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The City of Boston’s George Wright Golf Course, located at 420 West Street in Hyde Park, has been recognized as “Best Public Golf Course” by Boston Magazine in its 38^th annual “Best of Boston” awards issue.

The magazine says the George Wright course offers “a fun, fair test with lots of elevation changes, and there might not be finer back-to-back holes in the state than the 9^th and 10^th.”

Founded in 1938, the 18-hole Donald Ross-designed George Wright Golf Course is a hidden gem in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston open seven days a week through November. The par 70 layout measures 6,440 yards from the back tees and is a challenge to golfers of any level.  The city-owned course has been operated since March, 2003, by the Fund for Parks and Recreation and offers full amenities including golf and hand cart rentals, pro shop, and food and refreshment concessions. 

The course’s namesake had a pivotal role in the development of golf in Boston when Washington Street sporting goods storeowner and 1937 Baseball Hall-of-Famer George Wright wrote a letter to the Boston Park Commission asking that he be allowed the “privilege” to play golf in Franklin Park, adding that it would not draw a crowd nor “cause noise or injure shrubbery.”

Wright had reportedly ordered some cricket equipment from England but was mistakenly shipped a box full of golf clubs and golf balls.  When he went to try them at Franklin Park, the story goes, a policeman stopped him, citing the danger to people walking in the park.  With permission granted on an “experimental” basis, on December 10, 1890, Wright and three friends set out with their clubs, a feather-stuffed leather ball, Scottish golf caps, and a copy of “Badminton’s Rules of Golf.”  Thus began the sport of golf in Boston’s parks.

The City of Boston continues to invest in its golf courses.  In the past year, grounds improvements at the George Wright have included the completed renovation of the 13^th hole, playability improvements to holes 3 and 16, and new bunkers on holes 3, 12, and 16.  Earlier this year G’Vanni’s Ristorante was announced as the operator of the new Emerald Grill at Franklin Park and Shamrock Grill at the George Wright featuring traditional clubhouse fare. 

The City’s golf courses can be followed on Twitter @FranklinParkGC and @GeorgeWrightGC and is now on Facebook.  The City offers affordable memberships that are reciprocal at both courses.  Golfers can access information on rates, season permits, and tournaments at www.cityofbostongolf.com where they can also download the latest e-specials. 

PGA Professional Scott Allen is on hand at the George Wright Clubhouse to answer any questions. For more information or to reserve a tee time please call (617) 364-2300.