SCORE: 8.9
If it wasn't for the incredibly high price tag, this place would be way way up there.
Farm Neck Golf Club Video Review Here
Farm Neck Golf Club has always been a special place in Cam's heart, and he finally got to share this spot with Tom a few years back prior to the Chappy Open.
Growing up, my parents had been going to the Vineyard since the 70's, and my parents showed such a love for this place that it always rubbed off on me. The beaches, the ferry, the food, the time to unwind with friends and family always provided such a great time for a week, two weeks, or more. Eventually my brother moved here probably 10 years ago, I lived on island for 2 summers, and now we travel there every year consistently, but hope to make it more often (golf work ya know?)
Value (7.7)
Let's be honest. This is where people always complain about the growth of golf, gatekeeping, shrink the game, all the phrases. Just shut up. You're in one of the most expensive places in the entire U.S. The other people that choose to spend their time here include Larry David, Barrack Obama, Steph Curry, Ray Allen, Cam Neely, the list goes on and on. It's expensive. Ya, you're not going to be bale to pay the full daily rate unless you are truly wealthy among your wildest dreams.
At it's peak season rate, this will run you $350. Yes, $350. But you can also find rates that get as low as $110 in off season. If you want to play here, you can find the money to play once a year, I don't really have time for the I can't afford it excuse.
Now remember, you're paying to come to a premier and top public golf facility with tremendous views and tremendous staff. The restaurant is killer. The course layout is fun. The course condition is generally great. So sure, this isn't a sneaky under $100 course that nobody knows about, everyone and their mother has heard of Farm Neck. If you want terrific water views of the ocean on an expensive island, this is your answer.
Condition (9.6)
The only complaint I ahve here is that there is geese poop. Yup, geese are present, and they poop. Other than that, the greens are generally lightning, the recent tree work has given even better views of the water, the bunkers are great, and there isn't generally a brown spot on the place. So -.4 because the geese keep pooping, and when we shot them with BB Guns that wasn't allowed, so that's how it is.
Atmosphere (9.2)
I worked at Farm Neck for two years, and have such a great respect for all of the staff here, Don, Kyle, Tiny, Andrew, Tara, and so many others. Richie basically deserves his own blog post. The bar staff is unreal, and the bag staff is the laid back island crew you'd expect.
The course sits on Senge, the body of water on the other side of the road from State beach. There are so many great views along the pond that truly make you feel like you're on an island playing some g. The course itself is a fun and challenging course especially among weather conditions, but based off the tee you play can make anybody enjoy their time and their dollar.
The restaurant is phenomenal. Go hit the bar for wings and beers, you don't even have to play golf, the food and hang is worth the trip. If I could pick one place in Mass to play golf and then hang at the bar for a Sox/Bruins/Pats/PGA game or tourney, this is where I pick 9 times out of 10.
It feels what it costs here, and the staff keeps you grounded and well attended to (just don't ask Kyle more than one question).
-Cam