Golf in Boston

Massachusetts Golf Association. The Massachusetts Golf Association represents 400 clubs in the state, and has information on courses that are open to the public. 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA, 02766. 774/430-9100. www.mgalinks.org.

Courses

Although you'll need to know someone who knows someone who is someone to play at Chestnut Hill's Country Club, one of the nation's top-rated private courses, anyone can use the public courses in Boston, which are among the best in the country.

George Wright Golf Course. The hilly George Wright Golf Course is more challenging than the other Donald Ross-designed course at Franklin Park. The par-70, 6,096-yard course is open for the season starting in April each year. Weekend 18-hole greens fees are $45 ($40 for residents); weekday fees are $39 ($35 for residents). Tee times are necessary on weekends. 420 West St., Hyde Park, Boston, MA, 02136. 617/364-2300. www.cityofbostongolf.com.

William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park. Donald Ross crafted the 6,009-yard, par-70 William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park

in the early 1896. It's open year-round, weather permitting. Greens fees without a cart are $25 for 9 holes and $40 for 18 holes on weekdays, and $29 and $45, respectively, on weekends. (You can play 9 holes only after 1 pm on weekends.) Charges for a golf cart tend to run about $11 to $20 more. Club rentals run $11 for 9 holes and $20 for 18 holes. The course is part of delightful Franklin Park, which also has picnic facilities and jogging courses. Festivals and other outdoor activities take place all year. 1 Circuit Dr., Dorchester, Boston, MA, 02121. 617/265-4084.