Best of Boston

Nestled in a picturesque valley between Brighton and Chestnut Hill, Newton Comm. is a well-groomed gem of a course. The front nine presents the topographical challenge of being mostly on a side slope, while the back nine meanders around water hazards and finishes up with a truly breathtaking hole—a swooping downhill to a wide green surrounded by water and a wall of pines. The staff is almost overly friendly, and the rates are reasonable ($20 for Newton residents, $25 for nonresidents). Best of all, very few of the golfers are Tigers, and most are willing to forgive newbie hacks with 37 handicaps.