SCORE: 8.8
Granite Links Video Review Here
Value (7.9)
Condition (9.4)
Atmosphere (9.2)
Tom's Review -->
Overview:
Granite Links in Quincy, MA is home to 27 championship holes, a restaurant, and a local watering hole for every chad living in Southie. In all seriousness, this place has become an institution and pretty much gamified a driving range by charging $16 a bucket and slinging mud slides at the same time (all while being 20 minutes from Boston).
Condition:
There's 3 different 9's at Granite - The Quincy, Milton & Granite. I played the Milton and the Quincy 9's this day - apparently I missed out on The Granite but we'll be back another day. The conditions are pretty prestine - the grounds crew has clear attention to detail. However, I can't say the same for the every day players... blatant disrespect of missed ball marks and divots, felt like playing after a large football team outing beat up the course. Shrink the game. Just kidding, but please teach your friends to take care of the courses they play (public or private, $40 or $400 greens fees). The layout is definitely funky and you really don't need driver as much as it is tempting to get after some tee shots. Lay back, work on longer approach shots, and you can score well here. A a few too many transfusions at Crossing 9's (bar/range) prior to your round, and you'll find trouble here easily.
Value:
Peak season rates run $180+ for 18 with a cart. I know it is hard to find a course around Boston with really good conditions but there's definitely a lack of value here. Sure, the conditions, fun atmosphere and proximity to Boston will cause a surcharge, but I'll have a hard time bringing myself to go back for that cost.
Atmosphere:
If you're on instagram, you've probably seen a few stories of the range at Crossing 9's. I have to be honest, it is a great set up and they found a hack in putting a great bar at a driving range. The atmosphere definitely gets people here, and kudos to the team for building it into a brand. If you want to meet some friends outside the city, or plan a date night to get your wife into the game, Granite Links is a great place to start.