America's Worst Golf Courses? Meet the Two Clubs That Landed at the Bottom of the Rankings

One Massachusetts golf course made headlines for its deteriorating conditions in 2025. In 2026, a Texas course took the dubious distinction in a new ranking.

Golfers will put up with a lot. A few missed putts, a bunker that seems to swallow golf balls and a three-putt from 10 feet are all part of the game.

But what happens when the course itself becomes the biggest obstacle to enjoying a round?

Two golf courses in the United States have drawn attention for all the wrong reasons, landing at the bottom of rankings that examine the country's least enjoyable places to play.

And while there is no official governing body that crowns America's worst golf course, these two facilities have become examples of what can happen when course conditions fall well short of golfers' expectations.

Leo J. Martin Golf Course: A Massachusetts Course in the Spotlight

Located in Weston, Massachusetts, Leo J. Martin Golf Course found itself under an uncomfortable spotlight in 2025 when MyGolfSpy identified it as the worst golf course in America.

The criticism centered on the condition of the course, including deteriorating turf, patchy fairways and greens that reportedly featured weeds, sand and dirt.

For golfers, those are not minor complaints. Course conditions can make or break an experience, particularly when players are paying for a round and expecting greens that roll consistently and fairways that provide a reasonable playing surface.

The attention also brought renewed focus to the course's future. Massachusetts officials discussed a proposed $5 million improvement plan, highlighting the financial commitment that may be necessary to restore a struggling golf facility.

The story is a reminder that a course's reputation can change dramatically when maintenance issues become impossible to ignore. It also raises an important question: Can investment and a renewed commitment to course conditions turn a negative story into a comeback?

Blackhawk Golf Club: Texas Takes the Unwanted Spotlight

In 2026, MyGolfSpy's ranking pointed to Blackhawk Golf Club in Pflugerville, Texas, as the worst golf course in America.

The publication's approach considered recent Google reviews, with eligibility criteria that included at least 100 reviews and an overall rating below 3.5. Reported complaints included dead grass, deteriorating greens and disappointing playing conditions.

The ranking also raised questions about value. When golfers pay green fees that can approach $60, they generally expect a course that is reasonably maintained and worth the price of admission.

Of course, online reviews are subjective. Weather, seasonal maintenance, expectations and individual experiences can influence a golfer's opinion. A low rating does not tell the entire story of a facility, its staff or the challenges it faces.

Still, when poor conditions repeatedly appear in reviews, operators have a reason to pay attention. In an increasingly competitive golf market, a disappointing experience can quickly become a public-relations problem.

What Makes a Golf Course the Worst in America?

There is no universally accepted formula for determining the worst golf course in the country. One publication might emphasize Google reviews, while another might focus on course architecture, maintenance, customer service or overall value.

That distinction matters. A difficult course is not necessarily a bad course, and an inexpensive municipal facility should not be judged by precisely the same standards as a premium daily-fee destination.

But golfers reasonably expect playable surfaces, safe conditions and an experience that reflects the price they pay.

For Leo J. Martin and Blackhawk, the negative attention could ultimately become an opportunity. Improvements to turf, greens and overall presentation can help restore golfer confidence, while honest communication about renovation plans can demonstrate a commitment to doing better.

For now, these two courses illustrate how quickly a golf facility can become known for its shortcomings rather than its strengths.

And if there's one thing every golf course operator should take away from their stories, it's this: Golfers might forgive a bad scorecard. They're much less likely to forgive a bad golf course.

Salgados Golf Club Launches Europe's First On-Course Drone Delivery Service

(Algarve, Portugal) – Salgados Golf Club is introducing Europe's first operational on-course drone delivery service. This innovative offering will allow golfers to order food and drinks, and have it delivered on the golf course via drone.

The new delivery is simple:
- Golfers message the club on WhatsApp and an AI concierge takes the order.
- The order is placed straight into Salgados Golf Club's point-of-sale system.
- Staff prepares the order and boxes the items for delivery.
- The order is picked up and flown by drone to the golfers on the course.
- Payments are processed directly through Salgados Golf Club's point-of-sale system, ensuring a seamless experience for the guest and business.

The drone and AI fulfillment network are operated locally under their own regulatory licenses and approvals for efficient and comprehensive coverage across the golf course terrain.   

"Integrating this unique delivery option and AI concierge technology enhances our ability to serve golfers efficiently and in a memorable way," said Jon Schauder, Troon Executive at Salgados Golf Club. "Advances in technology streamline the ordering process, allowing golfers to enjoy our service quickly via drone in addition to our buggy bar.”

“This service is yet another step by the team at Salgados Golf Club in their commitment to provide an incredible golf experience,” said Troon Senior Vice President Ricardo Catarino. “We congratulate Jon and his team on never resting on their past accomplishments and being willing to look at new ways to delight their guests.  Salgados Golf Club has always been a favorite play in the Algarve and it just keeps getting better and better.”

Located on the Algarve coast near Salgados Beach and Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, the 18-hole Salgados Golf Club is managed by Troon and sits among a stellar selection of on-site Highgate Portugal accommodation options: Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Spa; Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, Algarve; and Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Algarve.  All properties have benefited from redesigns and refurbishments across their accommodation, public spaces and food and beverage outlets to offer the exceptional amenities synonymous with Marriott locations.

For more information on Salgados Golf Club, visit www.salgadosgolf.com.

Renovation Project of Practice Areas Completed at The Country Club of North Carolina

(PINEHURST, N.C.) – The renovation of the driving range and practice areas at The Country Club of North Carolina by Spence Golf Inc., under the direction of architect Kris Spence, is complete.

The project began on June 8, under the supervision of Spence’s lead associate Jim Harbin and was opened to the membership on October 9.

“CCNC is extremely pleased with the work of Kris Spence and Spence Golf, Inc., on the practice range and short game facility,” club president Charlie Rivers said. “The amenities of this critical area for our dedicated members are top-notch and also feel like home. Members and guests, either playing our courses, or trying to sharpen their games, will experience a fully new and revamped/rejuvenated facility.”

“I’m very confident that we not only accomplished all of our goal but most likely exceeded expectations on this project,” Spence said.  “The new short game area has great variety and will accommodate many more players and if there is a better practice tee and target green set up in the Sandhills I am not aware of it”

The main components of the renovation included changes to the size, alignment and levels of the practice range, additional target greens, a higher safety net, and a larger and more free-flowing short-game area. The entire facility was sodded with new grass.

A new single deck of 125,000 square feet (nearly three acres) was built for the practice range and resulted in eight to 10 more hitting stations.

To simulate the on-course experience for the members, 40,000 square feet of the tee is zoysia to match the fairway grass on the Dogwood Course and the remainder is Bermuda to match the fairway grass of the Cardinal Course.

Practicing players can now hit four well-defined target greens with sharper surrounds, ranging in size from 3,000-3,500 square feet. In addition, two smaller target greens of 1,000 square feet or less were built to accommodate ‘scoring club” practice.

The new short-game practice area have been expanded by 80 percent, according to Spence.

Both ends of the practice range now have the ability to accommodate synthetic mats for the winter season.

Troon Selected to Manage White Plains Golf Club in South Carolina

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage White Plains Golf Club, a daily-fee course in Pageland, South Carolina. Indigo Sports, a Troon company, will oversee golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing.

Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Charlotte, White Plains Golf Club features an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Eddie Riccoboni. The course measures 6,361 yards from the back tees and is known for its gently rolling fairways lined with mature pines and strategically placed water features. The club also offers a full-service restaurant – The Clubhouse Kitchen – and over 50,000 square feet of banquet space, suitable for weddings and golf outings.

“Troon is honored to partner with White Plains Golf Club and owner Andrew Currie,” said Troon Vice President of Operations Dan Zimmer. “Andrew didn’t partner with Troon to maintain what’s here. He wants to take White Plains to the next level, and we’re eager to help make that happen for the members, the guests, and the Pageland community.”

"We are thrilled to work with Troon to elevate the guest experience at White Plains Golf Club,” said White Plains Golf Club Owner Andrew Currie. “Their expertise will be invaluable in enhancing our operations and offerings."

The management agreement aims to enhance the club's operations, improve guest experiences, and further establish White Plains Golf Club as a premier destination for golfers and event guests in the region. For more information on White Plains Golf Club, visit www.thewpgc.com.

American Greens Announces a New Concept in Golf Entertainment

(STATESVILLE, N.C.) – American Greens, a national leader in golf-related synthetic turf installations, and The 500 Club have announced completion of an exciting new concept golf entertainment destination at The 500 Club on Lake Norman, North Carolina. The completed project is a themed 9-hole chipping course called THE GRAVEYARD, designed to deliver social, hospitality-forward golf experiences for players of every age and ability.

“This is exactly the kind of project we really enjoy – building accessible, experience-first environments that introduce more people to the great game of golf,” said Mike Long, Founder of American Greens. American Greens designed and installed premium synthetic putting surfaces, custom undulations, and play features that deliver realistic ball roll and tournament-quality performance while fitting into the site’s natural wooded hillsides. Synthetic turf tee boxes lead to 10-to-30-yard holes, perfect for chips and pitches with 300 to 600 sq. ft. synthetic turf greens. Each hole is designed to be easily playable for beginners while incorporating the undulation and slope for more advanced players to hit strategic shots.

Design & Experience Philosophy – Golf Entertainment and Hospitality

The development is organized around a single idea: make golf feel effortless, social, and entertaining. The fusion of golf, entertainment, and hospitality drives planning decisions from routing and sight lines to lighting, F&B placement, and universal accessibility. Facilities with a wooded hillside area on their property can now profit from that area that was previously deemed unusable.

THE GRAVEYARD is conceived as a compact, playful 9-hole chipping course that channels a vintage race-car graveyard aesthetic. Modeled as a creative nod to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car graveyard motif, The Graveyard incorporates curated hardscape and sculptural elements inspired by racing. The feature is intended to be high-character and whimsical while also providing a challenging layout, the kind of themed short-game attraction that turns practice into an immersive social moment and photo opportunity.

Planning & Build Considerations

During planning and construction, American Greens and The 500 Club prioritized:

- Turf selection and sub-base engineering for realistic ball roll, durability, and low maintenance.

- Custom shaping and hazard design that balance challenge with efficient pace of play.

- Stormwater management and drainage that preserve the site’s natural contours.

- ADA compliance and universal design for broad accessibility.

- Integrated evening lighting for safety and theatrical ambiance.

- Hospitality staging, F&B placement, and service access that support revenue and guest experience.

TRUE linkswear Brings Back Iconic Dead Golfer for Another October

TRUE’s annual Dead Golfer collection returns with a fresh lineup of footwear, apparel, and accessories.

(TACOMA, Wash.) – TRUE linkswear (TRUE), creators of ultra-comfortable, modern golf footwear for walking on the course and off, is bringing back one of its most recognizable and beloved icons with its latest Dead Golfer collection. Returning each October, the annual collection has become a TRUE tradition, giving golfers a reason to celebrate their obsession with the game – even while the season starts to wind down.

Inspired by TRUE’s cult-favorite skeleton golfer, the new collection puts a fresh spin on the Dead Golfer across a range of footwear, apparel, and accessories. The capsule collection includes three shoe models: an all-black Knit Four, classic OG3 Pro, and a street-styled Antigravity Leather, a new collaboration with New Level Golf, sweatshirts, tees, hats, and clubhead covers – a collaboration with Dormie. Available in a variety of colorways and produced in limited quantities, the collection is designed for golfers who embrace the game, live in it, and keep coming back for more.

More than a seasonal graphic, the Dead Golfer has become part of TRUE’s identity and a favorite among its community. Its laid-back attitude reflects TRUE’s approach to golf: play often, walk wherever you can, have fun and never take the game – or yourself – too seriously. New for the 2025 collection are two new collaborations producing a New Line DG Putter and a Dormie DG headcover.

“The Dead Golfer has taken on a life of its own,” said Jason Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of TRUE linkswear. “What started as a simple sketch became something our community really connected with because it captures the way so many of us feel about golf. You can be frustrated by it, obsessed with it, love it, hate it – and still be back on the first tee the next day. That’s the Dead Golfer. It’s a little gritty, a little irreverent, and ultimately about having fun with the game.”

The latest Dead Golfer collection is available exclusively through TRUE linkswear while supplies last. With limited quantities across the collection, once these Dead Golfers are gone, they’re gone.

Shoe Capsule

The Knit Four Dead Golfer might be the darkest release yet, featuring a black-on-black ominous colorway for the ultimate wardrobe staple. The modern, athletic silhouette offers unmatched flexibility and sock-like comfort, with added durability and stability. Available in Black; Men’s US Half Sizes: 7-12.5, Full sizes: 13-15, MSRP $149.

A performance shoe built for walkers, the OG3 PRO features TRUE’s zero-drop WanderLux® midsole, a new easy-on tongue system, and a two-year waterproof guarantee. Available in white with a grey sole, and a discreet Dead Golfer logo on the side; Men’s US Half Sizes: 7-12.5, Full sizes: 13-15, MSRP $199.

The final shoe in the Dead Golfer series is the Antigravity Leather, featuring a street, modern styling in all black with a contrasting thicker white sole. A large Dead Golfer logo is stitched into the side of the shoe with ‘DG Society EST. 2019’ also on the side. The premium top-grain leather upper is paired with a Pebax® midsole and a full-length nylon speedboard for featherlight cushioning, high-energy rebound, and lasting comfort. Available in Black; Men’s US Half Sizes: 7-12.5, Full sizes: 13-15, MSRP $225.

TRUE collaborated with New Level Putter, expanding Dead Golfer. The beautiful blade putter, FS-P1 model, features the motto ‘Enjoy the Walk’ inscribed on the bottom and ‘TRUE’ along the side. A 303 stainless steel putter with a short slant neck, traditional shaping, and a gunmetal finish. The putter will be sold through the New Level Putter website here, MSRP $300.

Apparel Capsule

The apparel capsule gives golfers the opportunity to wear the logo every day in T-shirts, including the DG Motion (2 colors), Swing Sequence (2 colors), Afterlife (2 colors), Retro Society (3 colors), and Honors Society (1 color) styles, all T-shirts MSRP $49. Sweatshirt hoodies with new logos include the DG Motion (1 color), Swing Sequence (2 colors), and the Afterlife (2 colors) models, MSRP $99 each. For a relaxed look, the DG Sweats will also be available in two colors with Dead Golfer logos, MSRP $75.

Accessory Capsule

The Dead Golfer accessories are specifically curated for the celebration, including TRUE Lux Tech 6-Panel Hats, belts, and a headcover collaboration with Dormie.

For more information on all of the new TRUE products, visit www.truelinkswear.com.

Go Golf Kaua‘i Courses Reopen Following Hurricane Lowell

Princeville Makai Golf Club

Kauai’s premier golf courses welcome golfers back to the Garden Isle

(Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi) – The Kauaʻi community continues to make steady and inspiring progress in the wake of Hurricane Lowell. Since the Category 2 hurricane impacted the island on September 7 and 8, crews and residents have cleared debris, restored power, and are ready to extend the Aloha spirit the Garden Isle is known for. Amid this resilience comes welcome news for golf travelers, KAUAʻI IS OPEN and Go Golf Kaua‘i’s acclaimed courses have reopened for play and are welcoming back visitors to their fairways and greens.

Visitors to Kauaʻi are encouraged to travel with patience, shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants, and show kindness and respect towards residents.

Course Status Update:

Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course – OPEN

Poʻipū Bay Golf Course

Poʻipū Bay Golf Course is fully open and operating on Kauaʻi's sunny south shore. Set between lush mountains and rugged ocean bluffs, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design — former host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006 — is in excellent condition, sustaining only minor damage during the hurricane. Poʻipū Bay offers multi-round unlimited packages for three, five and 10 rounds, as well as unique Breakaway specials including Practice and Play packages, 7-Hole Stretch and 9-Hole options, and the fan-favorite Ocean 11. 

Puakea Golf Course – OPEN

Puakea Golf Course reopened September 12 and is completely operational. Tree and debris removal is ongoing along the perimeters of the property but does not impact the golf experience. The spectacular Robin Nelson design — named one of the top courses in Hawaiʻi by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor and Golfweek — winds along massive ravines and lush tropical terrain, with the backdrop made famous by the Jurassic Park film series. The course is in excellent condition and is delivering the high-quality "Kauaʻi-style" customer service Puakea is renowned for. 

Princeville Makai Golf Club – OPEN

Princeville Makai Golf Club reopened on September 29 and is completely operational. More than 200 trees were lost across the property from the hurricane, therefore tree and debris removal will be taking place along the perimeters of playing corridors for several weeks. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s award-winning design on the North Shore features surreal vistas of Mt. Makana (Bali Hai) and Hanalei Bay, and the iconic par-3 7th hole – a 213-yard carry over scenic cliffs – that ranks among the most photographed holes in all of golf. Golfers can schedule customized Stay and Play packages through Troon Golf Vacations, combining play at Princeville Makai with lodging at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, or The Cliffs at Princeville. 

The Ocean Course at Hōkūala – OPEN

The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is open. The Jack Nicklaus Signature design boasting the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in all of Hawaiʻi is welcoming golfers back to its dramatic seaside clifftops and papaya and guava groves. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure available tee times during this transitional period. Customized Stay and Play packages are also available through Troon Golf Vacations, with lodging options at Timbers Kauaʻi Ocean Club & Residences, Marriott's Kauaʻi Beach Club, or The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort. 

Wailua Golf Course – OPEN

Wailua Golf Course reopened holes 1-9 on Monday, September 28 and reopened holes 10-18 on Monday, October 5. The course’s driving range remains closed due to damage from Lowell. The beloved municipal layout, a classic, golden-era seaside design first built in the 1930s and host to three USGA Amateur and three US Public Links Championships, required additional recovery time due in part to the hurricane as well as internet and connectivity issues caused by a fire at the Līhu'e Civic Center on September 10. Located 4 miles from Wailua, the Civic Center houses many of Kauai’s municipal offices.

Nicknamed the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage, cascading waterfalls and the ever-present Pacific Ocean, Kauaʻi is perennially recognized as one of the world's premier golf destinations. As the island continues its recovery, the Go Golf Kauaʻi courses and the broader community welcome visitors who are eager to return – and who understand that their presence helps support local employees, businesses, and the ongoing spirit of renewal. For more course status updates, tee times, and stay and play packages, visit www.GoGolfKauai.com.