SCORE: 8.7
Red Tail Video Review Here
Value (8.3)
Condition (8.8)
Atmosphere (8.8)
By Tom Connolly -
Overview:
Majestic red-tailed hawks soar over 18 holes of championship golf woven through the secluded, rolling woodlands of historic army base Fort Devens, where lush maples, birches and oaks of the forest meet tall grasses and sands of the coast. The Brian Silva designed layout is a dramatic New England landscape all year round.
What was once known as a Top 5 Public Course in MA, has recently brought on one of our most controversial reviews. Here's my take on the course to back up the review.
Value (8.3):
Dynamic pricing is good for golf, and provides an opportunity for many more players to experience a course they might not otherwise be able to afford. Red Tail is a perfect example of that. For 2026, it looks like those rates will run from $91 to $195 on a summer Saturday. For my review, I took advantage of a $90 round (with cart & range) at 2pm. I'm not claiming that this round is worth $200, but I'll cough up $100 for an afternoon summer round that I can still fit in 18 holes.
Conditions (8.8):
Alright - I hear the haters on this one. If you've read my other blogs, you know I'm a sucker for Brian Silva designs and Red Tail is no exception. Silva dishes out a true challenge of a layout with tight window tee shots, and elevation changes that will have you wishing for another chance at the course.
However, Red Tail has seen better days from a conditions standpoint. When my review was posted, only the tee boxes were in tough shape. From more recent rounds I've seen, it's hard to justify an 8.8 score but we can only go off of our experiences. From the sounds of it, the course gets immense play (tee times starting at 5:30am) which never gives the course a chance to breathe, or the grounds crew the ability to tend to it's care. Hopefully ownership considers this in the future, and brings the course back to glory.
Atmosphere (8.8):
You're in Devens, MA... there's not much around for a post-game but Red Tail has your back. The Tavern is open daily from 9:30-7pm serving up all you need. A drink cart will make it's rounds on the course as well. Fast, casual dining that Divots looks for at a course that doesn't take itself too seriously to go over the top.