Brian Oar
Brian Oar
Brian Oar
Brian Oar
Brian Oar
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James Sylvia: West Tenth Media/MembersFirst
James Sylvia: West Tenth Media/MembersFirst
The Country Club: The Main Course
Brookline, MA • Private
Overview
The Country Club’s 18-hole course, which was the scene of the 1963 and 1988 U.S. Opens, is not the 18-hole course ranked by Golf Digest. Those events were played on a composite course that utilizes several holes from the club’s third nine, Primrose, designed by William Flynn. We rank the combination of the Main Course (the Clyde and Squirrel nines), clearly good enough to be one of the top courses in the world. Gil Hanse performed some course restoration prior to the 2013 U.S. Amateur at The Country Club and again before the 2022 U.S. Open, won by Matthew Fitzpatrick. The USGA used a new configuration of 18 holes for that championship, eliminating the par-4 fourth and adding the tiny, downhill par-3 11th to the mix, the first time the hole was used since the 1913 Open won by Francis Ouimet.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1969 (and inaugural 1966 ranking).
Highest ranking: 10th, 1995-'96.
Previous ranking: 19th.
2025-'26 ranking: 17th.
Best in State: Ranked first since 1997.
2025-'26 ranking: 1st.
Watch our exclusive drone tour
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
“A few minutes from Boston, the place oozes history!! A challenging layout that flows through the property with some gentle elevation changes and scenic views."
Read More2025
Review
“Great mix of short and long holes (both par 4s and par 3s). Our hosts pointed out holes incorporated from the Primrose nine into the US Open routing. If those holes could be included in the Golf Digest evaluation, the course would be in the top 10. Wonderfull use of landforms to both challenge and visually please the golfer. Many approaches required shots to elevated, well-bunkered greens. Slope in greens punished short-sided approach shots. Except for the first and 16th holes, there is movement and elevation change. Holes are distinctive and do not run back and forth - great routing. The varied land forms and rock outcrops, along with the beautiful clubhouse and other buildings provide a perfect backdrop for inspired golf. The Country Club is a classic club for its era (or any era of golf for that matter)."
Read More2025
Review
“The Country Club is laid out in a manner that allows a lot of fun to be had while presenting a unique challenge. You can not have your best stuff off the tee and still be in position to score. Greens are receptive and feels like a fair test of the game."
Read More2025
Review
“Terrific design variety and routing. Classic golden age course with some unique features that would probably never make it into a modern course."
Read More2025
Review
“Firm, Fast and is tremendous condition. Fantastic set of par 3 holes- short-medium- long. Requires thinking off the tee box. Green complexes are penal. Wrong side and it is very tough to two putt. The history at the golf course is amazing. Really fun to play."
Read More2025
Review
“From beginning to end, The Country Club of Brookline is among the best adventures in golf - from the perspectives of architecture, history, experience and the fact that it is one-of-a-kind. Alongside it being among the oldest courses in the US, it has withstood the test of time. While the changes and evolution are acknowledged, they were done with extreme thoughtfulness. The course as it plays for members juxtaposed how it plays during a major is approachable with how they maintain the course, while playing from the appropriate tees, but also works well for the top players in the world. The Country Club is excellent as a country club course, played day-to-day by members. And, it's grueling in tough conditions for the best professionals. Hole three was an absolute favorite. It's as good as it gets. I also loved 11, 16, and 18. The massive bunker short of the green on 18 is a good test, especially with all the golfers that finished before you watching a person try get up and down. Every hole is FUN. While I acknowledge that Shot Options, Challenge, and Conditioning change a great deal for the U.S. Open, one can see how they change and where they ought to change to make the course tougher, more strategic and that the course necessitates a person hit the ball high and soft. An excellent short game for the green surrounds is imperative. And one cannot short side themselves, or it'll be a long day. It's 2023/4 ranking of #19 feels appropriate, but I might move it up 3-4 places, if I could. :-) In summary, The Country Club at Brookline is as good as it gets. In every way."
Read More2025
Review
“3rd and 10th holes are truly unforgettable. An Idyllic fall day at Brookline is golf rapture."
Read More2024
Review
“Tremendous variety design. Holes going all different directions providing player with tremendous challenge on each hole. Every hole has different directions; elevations, etc making it very difficult to hit great shots. The variety of design of each hole is really great. Course in great shape too especially with all the rain this fall. Variety of holes requiring excellent shot making. Many holes are challenging with regard to length with a few blind shots to greens. Nice elevation changes; course in excellent shape."
Read More2023
Review
“Playing Brookline is an experience like very few. The course is classic and distinct with a variety of shots that few courses have. The Country Club's standing as an iconic American golf course is well-deserved. Knowing that you are enjoying a huge piece of golf history enhances the experience as you navigate a terrific layout with postage-stamp greens that roll fast and true, punishing rough, and picturesque fescue tracing the contour of many holes."
Read More2022
Review
“Gil Hanse's changes over the years, plus a skilled superintendent, have made The Country Club shine even more. A decades-long tree removal program continues to help the turf play firm and fast and creating wonderfully open and playable yet still demanding test of a course that features some of golf’s smallest greens. For a parkland course, there are some one-of-a-kind, beautiful aesthetics featuring natural rock outcroppings."
Read More2022
