The Brookside Club
Brookside’s greatest strengths are convenience and value.
11 Brigadoon Road, Bourne, MA
508-743-4653
18 Holes
Design
PAR
Brookside’s greatest strengths are convenience and value.
Located just over the Bourne bridge (on the Cape side) makes it accessible for Cape Codders and mainlanders.
Compared to other public courses in the area, Brookside is a bit more affordable.
A number of elevation changes - not as dramatic as some of the Plymouth courses on the other side of the bridge, but plenty enough to keep it interesting.
Holes can feel a bit incongruous- probably due to the fact that multiple architects have had their hand in refining the design over the years. Some holes are open and straightforward, others are a bit of a mystery. On those mystery holes, the fairways tend to fall off into the woods creating some questionable landing areas - especially for the first-timer.
This is a minor nitpick, but, the routing can be a bit quirky. There are several spots where you need to walk backwards or through a neighborhood to get to the next teebox.
Playability
PAR
We think this course gets better the more you play it. Course regulars will certainly come to appreciate the quirks and enjoy the variety of shotmaking tests that the course demands.
A bit tough place to play for the first time as a bunch of holes have tough to determine landing areas with hidden fall-offs that might leave some players frustrated early.
Gets tight in spots as neighborhoods and camping parks line many holes. Trust us, houses are definitely in play out here…
Some relatively short par 3s provide a nice breather.
The course is right in that sweet spot where walking or riding are both perfectly viable options.
Views
PAR
The best view on the course actually comes from the clubhouse / range / first tee area where you can get a peekaboo view of the bay.
The rest of the views are fairly classic Cape Cod treelined holes intertwined with lots of houses, condos, camping trailers.
Vibe
PAR
Their motto is a “a public golf course with a private club feeling.”
We like the fact that Brookside doesn’t go overboard with the “private club feeling” goal - it isn’t overly stuffy and unapproachable.
Unlike some other courses that try to create an artificial private club feel, Brookside retains a bit of a blue-collar vibe. There are lots of regulars who play the course often, which creates a bit of club-like feel, but it still feels welcoming to guests.
Condition
BIRDIE
Disclaimer: our most recent round was in the very early season where frost was present throughout the course.
The course has matured nicely and again presents a really strong value for the price.
The greens are large and in excellent shape.
Practice Areas
EAGLE
One of our favorite practice areas: the driving range is incorporated nicely into the clubhouse/ first tee area with elevated tees.
The only small gripe is that wayward range shots can end up on the first fairway…
Multiple chipping and putting areas close to the clubhouse and first hole make for a convenient warm up area.
19th Hole
BIRDIE
There’s a large clubhouse with full restaurant that’s elevated over the first tee and diving range.
The Bog Tavern prides itself on making everything from scratch with local ingredients. This is a nice respite from the typical mass-produced golf course fare that you find in lots of other places.
An outdoor bar area makes for a very social starting/finishing area.
Logo
BOGEY
They logo was updated recently to incorporate a flag with the BC lettering. This update is slowly being rolled out.
This is an improvement, but we still think it could be so much better.
Memorability
PAR
It’s certainly not the best public course on the Cape, but it may be the most convenient and presents one of the best bangs for your buck.
If you are looking to play just one course on your vacation week, there are probably better options. But, if you live in the area and want a fun, challenging course to play often for great value, then this is a great choice.
Join us on our quest to play all of the courses on Cape Cod. Here’s a handy reference of all of the public and private options. How many have you played? Which course (and logo) is your favorite?
Poster is 16 inches wide x 20 inches high.
(Frame not included, but shipping is!)