Mount Hood Golf Course
Mount Hood Golf Course offers a distinctive 18-hole public layout marked by elevation shifts and wooded surroundings just outside Boston. Its balance of challenge and playability appeals to players of varying skill levels, shaped by its terrain and strategic design.
Course Overview
Situated just 20 minutes from Boston in the city of Melrose, Mount Hood Golf Course provides an engaging and dynamic 18-hole layout that challenges golfers of all levels without compromising the natural beauty of its surroundings. This public course is known for its distinctive elevation changes and strategic routing through wooded terrain marked by granite outcroppings that both frame the fairways and demand thoughtful shot placement. Players find themselves navigating blind tee shots and uphill approaches that keep concentration sharp and strategy paramount throughout the round.
The course's character emerges vividly through its varied topography. From the tee boxes, golfers can experience the subtle drama of the landscape as the land rises and falls beneath their feet. One of the standout features is the 8th hole, where a hike up a hill near a historic tower rewards visitors with expansive views towards Boston’s skyline, forging a moment of calm perspective amid the course's challenges.
Mount Hood delivers a blend of playability and test, making it a fitting venue for beginners seeking to develop their skills as well as experienced players looking for a competitive experience. The greens are maintained with care and present subtle breaks, while the fairways are generous enough to offer recovery options but tight enough to penalize wandering drives. This balance makes for a satisfying pace of play without undue frustration.
Complementing the golf is a welcoming on-site staff committed to making each visit enjoyable, from the pro shop assistance to the snack bar where simple fare like burgers is served with a friendly smile. The course is also known for its excellent drainage, ensuring good conditions even after significant rainfall. For those walking the course, sturdy footwear is advised given the hilly terrain, which adds a rewarding physical dimension to the mental golf challenge.
For locals and visitors alike, Mount Hood Golf Course stands out as a well-maintained, thoughtfully designed course that encourages repeat rounds through its variety and natural charm. Its proximity to Boston makes it an accessible escape that combines a solid golfing test with a deeply satisfying outdoor experience.
Course Highlights
Mount Hood’s hallmark lies in its pronounced elevation changes that thread through granite rock formations and wooded areas, creating a strategic challenge framed by natural elements. The 8th hole offers an elevated vantage with a nearby historic tower overlooking Boston’s skyline, serving as a memorable highlight. Strong drainage infrastructure allows quality play even after rain. The course maintains a friendly atmosphere supported by attentive staff and straightforward amenities, making it accessible for both serious golfers and casual players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Emilio Ciasullo
Went on a particularly rainy day and conditions were excellent. One fairway had some standing water, not a lot , but overall drainage is definitely excellent. As far as the course, it’s got some extreme elevation changes, you’ll get a good workout if you choose to walk. The way the course routes through the woods and some dramatic,at times, granite outcroppings is amazing. This course is a true gem. If you’re not paying the back tees you have to at least take the walk up the hill to the ones on The 8th . The tower is located there and the views of Boston from up there are pretty spectacular.
Alejandro Alvarez
Mt. Hood Golf Course, just 20 minutes outside of Boston, is an outstanding place to play! The course is in great condition and offers a thrilling challenge with its numerous blind tee shots and elevation changes. It’s perfect for golfers looking to test their skills and enjoy a scenic round. The layout keeps you engaged from start to finish. Highly recommend Mt. Hood for anyone seeking a top-notch golfing experience. We’ll definitely be back!
Victoria Shaw
Played here a few times. A lot of hills incorporated into the course. I would say easy course overall. Well maintained. Have done the simulator 3-4 times. They have Trackman. Kind of expensive hourly rate but if you go before 11 it’s half price.
Harry Thompson
DraMatik Gonzalez
I really enjoyed shooting a wedding here. It's very beautiful and has many great spots for taking pictures and shooting videos, such as the tower and the little ponds full of incredible foliage. This was a great place to shoot a video, and the staff was incredible. The indoor event area is beautiful and perfect for weddings or other events. With the great and friendly staff, you'll have a great time here.
Jeff A
I'm not from Boston, but after golfing at Mount Hood, I can understand why the locals call it a "hidden jewel." Visiting from LA and being not familiar with the area, we took a chance and drove to the suburb of Melrose to golf here. Here's a rundown: Staff: I talked with the people in the pro shop, the lady running the snack bar, the cart girl, a groundskeeper, the rangers, and the starter. I mean it when I say that EVERY SINGLE ONE of those people were friendly, kind, helpful, and authentic in their conversations. Food: Smash burger and fries. Need I say more? Golf Course: Great condition, greens were well kept, fairways were good, and it was challenging. Enjoying the scenery was a good trade off for a bad shot. Some of those trees actually saved me from a worse shot. We only played the front 9, but I'm sure the back 9 was just as nice. Overall, go play this course. I apologize now to the locals who want or keep it a "hidden gem" but hopefully more outsiders like me will get to have the same experience as I did.
Ryan Albertson
Juan Francisco Zárate Martínez
Jeffrey Pagulong
Beautiful greens and fairways. I love this course!
Jay Lowe
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
100 Slayton Rd, Melrose, MA 02176, USA
Mount Hood Golf Course Clubhouse with pro shop and snack bar facilities
Walking is welcomed and encouraged; the course’s hilly terrain requires comfortable walking shoes with good support. Golf carts are available but many players prefer walking to fully engage with the course’s elevation changes.
Open to the public; tee times can be booked online or via phone. Early tee times recommended for a quieter round and better course conditions.
Nearby Courses
