These five elite courses are the best in Massachusetts, Golfweek says

USA Today's Golfweek just assessed Massachusetts golf courses and how the state ranks overall.

The publication took every state in the union and split its rankings into three categories: the quality of a state's publicly accessible golf courses; the strength of a state's elite, private golf courses; and the caliber of the sport in the state with both public and private courses considered.

When it came to publicly available golf courses, Massachusetts tied Alabama for 25th place with a score of 6.31 out of 10.

This following ranking was compiled by averaging the ratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, of the top five private layouts in each state. When it came to private, elite golf courses, Massachusetts placed eighth in the nation with a score of 7.82 out of 10.

When both were taken into account, the commonwealth tied New Jersey and Ohio at No. 14 with a score of 7.1.

Here are the five private golf courses that earned Massachusetts its placement from Golfweek.

Massachusetts' best private golf courses

1. The Country Club (Composite)

Brookline (T24c): This means the Brookline course is a classic course and was built before 1960. It was tied for 24th place on Golfweek’s best lists for top 200 modern and classic courses in the U.S.

"Founded in 1882 and located in Brookline, Mass., The Country Club is one of the oldest clubs in the United States and one of five charter members that founded the United States Golf Association in 1894," The Country Club's website said.

The course being ranked is actually a composite of two different courses: the Main course and the club's Primrose nine, which is where the 2022 U.S. Open was played. The composite ranked No. 1 on Golfweek’s Best 2022 list of top private courses in the state.

2. Myopia Hunt Club

Hamilton (T30c): This means the Hamilton course is a classic course and was built before 1960. It was tied for 30th place on Golfweek’s best lists for top 200 modern and classic courses in the U.S.

This course is highly regarded, hosting the U.S. Open golf tournament in 1898, 1901, 1905 and 1908. The course opened in 1894. It has 18 holes; its 10th hole rebuffed famous golfers like the late President William Howard Taft, according to various reports.

T3. Eastward Ho!

Chatham (T41c): This means the Chatham course is a classic course and was built before 1960. It was tied for 41st place on Golfweek’s best lists for top 200 modern and classic courses in the U.S.

This 18-hole course overlooks the beautiful greenery of the Cape and the wonderful blue hue of the ocean. While it does have some lovely ambiance, it also has some challenging layouts for seasoned golfers.

"Eastward Ho! cultivates a family environment to encourage congeniality and recreation amongst our Members of all ages," its website said. "Members and Club staff contribute to our Club spirit of friendly competition, respect for all individuals, and reverence for the heritage and culture of Eastward Ho!"

T3. Essex

Manchester-by-the-Sea (T41c): This means the Manchester-by-the-Sea course is a classic course and was built before 1960. It was tied for 41st place on Golfweek’s best lists for top 200 classic courses in the U.S.

Founded in 1893, the Essex County Club initially had a polo field and a nine-hole golf course.

"Today, ECC boasts an expanded Club House, a Donald Ross designed eighteen-hole golf course (1917), ten grass and ten clay tennis courts, three paddle tennis courts, and a full size swimming pool," the Essex website said. "All of these amenities are located on 180 acres in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts."

5. Boston Golf Club

Hingham (T32m): This means the Hingham course is a classic course and was built before 1960. It was tied for 32nd place on Golfweek’s best lists for top 200 modern courses in the U.S.

The Hingham golf course is the only modern course that made it onto the qualifying five that pushed Massachusetts into 8th place.

"The course was designed for the passionate golfer who appreciates a classic experience which honors the traditions of the game," the club's website said. "BGC's membership embraces this passion in a comfortable and fun environment."

The course apparently offers challenging play and verdant green hills with which to contend.