Billy McGolf Mini-Putt Return to Massachusetts page

150 Bridge St
Dedham, MA 02026-1706
(781) 326-9616

Price: $6.75

Par: 47 Other Activities: Driving Range, Snack Bar

Difficulty: 6

Creativity: 5

Atmosphere: 9

You really don’t know what to expect from this course upon first sight because you can see so little of it from the parking lot. The first thing you do see though is the sticker price, which is a little on the pricey side for the course. The course is very nice and all, but doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of the more costly courses we’ve played (although the replay is a mere $3.00). The overall course is in good shape and the landscaping is excellent. Everything on the course (the obstacles, sides, walkways) is made of different types of stone which gives it a very nice look and isn’t apt to easy wear and tear (although can provide for a funky bounce or two). They also have very nice stone pillars that give the hole information (number and par).

The reason you can’t see much of the course from the beginning is that it is incredibly spread out, which provided a lot of space for the players. It also doesn’t allow you to see more than a hole or two ahead of you, which leads to some pleasant surprises. The course summits at the top of the 14^th hole, which has an observation deck to look down on the rest of the course. The 14^th hole itself is a very long, all downhill hole- just tap the ball and hope for some good bounces. The overall course offers a few challenges matched with a few shorter, less complex holes and most players will find themselves within a few strokes of par even if they do get a couple fours and fives. Unfortunately, with the entire construction revolving around the stonework, there leaves little room for great creativity. We did see a couple of unique holes (which tended to be the more challenging) but like above they were balanced by just as mainly plain and simple holes.

One of the more interesting features of the course has nothing to do with the golf at all. Towards the entrance to the course there is a large pond which is the home to several different types of koi fish (sort of like giant, multicolored goldfish). There is a sign at the beginning of the course which explains the different types of fish and for fifty cents you can get about a half a Dixie cup full of fish food to feed the fish. We’ve seen this on one of the other courses we’ve played and it’s a really good way to pass the time while waiting for your turn to start. This course also utilizes a free game format that we’ve seen on another course. Your chance to win a free game is by dropping your ball into a “Plinko” (from the Price Is Right) style ball return. Although this is nifty, we’d rather enjoy the challenge of getting a hole in one on a bonus hole to win a free game. However, that’s probably the worst knock we can find on this course (except for the fact that the bathrooms are all the way on the other end of the parking lot) so don’t let that stop you from going on out to this course and having a good time. We think you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by: Pat, Mandy and Putt

Reviewed in: 2003

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Course Pictures (click to enlarge)