Jonesing for an Exceptional Golf Experience Pinehills Golf Club: Jones Course Review
The History
Envisioned to rival some of the most prestigious private golf courses in the state of Massachusetts, Pinehills Golf Club successfully delivers a world class golf experience, that is second to none. Located in the town of Plymouth, which is widely considered the epicenter of Massachusetts golf, the greens at Pinehills weaves in and out of 300-acres of rolling hills that rise and fall like ocean waves. Thus, giving the golf course that old quintessential Cape Cod feeling, in the world’s third largest pine ecosystem.
Designed by famed golf course architect Rees Jones, the architectural beauty of the Pinehills Golf Club captures many of the same aesthetically pleasing qualities that characterize many of his award-winning golf courses, including The Grand Niagara Golf club in Niagara Falls, Ontario, The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, in Orlando Florida, and the Ocean Forest Club. For example, the strategic bunkers, placed throughout the fairways and around the greens, make each shot hold value as players navigate challenging shot decisions and intimidating views. While the extreme playability of the course truly feels that anyone, regardless of skill level, golf swing or physical attributes, can walk off the 18th green having enjoyed their golfing experience, on this amazing course.
The Experience
Catering to a broad audience of goffers, the Jones Course at Pineshills is strategically lined with loblolly pines and longleaf pines trees throughout the 18 holes. But to be honest, the course never feels too confined. Fairways are deceivingly wide, narrowing a bit as you make your way closer to the hole, but once you’re there the greens are relatively flat, with no tricks and no severe undulation. As players tee off the first couple holes, they are given a preview of what to expect throughout the course. Wide, generous fairways, where the turf is immaculate; Large greens free of pitch marks or brown spots; And deep bunkers, filled with white sand that offer a nice color contrast to the shamrock hued greens.
I consider Holes 3, 5 and 6 to be the best stretch of holes on the front and back nines. Located in a sea of receptiveness and monotony that await golfers as they progress through the course, these 3 holes are the standout favorites. It should be noted that Hole 3 has a two-tier fairway where the cart path cuts through perpendicular to the tee boxes about 330 yards out. Most average hitters, who do not hit that far, will not be in danger when it comes to reaching the path. However, the majority of golfers will be left with about a 150-yard shot to the center of the green. But unlike most of the holes on the course, the 3rd plateaued green that is well protected by a large depression short and right. Golfers who have the misfortune of ending up in this spot, will find themselves hacking away at the long rough, just to get the ball back into play. Those who come up short will be met with two deep bunkers guarding the right edge of the green, gobbling up any errant shots. Thus, continuing to add insult to injury. The right play is to favor the left side of the green, completely taking out any possibility of getting stuck below the hole in that mess. And yet, even if you miss the green on the left-hand side, the short rough is a more favorable outcome than the alternative on the right.
Holes 5 and 6 are by far and away the most stunning and visually intimidating tee shots holes golfers will see on the Jones Course. Hitters are forced to clear brush and tree filled gorges just to make it to the green and fairway. Hole 5, arguably the most difficult of the two, is where a long iron is needed to clear the trouble that awaits any mishit.
Shots that do not make it to the other side are quickly swallowed up and lost forever to the abundance of grass, trees and pricker bushes. A large “U” shaped bunker protects the green from shots that are adequate enough to clear the trees, but not enough to make it completely to safety. Golfers who are worried about losing their balls should purposely aim to the left of the green, where it’s a larger and more generous landing area. Though the fairway does have some pretty good undulation to it, it's a shorter carry and better option, than the 150 yards needed to hit the center of the green.
While the tee shot on hole 6 is visually the most intimidating of the two holes, players will only need to clear about 130 yards of brush and trees. With the combination of driver paired with hitting from the proper tee box, most golfers will easily clear any danger. Once players make it to the fairway, they will be pleasantly surprised as to how much landing room they are treated to - over 50 yards across before reaching the first bunker. For the average hitter, three shots will be needed to reach the green in regulation. A well-placed bunker placed on the right-hand side of the fairway, lies about 250 yards out from the middle tee box, narrowing the fairway to a meager 28 yards. Avoiding the bunker is key as your next shot will need to be in a good position, setting up an uphill approach shot to the green.
The back nine starts off on a strong note with holes 10, 12, and 13 being among my favorites on this side. The par 4 369-yard 10th hole offers the longer hitters the ability to cut off some of the corner by going above the tree line as the fairway snakes left while approaching the green. But don’t worry, those who do not have the length are once again treated to a fairway that widens to about 50 yards across on the right-hand side, offering little consequence to mishits.
Hole 13 is a par 3 that is 202 yards from the tips. Ultimately, players will need to be prepared to play this long downhill approach shot at least a club longer due to what often feels like a constant head wind in your face. Even though this par 3 may not visually torment players as its hole 5 counterpart on the front 9 does, the elements can play a huge factor in score on this hole. The remaining 5 holes are more or less a mixture of what came before. A few downhill shots off the tee box. Fairways that are wide and forgiving and greens that once again, are large and relatively flat. This does not mean these holes are “easy” by any stretch. They are still long and difficult, while leaving you at the mercy of that unpredictable coastal weather. Good shots are always a must, even if they’re not overly thought provoking.
The final 18th hole, the longest on the course at a whopping 574 yards from the black tees, offers a much-needed reprieve from the monotony experienced as you navigate the course. Even the best of us will struggle trying to reach the green in two shots. Especially as a large pond, bordering the right side of the fairway, squeezes any potential landing area for your approach shot to a skimpy 18 yards across from rough to rough. Luckily the green is long enough so that players, especially those who are looking to avoid any trouble, can just shoot for the back of the green and putt their way to the finish.
Final Thoughts
How close can you get to that country club feeling, without breaking your wallet to cover the inevitable several thousand-dollar initiation fee? Well, Pinehills Golf Club may be as close as you can get. Everything about it, from the staff who meet you to grab your bags as you leave your car, to the beautiful driving range and short game practice area, and to the two meticulously maintained 18-hole championship courses. The entire golfing experience is intentionally designed to make you feel just as special as you would expect to feel at the most prestigious private clubs - doating on your hand and foot. The amenities, the clubhouse, the food, the service, and of course, the aesthetics of the golf course ARE the characteristics that make Pinehills stand out from the rest of its competitors.
At Pinehills, the golf is good - not great. But does it really need to be? I would argue it does not. This may sound a bit weird, but most “golfers” probably won’t find the repetitive prefabricated layout especially titillating. However, golfers who are out there to have fun and don’t take it too seriously will really love it. For they are the true audience Pinehills seeks to capture. Those who like the finer things in life, who can show off how cool their home course is to their friends as they’re on their way to the Cape. All while doing it all on a $30 bottle of wine budget. You know, the fancy stuff.
The Numbers
Top100golfcourses.com - #55 Best Course in Massachusetts
A Par 72 offering 5 different tee options
Red/Forward Tees: 5347 Yards 71.3/127 Slope
Siver Tees: 5776 Yards 68.1/125 Slope
White Tees: 6201 Yards 69.8/127 Slope
Blue Tees: 6762 Yards 72.4/133 Slope
Black Tees: 7175 Yards 75.4/137 Slope
2025 Rates:
March 28-May 2
Monday-Friday $95/$75 Twilight
Saturday & Sunday $105/$75 Twilight
May 3-October 19
Monday-Friday $135/$95 Twilight
Saturday & Sunday $165/$110 Twilight
October 20-Close
Monday-Friday $90
Saturday & Sunday $100