Tucked about 20 miles south of Boston, Norwood Country Club is a laid-back spot that makes a good first impression. As soon as I pulled in off Route 1 and saw the driving range stretching out in the background, I got that itch to grab a bucket and start swinging.
It has the full driving range, a chipping green, and 18 holes that are meant for fun. The layout is challenging, but the flat landscape and open fairways make it a great play for golfers of all skill types. It is family-friendly, and it has one of the most active youth programs in the state.
I played 18 holes there on a hot July day, and got to see the current and potential value of the course. I enjoyed my round and I would say the 3 best things about it are: value, driving range, and playability.
Let’s start with the price – easily one of the biggest standouts.I played a round for $64 with a cart, which is much cheaper than the other local courses, especially the ones located between Boston and Providence. I appreciated the fact that they charge a normal price based on the conditions of the course. I trust a place that knows its worth and won’t try to maximize profit, instead Norwood shows respect for the customers and provides a solid rate.
The driving range was recently renovated and it looks clean. They have 15 hitting mats and the nets in the back are at 250 yards. A large bucket of balls is only $15, which is another value compared to other ranges in the area. Also, many ranges are being sold for the land value so it was refreshing to see a course invest in their range to make it better. I’m not a traditionalist so I liked the colorful yard markers on the range (bright blue, green, red, yellow) and the chipping nets that are within 100 yards. It makes it more appealing to the eye and gives you cool targets to aim at. 
As for the round itself, it was a hot July day, but the course is relatively flat so it’s easy to walk. It’s also widely forgiving so it isn’t bad for someone who sprays the ball all over the course. There are some water and sand hazards sprinkled throughout but you can play a round with some bad shots and still be able to find your ball. There were some spots on the fairways and greens that needed some TLC but overall it is worth playing. I have seen courses with worse conditions charging more.
In the past they have had flooding issues, but that problem has been solved for the most part. I played a day after torrential rains and didn’t see any extra water on the course. They are usually packed on the weekends, but they have rangers on the course enforcing pace of play and say that most rounds take 4:15. As an avid golfer this is a huge selling point for getting me to come back. They also have 2 leagues playing a day so there must be a reason they are at 100% capacity.
I talked to the Operations Manager, Jay Miller, and he told me about the renovations they have planned to improve the playing experience. The renovations will be gradual but ownership is committed to improving many aspects of the course. They are going to renovate all of the bunkers, re-do tee boxes, and put in a new irrigation system. The overall message from all of the staff that I talked to was ‘be patient.’ The renovations will take time, but the potential for a truly memorable track are in the works.
I almost forgot…the kids. Norwood has 350 youth participants in the PGA Junior League and the Youth on Course Program. They host 6500 junior rounds a year, which seems like a lot to me, and seems like they are doing a great job of investing in the future of golf.
All in all, Norwood CC is a solid value with a fresh new range and a layout that works for just about any golfer. It’s in a convenient spot, with plenty of options for food and drinks nearby. If you’re looking for a relaxed round without spending a fortune – this place is worth a visit.
