%20hero.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.640.suffix/1620136440329.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.960.suffix/1620136502402.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853.suffix/1620136501070.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.640.suffix/1620136496564.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853.suffix/1620136493511.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.suffix/1620136445603.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.960.suffix/1620136443064.jpeg)
Jeffery R. Bertch
Essex County Club
Manchester, MA•Private
Awards
Panelists Score
Essex County Club
153 School St
Manchester, MA 01944-1236
United States
Overview
Essex County Club is considered the first great Donald Ross design and perhaps his most intriguing. He wasn’t the original architect, but he served as its professional from 1909 to 1913 (until his design business became so lucrative he no longer needed the pro job) and lived on site, so he was able to tweak many holes. Ultimately, he returned to do a substantial remodeling in 1917. Unusual holes are the order of the day, from the flat opening six holes with fuzzy chocolate drops covered in tall fescue grasses to the blind shots, both uphill and downhill, on the back nine. The par-3 11th, with its green resembling the deck of a sinking ship, and the downhill par-4 18th, shaped like an S around small hills, are special. The club insists its third green, created in 1893 and preserved by Ross in his remodel, is the oldest green in continuous existence in America.
About
Golf Digest Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 Greatest / Best In State Scores
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“One of the best all around courses in MA and in NE. Impeccably conditioned, one of the best back 9's in golf and finishing 2 holes in golf, especially with no ocean or water aesthetics. Just a blast to play."
Read More2026
Review
“This Donald Ross masterpiece really surprised me with its fantastic routing especially from the 5th hole on. The meadowland front is rather different than the rugged rocky topography on the back 9 which ranks up in my top 3 as the best routed nines I have ever played. The canvas that he got to utilize made every hole a memorable one. The use of native grasses, and the rock cropping's throughout along with the stunning vistas separated this course Aesthetically from others nearby. The green complexes were vintage Ross protected by deep bunkering and multiple tiered greens with spines running throughout. The course played extremely firm and fast and the layout variety was fantastic. A great mix of long, short and movement from left to right throughout all holes was distinct. With risk reward holes mixed in, it was truly one of the better courses I have experienced playing. If you ever get the opportunity to, it is a must play in Boston."
Read More2025
Review
“If you somehow get an invitation, take the day and make sure you go. They've done some neat renovation work and tree removal that makes it a treat."
Read More2025
Review
“The back nine truly has a great variety of golf architecture and is very different from front nine. The history with Donald Ross as head professional and his old house still along the property as well as his work bench truly makes this venue a historical gem as well as a very good golf course that is both fun and challenging."
Read More2025
Review
“Donald Ross lived on 2 golf courses in the United States. Everyone knows about Pinehurst No. 2. However, he first lived on Essex County Club and his imprint is still present at this classic golf course. Massachusetts is one of the strongest golf states in the country and Essex County Club is one of the best courses in the State. While it isn't as good as Old Sandwich and Eastward Ho, it certainly is among the many other top notch courses, like Myopia Hunt, Brookline, Boston and Salem."
Read More2025
Review
“Donald Ross put a special routing together on this piece of land. It seems like it's been here forever. One of the premier back 9's in all of the United States - up against the likes of Pasatiempo and NGLA. When the fescue is up, be sure to be on your A game as getting wayward can bite quick. One of the hardest opening stretches in golf where the members say, "If you can get through the first four holes at E - you're doing great." The first four holes include a long par 4 opener that's often into the wind, a shorter par 4 2nd that has a turtleback green, a 600 yard par 5 3rd and a 220 yard par 3 4th. Yes - you read that all right. Signature hole has to be the par 4 18th at the top of the hill look back to the rolling hills and old school clubhouse. Never turn a invite down to The Essex Covnty Club."
Read More2025
Review
“Donald Ross put a special routing together on this piece of land. It seems like it's been here forever. One of the premier back 9's in all of the United States - up against the likes of Pasatiempo and NGLA. When the fescue is up, be sure to be on your A game as getting wayward can bite quick. One of the hardest opening stretches in golf where the members say, "If you can get through the first four holes at E - you're doing great." The first four holes include a long par 4 opener that's often into the wind, a shorter par 4 2nd that has a turtleback green, a 600 yard par 5 3rd and a 220 yard par 3 4th. Yes - you read that all right. Signature hole has to be the par 4 18th at the top of the hill look back to the rolling hills and old school clubhouse. Never turn a invite down to The Essex Covnty Club."
Read More2025
Review
“Essex is incredible and probably the best Ross I've played. The fact that he could envision the layout of this course and make this course what it is without making substantial changes to the land and without modern machinery is just mind blowing. Essex is a blast from tee to green and firmly belongs in the top 100 courses in the US."
Read More2025
Review
“Essex County Club is a true New England gem that captures raw, understated charm from the very first tee. The course has an old, timeless feel, with its natural landforms, exposed rock, and rolling terrain creating an atmosphere steeped in history. Donald Ross’s style is evident in many places from strategic angles, clever use of elevation changes, and green complexes that demand creativity, but even more importantly, precision. It’s a truly authentic golf experience that rewards thoughtful play off the tee, a strong short game, and stands as a classic example of Ross architecture."
Read More2025
Review
“Place is oozing with old school character and quirk, and makes great use of the massive boulder strewn landform in the center of the property. One of the best back 9s in all of golf with two of the most unique and fun closing holes in 17 and 18 anywhere. While the landing areas are generous, many of the holes force real strategic decision making off the tee to gain the appropriate angle or avoid a blind shot into sloped greens that repel imprecise approach shots."
Read More2025
