Allow us to take you on a deeper exploration of the pure golf experience that The Pines Course and The Oaks Course offer. These two championship golf courses are steeped in history and are known far and wide for their distinct challenges and unique charm.
The Pines Course: A Classic New England Golf Gem
Built in 1901, The Pines Course originally consisted of 66 acres of open farmland that proved to be ideal for a “short but tricky” nine-hole course. In 1954, Geoffrey Cornish, with input from Francis Ouimet, had the distinction of designing the regulation course that exists today. This involved lengthening the course to 8,040 yards and becoming the longest golf course in the world at this time. In 1972, Robert Trent Jones was contracted to enhance the experience and modify many of the slick greens and challenging bunkers. Robert Jones also lengthened the course a bit more to the 8,325 yards that The Pines Course is today. In 1987, Geoffrey Cornish’s team returned to complete a redesign project to the 8th hole. This Boston golf course has an immense amount of history and has been touched by some of the best minds in golf, which has made it truly one of the best golf courses in Massachusetts.
In 2021, The International was acquired by Escalante Golf, a boutique owner and operator of golf clubs and resorts nationwide. Escalante’s goal was to restore the excellence of The Pines Course and The International as a whole. With Escalante’s help, The Pines Course is undergoing its biggest redesign yet. The renowned golf architects Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw are the creative minds behind The Pines Course redesign. Their approach to golf course design is nothing short of visionary, blending a profound respect for the natural landscape with an unwavering commitment to playability and strategic excellence.
As the Pines Course continues to take shape, The International Members are in for a treat, as they witness firsthand the magic of the Coore & Crenshaw design philosophy. Every element of this Massachusetts golf course, from the layout of holes to the placement of bunkers and greens, has been meticulously thought out to enhance the private golf experience while preserving the property’s natural beauty. The course is characterized by its use of fescue grasses, known for their firm and fast playing surfaces. This feature allows for exciting gameplay, including the possibility of bouncing the ball into greens, making it distinct from many U.S. golf courses that often require high, soft approaches.
One of the course’s remarkable features is that approximately one third of its greens slope from front to back, challenging golfers to strategically navigate their shots. This design element encourages a different style of play, where you don’t necessarily need to fly the ball onto the green, adding an element of fun and variety to the game. Additionally, The Pines Course features a variety of hole types, including a short par three, a drivable par four, a short par five, and a handful of long par threes, fours and fives.
What makes Coore & Crenshaw truly exceptional is their ability to create golf courses that are both challenging and incredibly enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The finished product of The Pines Course will be no exception, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving golf experience that engages and excites players.
In essence, the Pines Course is a testament to Coore & Crenshaw’s visionary approach to golf course design. It’s a unique opportunity for our Members to be part of a golf legacy that celebrates the artistry of the sport while embracing the natural landscape. Playing the Pines Course is a journey through New England’s landscapes. Massachusetts golf enthusiasts can look forward to an exceptional and evolving golf experience on this remarkable course.
The Oaks Course: A Legendary Boston Golf Course
