I was lucky enough to get a walking tour of the new layout a couple days ago, the first time I have ever done so on a course that has yet to open.
I think it will be difficult, engaging, and noteworthy.
The course has a difficult start with standouts at 1 and 2, and no real breather until 6-7-8, a combo of short par 3, medium par 5, then short 4. #9 is a ball-buster, and it remains to be seen whether the green is big enough for a long par-four approach. 10 is a neat Redan-esque hole followed by a massive 600y par five with three tough shots in a row, including a diagonal water carry off the tee. 13 may be the best hole on the property with its drive over a 30’ deep sand scrape, and this is the fourth half-par (on the difficult side) in a row. The 15-16-17 stretch offers three diverse greensites, one partially blind behind a mound, the next a tiny tabletop green for a 100y par three surrounded by double bogeys, and the third a small elevated green surrounded by trouble. The finisher is a par five around a bend to a hillside green.
The area in front of the clubhouse adds to the intimacy of the course, as one can see 8 greens and many hole corridors from the clubhouse balcony, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few more trees come down to open things up as members and guests get familiar with the challenging course.
I’m reluctant to predict top this or top that, but there is plenty to think about and discuss, and I’m overjoyed we have new golf to debate and enjoy in Mass!