South Shore Country Club - Hidden Gem

[Jim_Coleman]

   I played South Shore Country Club today - a 1921 Wayne Stiles public course in Hingham, Mass.  At 6,200 yards from the back tees, it reminded me of a little Yale.  The greens were very interesting and were in places that looked like they always belonged there.  Some fairways were quite wide, some not so much.  The course winded up and down through hills and valleys, with nice wispy fescue providing pretty vistas with findable, playable lies for poor shots.  The course was very walkable, as most old courses are.  My son in law and I teed off at 6:45 and played in three hours.  I suspect it was once a quite toney private club that fell on hard times.  But it was in very nice shape, especially after a tough summer and brutal recent heat.  I would say the greens were in the mid 9's, with plenty of nicely mowed poa.  If anyone is in the Boston area looking for a good, inexpensive ($55 with cart) course, check it out!

[ward peyronnin]

Jim
Thanks so much. I have a son graduating n the area nxt year and this and Hyde Park not to mention ambrosia like eastward ho, Bosotn GC etc will extend my stay

[David_Tepper]

https://www.southshorecc.com/224/Course-Map

[Brad Tufts]

This is truly a gem.  It was private until it was purchased by the town in the mid to late 60s (I believe).


The only non-original hole is #14, the hole sort of IN a wetland.  Originally, there was a par three going perpendicular to the left, and the current par-5 15th was a par four.


They have undertaken a great restoration over the last decade that has redone bunkers, trimmed trees, and really got the mowing lines right, which is a very cost effective way to make a place look great without breaking the bank.


Another fun tidbit is the 17th way back tee at 240 yards (the hole normally plays about 170 but straight uphill) is called the Palmer Tee, based on his visit for an exhibition in the club's heyday.  It's a full-throated 3-wood or driver from back there!


Some fantastic green there that are likely among Stiles' best.  #1/3/7/8/and the last three are all standout greens, and #16 might be worth the $55 by itself...almost a punchbowl!

[Amol Yajnik]

This is truly a gem.  It was private until it was purchased by the town in the mid to late 60s (I believe).


The only non-original hole is #14, the hole sort of IN a wetland.  Originally, there was a par three going perpendicular to the left, and the current par-5 15th was a par four.


They have undertaken a great restoration over the last decade that has redone bunkers, trimmed trees, and really got the mowing lines right, which is a very cost effective way to make a place look great without breaking the bank.


Another fun tidbit is the 17th way back tee at 240 yards (the hole normally plays about 170 but straight uphill) is called the Palmer Tee, based on his visit for an exhibition in the club's heyday.  It's a full-throated 3-wood or driver from back there!


Some fantastic green there that are likely among Stiles' best.  #1/3/7/8/and the last three are all standout greens, and #16 might be worth the $55 by itself...almost a punchbowl!

Now I know why I hate 14 compared to all of the other holes out there, it just doesn't fit with the rest of the golf course.  They could drop a bomb on that hole and I wouldn't be upset. 


I play this course 2-3 times per year, it's a pretty easy walk and always in fairly good shape, and the greens can be really difficult at times.  Interestingly, the course tries to stay open throughout the entire winter as that area doesn't tend to get as much snow as the surrounding areas, they utilize 3-4 temporary greens and tees to do that, it's probably the only place close to Boston that stays open throughout the winter.