Widow's Walk Golf Course Review

When Widow's Walk Golf Course in the lovely seacoast town of Scituate on the South Shore of Boston opened in 1997, it was hailed as a major success and Golf Digest named it one of the "Best New Courses in America." It was the first environmental demonstration course built in the country which set the standard for golf construction at the time.

Designed by renowned golf course architect, Mike Hurzdan, Widow's Walk's mission was to have a minimal impact on the environment and has garnered several awards and designations including Audubon International's Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Building a golf course that blends in with the contours and ecological surroundings of the land is now a growing trend all over the world. Widow's Walk was originally laid out on an old abandoned gravel quarry adjacent to the scenic North River Basin. Mike chose to use the original ups and downs leftover which provided unique perspectives as players traversed the 100-acre course. Today the vegetation, trees, and native grasses have grown in over the years and made for a beautiful but challenging course to play.

"The course is in tip-top condition and shows the natural beauty of the South Shore," says Ian Kelly, PGA Professional and Director of Golf. South Shore Living Magazine named it the "Best on the South Shore.' While playing the 6403-yard course, so much of the natural landscape is still intact. Many of the holes have impressive elevated tee boxes overlooking ravines and valleys where a decent carry and a straight drive will put you in the short grass. Don't be distracted by the awesome vistas, particularly at the signature 17th, a 199-yard par 3 with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. The course was a bit of a bear when it opened, but over the years the fairways have been expanded and more rough introduced to stop the errant ball from getting lost in the thicket vegetation. The Hurzden waste bunkers, winding doglegs along with the natural New England contours give the layout its challenging personality that locals and visitors love.

Nature lovers, bird-watchers, and golf enthusiasts alike enjoy the environmentally protected course. Walking at Widow's Walk is permitted in the afternoons for the player who can handle the sprawling acreage and elevation changes throughout.

Another bit of information: The North Shore Grill in the clubhouse is a well-kept local secret for having delightful dinners beside the normal pub food and libations during the day. The city-fathers have approved a renovation of the clubhouse to be completed sometime in 2021 to capitalize on its beautiful vistas from the back porch and increase traffic flow and ease of parking near the bag drop. If you're in the Boston area, Widow's Walk is a must play with affordable rates and a friendly staff.