Course 128: Gardner Municipal
Gardner, Mass.
Played: August 15, 2024
Yardage: 6,131/ 5,524
Tier: Fast Casual
Rating: 2
The opening hole at Gardner is a sample of what’s to come. It’s rather short, with water down the left side. A line of short trees runs nearly directly between the tee and the green to create a dogleg. Driver is an option, but players could also hit a long iron. Holes, 2, 4, 9, and 10, and 17 have similar choices.
Gardner is not long, but playing it for the first time can leave you on your heels. The par 5s are wonky aside from the fifth, which plays along a busy road to one of the more interesting green complexes. The serpentine 7th and 15th par 5s are station-to-station holes.
Both nines have flaws, but the middle stretch of the course, from holes 7 to 14 is the best.
The greens are small and mostly round without too much slope or break.
The five par 3s are a good mix of long and short. The 3rd (225) and 16th (242) test the long irons and hybrids. The 6th (157), 8th (152) and 14th (146) all require accurate mid-iron. The 14th green was probably the best of that quintet of par 3s.
The routing brings players back to the clubhouse on the 16th hole, a big, downhill par 3. The 17th is dramatic, with a huge drop-off and climb up the green, and the 18 runs parallel to 17. I don’t hate the setting and hitting a few shots close to the clubhouse, but it is a claustrophobic finish to the round.
The standout hole for me was the 11th. The rolling hills and a green perched on a hill far off in the distance were a welcome sight. Given the value of that second shot into the green and the priority of hitting the fairway, it would be an incredible par 4. Opening up the view of Crystal Lake on the left side of the hole would make it even better.
Gardner Muni is not my favorite course in its category. There were a handful of awkward holes. After playing it once in a qualifier, I wouldn’t mind another crack at it because low scores are available.
I wouldn’t recommend making a long trip to play, but it would certainly scratch the itch for anyone local looking for a round.