The courses that standout to me, missing from the 1927 list, Wollaston, Woodland, Kernwood, Oak Hill, CC of Springfield and Sandy Burr.
What are the opinions about the strength of these courses?
Are there courses currently on the '27 list that should be removed?
I'm not sure if this has been discussed yet.
Wollaston was at the site of current day Presidents Golf Club, in the village/district of Wollaston,Quincy, MA. Presidents is now a municipal course, but does host the Norfolk Amatuer - attracting the regions best players, yearly. George and Tom Fazio did redesign work, when the club relocated to Milton, in circa 1975 - the course at Milton was designed by Tom Fazio (I would guess George too, but I dont' know for certain). Wollaston was incoporated in 1899. In The Hapers 1901 Golf Guide, the club is listed as in the process of expanding from 9 to 18 holes. I do not know who designed this course, but my intuition tells me that it was by someone, with some notoriety. I think it should be included in the list for best in 1927.
Woodland is listed as organized in 1895, mainly for the use of the guests at The Woodland Park Hotel. It is listed as a 3,000 yard 9 hole course. This is taken from the 1901 Harper's Golf Guide. Course is located in the village of Aburndale, Newton, Ma, and has remained there. The club's centennial notes "Woodland is not, nor has ever been, a Donald Ross golf course. The original 9 holes, was most likely added sometime between, 1907 and 1928. Stiles is credited as the course's first architect, with Ross doing a redesign in 1928. Because Stiles was unkown in 1901, it is pretty likely that he built the course, to its present day 18 hole form, with Ross adding his layers. It should be noted that this was Francis Ouimet's home club, and each year hosts the final day (the first 36 are always different) of the 54 hole Ouimet Invitational. Won by Brad Faxon circa 1985. I would also include this in your list. The number of Mass Am's, and the fact that Ouimet chose this as his home course, says something about the quality of it.
Kernwood is a Ross course, located in the golf rich Salem, MA. The club lists its incorporation date as 1914. Great course, and should be included on the list.
I would also make an amendment to Dedham, to include Findlay, as the first architect. He is listed in an issue of Mass Golfer, about Dedham. Listing as follows, Findlay, Fowler, Ross, Raynor. Just as you have it, minus Findlay. I