behogan

PROS:

- I value "value," "course condition," and "course layout." NECC's value speaks for itself. Just play there once, and I then challenge you to find a greater value for golf in all of New England. IMO, there's only one golf course in MA that compares to NECC for layout & challenge - Cyprian Keyes in Bolyston, MA.

- Recent changes made to course layout (e.g. clearing of trees) should attract mid-to-high handicappers back to NECC.

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CONS:

- Slow pace of play is due, in large part, to the challenge of the golf course.

- Staff's behavior wasn't noteworthy one way or the other. They were neither rude nor welcoming to any notable degree. Dismissive is pretty accurate. Quite frankly, staff behavior doesn't carry much weight with me anyway. I'd much rather they be dismissive than be a hindrance. Would it make for a more pleasant experience, overall, if the staff was more welcoming & attentive - absolutely!!! But, in the end, that's not why I play this silly game.

- If you ask me, PRISTINE conditions is asking a bit much for a public golf course. Overall, course conditions were fine. The only areas that could use some TLC are the greens and tee boxes.

- The greens lack consistency from one green to the next and some of the greens could be described as "a bit rutty." IMO, the best greens in & around the area can be found at Lakeville Country Club in Lakeville, MA.

- As for the teeing areas, I can only echo what another reviewer shared in stating how hard the teeing surfaces were. So hard on one tee box, in fact, that the 4 of us agreed (for fairness' sake) to all drive the ball off the deck, after the 1st player nearly broke his wrist trying to place a tee into the ground. I'd suggest softening up those teeing areas.

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- Kevin

Welcoming staff & good value!

First place I go when introducing someone (young or old) to the game. Course layout isn't unfairly penal, but offers enough in the way of challenges to indoctrinate those golfers just taking up the game.

The aptly designated #1 handicap hole - or toughest - is the 6th hole. This hole will provide the novice golfer with the greatest challenge from tee to green.

Given the course is just a 9-hole facility, the very presence of a driving range & practice putting green was a pleasant surprise. The size of these practice areas is more than adequate as well - another surprise!

Highly recommend(!!!) this course to anyone learning the game,... and to anyone looking to introduce someone to the game. You won't regret it!

- Kevin