“The Brook” aka Furnace Brook Golf Club in Quincy, MA
- Eric J. Mac Donald
- Jan 20, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 31, 2020
Furnace Brook Golf Club sits on top of Forbes Hill, located in the Wollaston neighborhood of Quincy, MA. On a clear day, one can see down to Quincy Bay, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the coastline. From the clubhouse, most of the golf course is within eyesight, giving golfers a general idea of what is to come before they play.
Furnace Brook Golf Club is a 9-hole course featuring only one par 3 and eight par 4s. There are no par 5s on the course. The length of the course is under 3000 yards from the tips, making this course a welcome site for shorter hitters. There are a clubhouse and banquet hall at the club for golf and non-golf related events. When speaking to the clubhouse attendant, I asked about the golf course and what it is known for. The clubhouse attendant responded, “We are known for our greens.” After playing here, I am surprised that there are not more people talking about the greens. They were remarkable. The greens are small, and they run smooth and fast. If you see the superintendent shake his hand and let him know he is doing an excellent job.
Forbes Hill plays a significant part in the design of the golf course. Most of the holes run directly up and down the hill except for the par 4, 8th hole. That has a bit of dogleg to its design and does not run directly up or down. It provides stimulating topography for golfers to traverse. Also, it offers golfers a challenge to both their game and their physical capacity as they walk the golf course.
From the back tees, most holes only require a 200-230 yard tee shot. This course is most difficult for golfers who have a hard time adjusting to uneven lies, albeit most of them are uphill or downhill lies. Indeed, the wide-open fairways provide ample room for golfers to land their tee shots. However, the small greens and the uneven lies facing golfers will prove perplexing as they try to hit approach shots into the greens. The greens were the most memorable part of the course, which why I am bringing it up again. They seemed like they were running much quicker and smoother than other golf courses in the area. There is something to be desired from the hole designs, as many featured a classic tee- fairway/approach and one to two bunkers surrounding the greens. The use of the topography allows for some bombs to be hit, like when playing the second hole. The hill also seems extremely steep as on the 4th hole. Golfers must make their way back to the top of Forbes Hill and towards the clubhouse.
If you are looking for a course with excellent greens, then Furnace Brook Golf Club in Quincy might be the place. This golf course will certainly give you some delight and challenge as you make your way around.
Conditions: Conditions were suitable, and the greens were in excellent condition. Difficulty: The elevation changes are challenging on windier days; however, most golfers will not find this course challenging. Practice Green: Yes, there is a practice green located in the back of the clubhouse. Value: Decent value at about $30 for nine holes. Range: There is no range at this golf course. Wear a hard-hat: Definitely, a place where if it is busy, balls will be flying around groups of golfers. It is best to keep the hard-hat on this course.
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