room that serves as the hub for social activity. Members include a mix of longtime Worcester families and newer professionals from surrounding towns. Despite its historical prestige, Worcester CC remains relatively accessible in terms of cost, with dues and initiation fees that stay well within the sub-$25K range. For golfers who want a course with real pedigree and the full traditional club experience, it stands out.
6. Ferncroft Country Club
Ferncroft Country Club is best known for its 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The course features long holes, deep bunkers, and challenging doglegs that require strong ball-striking. Water hazards are in play on several holes, particularly on the back nine. It’s a demanding layout that appeals to experienced golfers but remains playable thanks to multiple sets of tees. Course conditions are solid, with consistent green speeds and well-maintained bunkers.
Beyond golf, Ferncroft is one of the more well-rounded clubs on this list. It includes an expansive practice facility, tennis courts, a pool complex, and a large, updated clubhouse with formal and casual dining options. The club also runs junior golf camps, swim lessons, and family-friendly events throughout the summer. Its location north of Boston makes it a viable option for members from Essex and Middlesex counties, and the all-in annual cost remains under the threshold, delivering strong value for a club with full-scale amenities.
5. Indian Ridge Country Club
Indian Ridge Country Club is a full-service private club located just north of Boston, offering an 18-hole course with a well-balanced mix of holes. The layout plays around 6,600 yards from the back tees and includes a variety of challenges—doglegs, elevated greens, and water hazards that come into play on several holes. Fairways are tree-lined but fair, and the course rewards thoughtful play over aggressive strategy. Indian Ridge is also walkable, which is a plus for members who prefer to avoid carts.
The club offers a wide range of amenities beyond golf, including a large swimming pool, clay tennis courts, and an expansive clubhouse with dining and event space. The membership is active, with a steady calendar of golf tournaments, couples’ events, and junior activities throughout the year. The facilities have been modernized over time, but the club has retained a traditional, member-first culture. Indian Ridge delivers a private club experience that feels upscale without being exclusive, and its fees remain accessible relative to its location and offerings.
4. Blue Hill Country Club
Blue Hill Country Club sits just south of Boston and features 27 holes of golf, split between an 18-hole Championship Course and a 9-hole Challenger Course. The Championship Course is the main draw, known for its wide fairways, large greens, and steady conditioning. It plays close to 6,800 yards and has hosted professional events in the past. The 9-hole course provides a quicker option and is well-suited for family play or afternoon practice rounds.
The club underwent significant improvements in recent years, including updates to the clubhouse, new dining areas, and refreshed practice facilities. Members enjoy both formal and casual dining, a pool area with cabanas, and active racquet programs. Blue Hill also offers youth camps, swim lessons, and holiday events, making it one of the more family-oriented clubs in the area. Despite being in a high-demand location with strong amenities, the dues and fees remain within the $25K mark, positioning it as one of the best values south of Boston.
3. Thomson Country Club
Thomson Country Club is a quiet, member-owned club north of Boston that focuses on strong golf and community atmosphere. The 18-hole course features narrow landing areas, thick tree lines, and undulating greens that demand course knowledge and precision. While not overly long—just under 6,400 yards—the course plays tough, particularly in dry conditions where firm greens add difficulty to approach shots. Pace of play is well-managed, and tee times are easy to secure even during busy periods.
Facilities at Thomson include a driving range, putting green, and a small clubhouse with casual dining and locker rooms. The membership tends to be tight-knit, and many members have been with the club for decades. That said, new members are welcomed and quickly integrated through tournaments and league play. Thomson is ideal for golfers who are focused primarily on regular play and quality conditions without paying for resort-style extras. Its cost structure is straightforward, and annual dues remain well below the state average for private clubs.
2. Twin Hills Country Club
Twin Hills Country Club is located in Western Massachusetts, near the Connecticut border, and offers a surprisingly polished experience for a club in this price range. The course features wide fairways, water hazards on several holes, and mature trees that frame most tee shots. It’s a forgiving layout for casual players but has enough length and challenge for better golfers, especially from the back tees. The routing is walkable and makes for a consistent pace of play throughout the season.
Off the course, Twin Hills includes a clubhouse with event space, a large outdoor patio, and a restaurant that serves members and the public. The club is also known for its wedding venue, which adds non-dues revenue and helps keep member costs down. Membership options are flexible, with family, weekday, and twilight packages available. For residents of the Springfield or Hartford metro areas, it’s one of the best all-around values in the region—providing access to a solid private club without requiring a major financial commitment.
1. Country Club of New Bedford
The Country Club of New Bedford consistently ranks as one of the best-value private golf clubs in the state. The 18-hole Donald Ross course is the centerpiece, featuring subtle elevation changes, well-bunkered greens, and a routing that rewards accuracy and course management. Though the course plays just over 6,300 yards, it’s not easy. The small, quick greens and narrow fairways demand precision, and the classic design keeps repeat rounds interesting.
Beyond the golf, the club includes a pro shop, locker rooms, and a dining room that offers lunch, dinner, and member events throughout the year. There’s a strong calendar of tournaments and league play, and the membership is made up of both local professionals and longtime area families. The club has a traditional, golf-focused culture but remains welcoming and accessible. Dues and fees are kept intentionally modest, and the club’s overall financial health is strong. For players who want a private Donald Ross experience under $25K per year, there’s no better value in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has no shortage of quality country clubs that offer private golf and amenities without the steep price tag. This blog highlights clubs across the state that combine well-maintained courses, active member communities, and dependable facilities, all while keeping total costs under control. Whether you’re focused on golf, social events, or family recreation, these clubs provide strong value and a reliable private club experience at a price point that makes sense.