You ever drive down River Road and wonder why that parking lot is always packed, even on a random Tuesday morning? Honestly, if you aren't a golfer, Trull Brook Golf Course Tewksbury might just look like another patch of green along the Merrimack. But for those of us who have spent way too much money on Titleists only to lose them in the drink, this place is legendary. It isn't just a golf course; it’s a piece of local history designed by Geoffrey Cornish back in 1963.
Most people think public golf in Massachusetts is all the same. Flat fairways, slow greens, and overpriced hot dogs. Trull Brook sort of breaks that mold. It sits right on the edge of the Merrimack River, and those views aren't just for show—they actually dictate how you play.
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The Layout That Most People Get Wrong
People see the yardage and think they’re going to tear this place apart. It’s about 6,345 yards from the back tees. In the world of modern "monster" courses, that sounds short.
Don't let it fool you.
The par is 72, but the slope rating of 123 tells a bit of a different story. It’s tight. If you have a slice that's more of a "u-turn," you're going to have a long day. Take the first hole, for example. It’s a 365-yard par 4. Seems simple enough, right? Except most regulars will tell you to leave the driver in the bag. You basically have to hit an iron or a hybrid just to keep it in play because the fairway is picky about where it wants your ball to land.
Holes that will actually test your patience:
- Hole 3: This is the #1 handicap for a reason. It’s a 395-yard par 4 that plays uphill. It feels like it’s 450 yards when you’re staring at that elevated green.
- Hole 14: You’ve got to carry the actual Trull Brook. It’s a 180-yard carry just to get safe, and then you’re hitting into a green that slopes so hard from back-right to front-left that three-putting is basically a tradition.
- Hole 2: A downhill par 5 where you can actually see the Merrimack River sitting right behind the green. It’s reachable in two if you’re brave, but the bunkers are huge.
The greens here are notoriously fast. I’ve seen grown men nearly cry trying to lag a putt on the 5th hole. If you leave it above the hole, you might as well just start walking to the next tee because that ball isn't stopping until it hits the fringe.
Why the Location Matters (It's Not Just the View)
The course is bounded by the Merrimack River to the north. While it makes for great Instagram photos, it also creates a micro-climate. You get these breezes coming off the water that can turn a simple 8-iron into a "pray to the golf gods" 6-iron.
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Trull Brook Golf Course Tewksbury also has this interesting reputation for drainage. Even after a heavy New England summer rain, the grounds crew—who apparently have a combined 100 years of experience—somehow keep the fairways from turning into a swamp. That’s probably thanks to the natural elevation changes. You’re constantly going up and down hills, which is great for your cardio but murder on your calves if you decide to walk.
Speaking of walking, most people take a cart. The GPS units in the carts are actually helpful here because there are plenty of blind shots where you have no idea where the pin is actually hiding.
What Really Happens at T's Grille Room
You can't talk about Trull Brook without mentioning the food. Most municipal courses give you a wrinkled hot dog and a lukewarm Gatorade. T's Grille Room is actually a destination. It’s right next to the Pro Shop and overlooks the 9th fairway.
The "Jack Attack" burger—which has a fried egg and Russian dressing—is a local favorite for a reason. If you’re playing early, the "Double Bogey" breakfast is the standard move: two eggs, tater tots, and toast. They even have a "call-ahead" service at the 9th tee. You call extension 7, and by the time you finish the front nine, your steak tips are waiting for you. It’s a small detail, but it’s why people keep coming back.
Practical Realities of Playing Here
Look, no course is perfect. If you go on a Sunday morning, be prepared for a long round. Pace of play can sometimes stretch to over five hours when the course is at capacity. It's a popular spot, and because the layout is challenging, people take their time.
Current 2026 Rates and Info
- Green Fees: Usually range from $50 to $96 depending on the day and whether you're using a cart.
- Practice: There isn't a full-scale grass driving range right now, though they’ve had simulators for winter play and have discussed practice area renovations.
- Dress Code: It’s "relaxed" but they still want a collared shirt. Denim is actually allowed, which is a rare win for the casual golfer.
- Booking: You can book through their site or call the shop at (978) 851-6731.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Next Round
If you’re planning to head out to Trull Brook anytime soon, here is how you actually survive the round:
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- Trust the yardage on Hole 4: It’s a par 3 from an elevated tee. It usually plays one full club shorter than the number on your rangefinder.
- Stay below the hole on 12: The green slopes hard. If you're past the pin, you’re looking at a certain bogey.
- Check the wind at the turn: The back nine opens up a bit more near the water. What felt like a calm day on the 3rd hole might be a three-club wind by the 11th.
- Download a GPS app: While the carts have them, having your own yardage for those tricky uphill approaches on holes 3 and 8 will save you from airmailing the green.
Basically, if you want a course that feels like a private club but lets you wear jeans and eat a world-class burger at the turn, this is your spot. Just don't blame the course when your ball ends up in the Merrimack. That's on you.