Ponkapoag Golf Course, Canton, MA

The Ponkapoag 1 Golf Course is in need of some TLC. The course was designed by renowned golf architect Donald Ross and has a great layout. Unfortunately, the upkeep is so bad that the great design and its surrounding are overshadowed.

Ponkapoag – or Ponky as the locals call it – is one of two 18-hole courses at the 36-hole facility. Surprisingly, it’s the better maintained of the two so stick with the original course if you want a better golfing atmosphere.

One positive of the course is the natural surroundings. It is located close to I-93, but the mature trees block out any noise. If you are a nature lover, you will enjoy the ambience here. The course backs up to a wooded area and an adjacent wetlands area. You'll see plenty of wildlife roaming the course and wildflowers grow along the rough.

While the scenery is nice, it is overgrown. The trees around the greens and fairway need to be trimmed and the brush cleared. Weeds and crabgrass are everywhere on the tee boxes and greens. Grass is growing in the sand traps. Some of the tee boxes are so hard that it is difficult to push in a tee.

The par-72 course offers three tees with the back tees playing 6,545 yards long. It is a shame that the conditions of the course are so bad because the layout of the course is great. There is a really good variety from hole to hole and you'll find doglegs, rolling fairways and cleverly placed bunkers.

Ponkapoag offers four par-5 holes with two measuring just over 500 yards (both are on the front nine). The course is very dry in general and if you hit a ball into the fairway it will roll farther than on most courses.

Another plus of Ponkapoag is the price. Find the right time and deal and you can play 18 holes with a cart for under $25. The course also offers a putting green, driving range and snack bar.

Ponkapoag has the potential to be a great golf course. Until it gets some much-needed maintenance, we would not recommend playing this course.

Under the direction of the new Groundskeeper, the conditions have improved dramatically. Traps have been done over, brush is being cleared, opening fairways, and plans to improve teebox areas are in the works. $17.00 daily fee for a senior is outstanding.