William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park
Just outside downtown Boston, William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park delivers an 18-hole parkland challenge defined by rolling hills and natural elevation. This municipal facility offers accessible golf with a layout that rewards smart play and steadies the starter’s nerves.
Course Overview
Located just minutes from downtown Boston, the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and engaging golf design. As one of the city's two municipal courses, it provides an 18-hole layout that challenges and welcomes players of all levels. The course measures roughly 6,000 yards from the back tees with a par of 70, but its hilly terrain and elevation changes often make it play longer than the yardage suggests. The shape of the course leans toward a parkland style, characterized by tree-lined fairways, wide open spaces, and natural elevation that tests shot-making and course management rather than sheer distance.
Set within one of Boston’s largest public green spaces, the course’s landscape offers a refreshing retreat from city life. Rolling hills come into play as golfers navigate blind tee shots, sloping fairways, and greens that require careful reading. While the fairways remain forgiving, strategic placement is rewarded and the rough—comprised largely of fescue grass—demands thoughtful recovery shots. The greens are known for their subtle breaks and undulations, requiring a keen eye and steady pace to score well.
A practical choice for locals and visitors seeking affordable play, William J. Devine balances approachable playability with moments of genuine challenge. It’s especially suited for golfers who enjoy varied terrain rather than straightforward, flat designs. The course can slow down during busy periods, so early tee times are advised for those prioritizing a brisk round. Walking is encouraged, as the layout’s natural elevation gains offer both a physical and mental workout; sturdy shoes are recommended to handle the hills comfortably.
Basic amenities include a modest clubhouse and a pro shop catering to the essentials. Access is open to the public, with Boston residents benefiting from discounted pricing. While golf carts are available by request, many players prefer the opportunity to walk and experience the course's flowing character. With its city-proximate location and inviting layout, Franklin Park’s William J. Devine Golf Course remains a valued golf resource that blends accessibility with a spirited test of golf.
Course Highlights
This course features a traditional parkland layout with undulating fairways that challenge shot placement amidst natural hills. Several tee shots are blind, introducing a strategic element uncommon for municipal courses. The fescue-lined rough demands precision off the tee, while the greens require careful reads due to their subtle slopes. Its proximity to Boston’s urban core gives it a rare blend of city convenience and open, natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Brendan Fogarty
Course itself is amazing. I was very dissappointed that nobody mention that all the fairways were being aeration treated. We could have re-scheduled as my wife and I are traveling for our anniversary and really enjoy travel and playing different courses. We look forward to coming back when the course is in better shape.
Andrew Heim
Good course, and in good shape
Bill Chen
Great muni course good condition in early Nov, but great was just recently aerated that day we played so the greens were very sandy. Layout is hilly which is normal for courses in the Boston area. Yardages look short, 6k from the tip but it plays long because of the hills and up and downs. Would go back again.
morgan
David Moreira
If you get a chance play this course! It was fun. Nice layout, course in great shape and greens are very good! Showed up at 8:30 am and was able to tee off by 9:10, played with some local guys, Sal, Jim and Joe. Had a blast! Will definitely play this course again.
Harry Thompson
Raymond Sheridan
The course is a dog track and the staff was worse. There was basically a cookout with dorchester locals going on in the parking lot, not to mention constant people walking across the course mid round. Avoid this place like the plague.
Riku Yamaji
William J. Devine aka Franklin Park is one of two municipal golf courses operated by the city of Boston (the other being George Wright). I’ve played here a few times and here are my takeaways: Pros: The golf course is located close to the city for city residents. You can get a slightly discounted rate for being a Boston resident. It’s also fairly easy to get a tee time, less booked than GW. It’s a fun golf course. Even though it’s a shorter golf course at 6000 yards from the tips and many fairways are wide open, many shots demand your attention. The rough isn’t too bad. Be sure to avoid the fescue areas. Some tee shots are blind and it’s hard to tell which way the hole goes, so it’s helpful to download a GPS rangefinder app. Greens require good reads. Overall it makes for a laid back and enjoyable round. Cons: Greens were running a bit slow and there was standing water on the fairways, but given the recent weather it’s understandable. Hope it improves. The pace of play here is slow. One time I had to wait 30 minutes past my tee time. And like other reviewers have said, the course marshals are rude. I saw them yell at the top of their lungs to people for going off the cart path by a few feet. Not a good look and not a good way to invite people to take up the game. WJD and GW are the same prices - I’d take GW any day if I can get a time.
Travis Pape
Played here several times and enjoyed each round. The course is in pretty good shape for being a public course in the middle of the city. The hole layouts are interesting and make for a challenging experience. The staff has always been friendly and is good at what they do. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking for a quick nine after work.
Logan Capps
If you have a spectator they charge for club rental, golf round, and cart fee. Wouldn’t ever recommend this place.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1 Circuit Dr, Dorchester, MA 02121, USA
Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse
Walking is encouraged; the hilly terrain calls for supportive footwear. Players should prepare for steady elevation changes throughout the round.
Open to the public with discounted rates for Boston residents. Reservations recommended during peak periods.
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