Golf Articles, Guides & Course Recommendations
Beginner-friendly guides, course rankings, golf etiquette, and Massachusetts golf travel tips from Golf TotalGuide.
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- The 10 Oldest Golf Courses in Massachusetts With Public Access
Play your way through history with 10 of the oldest public golf courses in Massachusetts.
- What’s With the 14 Clubs?
Beginner golfer? Here’s what clubs you actually need—and what’s just weighing you down.
- What the Hole Handicap Really Means (and How to Use It in Match Play)
Hole handicaps aren’t just filler—they determine where strokes land, and they could swing your next match.
- What Tees Should I Play From?
Wondering which tees to play from? This quick guide helps you pick the right set based on distance—not guesswork.
- Course Rating vs. Slope Rating: What Those Numbers on the Scorecard Actually Mean
Not sure what course and slope rating mean? We break it down in plain English — and explain how it actually affects your score, your handicap, and your sanity.
- Golf Terms Translated (Poorly) for Your Entertainment
A brutally honest, laugh-out-loud glossary of golf terms — perfect for beginners, hackers, and anyone who’s ever yelled “fore!” and hoped for the best.
- Top 10 Public Golf Courses for Walkers in Massachusetts
Skip the cart—these 10 public courses across Massachusetts are perfect for walking, with layouts that make every step enjoyable.
- Massachusetts Charity Golf Tournaments: Over 160 Ways to Play for a Cause
Tee it up for a good cause. Our guide to 160+ charity golf tournaments across Massachusetts helps you find events that matter—all on public courses.
- Mass Century Club
We’re playing all 46 of Massachusetts’ public golf courses that are over 100 years old—follow our Century Club Challenge and start your own.
- Cape Cod Public Courses to Play Before Memorial Day Crowds Arrive
Seven Cape Cod public courses worth playing now—before Memorial Day crowds take over the tee sheet.
- The Top 5 Donald Ross Public Golf Courses in Massachusetts
Play like a legend—five classic Donald Ross designs you can tee up on across Massachusetts.
- Finishing Strong: Golf’s Sustainable Path Forward (Part 5)
The final chapter of Greener Fairways charts the future of climate-smart, resilient golf in Massachusetts.
- The 10 Unwritten Rules of Public Golf
From showing up early to playing ready golf, these 10 unwritten rules help every public round go smoother—for you and everyone else on the course.
- From Lab to Links – The Science Driving Sustainable Golf (Part 4)
See how UMass Amherst research is helping public golf courses grow greener, stronger, and more sustainable.
- Don’t Just Smash Balls: 5 Range Drills Every Beginner Golfer Needs
Less chaos, more contact. Here’s how beginners get better.
- Pioneering Organic Golf on Martha’s Vineyard (Part 3)
Part 3 explores Vineyard Golf Club — the U.S.’s only fully organic course and a model for eco-friendly golf.
- Beginner-Friendly Golf Goals (That Aren’t About Score)
Beginner golfer? Skip the pressure and start with these 10 confidence-boosting goals that’ll help you enjoy the game—and stick with it.
- Grassroots Green – How Public Courses Are Redefining the Game (Part 2)
Public courses across Massachusetts are rewriting the playbook on sustainable golf—from smarter turf care to native habitats and community-driven innovation.
- Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Public Golf Courses in Greater Boston (2025)
New to the game? These 10 Boston-area public courses make learning golf fun, approachable, and affordable—no pressure, just a great place to start.
- Greener Fairways: A Guide to Sustainable Golf in Massachusetts
This is the first in our 5-part series on sustainable golf in Massachusetts. Learn how public courses are transforming the game—one tee box at a time.
- A Beginner’s Guide to Reading a Golf Course
New to golf? This beginner guide offers tips to make each round enjoyable. Learn about tee boxes, clubs, and navigating courses with ease and confidence.
- Top 10 Bucket List Golf Courses in Massachusetts You Can Actually Play
Bucket list golf in Massachusetts starts here—10 public courses that deliver unforgettable rounds, big views, and serious bragging rights.
- The Best Golf Influencers and Communities to Follow Right Now
Discover leading golf influencers and online communities offering tips, entertainment, and insights to enhance your golf experience and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
- Bag It Up: Finding Your First Golf Bag Without Losing Your Mind
Not sure which golf bag is right for you? From lightweight carry bags to feature-packed cart bags, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to find the perfect fit.
- Kick Off Golf Season with the Ultimate Short-Course Experience
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a casual player, or someone looking to get in more rounds this year, these shorter courses offer an exciting, accessible, and affordable way to jump back into the game.
- Mastering Your Score: A Beginner’s Guide to Golf Scoring
A beginner-friendly guide to golf scoring, covering how to read a scorecard, key terms like par and bogey, and the basics of handicaps—all with a light, practical approach
- Golf Game Formats: A Guide to Mixing Up Your Rounds
A guide to popular golf game formats, explaining how they work, how scoring is done, and where they’re commonly played.
- Golf Is the New Happy Hour: Why More Young Adults Are Hitting the Course
Golf is the new social scene—young adults trade happy hours for tee times. Here’s why.
- The Evolution and Importance of Public Golf in Massachusetts
Public golf courses—both municipal and privately owned daily-fee courses—play a crucial role in making the sport more accessible.
- Stop Overthinking It! How to Pick a Golf Ball and Just Play
Find the perfect golf ball by matching it to your skill, swing speed, and playing style—no overthinking needed.
- Golf Etiquette Made Easy: Play with Confidence from Your First Round
Learn the basics of golf etiquette, pace of play, and key rules so you can step onto the course with confidence and respect for the game.
- The Top 5 Sustainable Public Golf Courses in Massachusetts
From tee box to green, these beginner-friendly etiquette tips will help you play respectfully and confidently from your very first round.
- Beginner's Guide to Golf: Everything You Need to Start Playing
Get started with golf by learning the basics—gear, rules, swing tips, and where to play—so you can hit the course with confidence.