Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Andover Country Club

72

Andover, Massachusetts

Established
1925
Architect
W.H. Follett
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,519 – 6,737 yds
The verdict

Time-Honored New England Tradition

Andover Country Club delivers a quintessential private-club golf experience shaped by nearly a century of local tradition and thoughtful routing. The course’s natural contours, storied clubhouse, and dependable conditions make it a North Shore staple—and a strong member favorite. While not a national bucket-list draw, its regional reputation and elegant setting command respect and repeat play.

Course DNA
Difficulty
69
Scenery
74
Conditioning
81
Shot Variety
72
Walkability
75
Green Complexity
70
Wow Factor
68
Design Quality
67
At a glance

Quick facts

Clubhouse style
Spanish-style, red tile roof
Championship caliber
USGA and Mass Golf host site
Course surface
Bent-grass fairways and greens
Ownership
Acquired by Yvon Cormier in 1979
Company-town roots
Dream of William M. Wood
Design approach
Conceived to fit natural contours
Signature clubhouse
Opened April 1926
The design

The architecture

Andover Country Club embodies classic early American golf architecture, blending its layout naturally over rolling former farmland with minimal disruption to the site’s original contours. Holes flow through gentle elevation changes and mature New England trees, rewarding strategic play and thoughtful positioning over sheer power. The routing echoes the design ethos of the 1920s—respect for the land and a member-first experience—supported by consistently maintained bent-grass surfaces and understated elegance.

W.H. Follett’s adaptation of the Chandler Farm site set the tone for an understated, strategic layout with a member-focused sensibility and local historical resonance.

Defining features
  • Gentle, natural routing
  • Classic Spanish-style clubhouse as a backdrop
  • Bent-grass fairways and greens
  • Strategic playable par 4s and 5s
  • Expansive mixed-use club facilities
  • Tree-lined corridors with subtle elevation
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 7

Risk-Reward Ridge

PAR
5
YARDAGE
509

This par-5 sweeps over natural contours, encouraging bold hitters to challenge the ridge for a chance at an eagle putt—while caution lurks for those caught in its runoffs. The hole creates a classic risk-reward dilemma that defines much of Andover’s strategic charm.

Play it smart

Lay up safely short of trouble or attempt to reach in two by taking on the ridge—club selection is everything.

Where it bites

Errant second shots can find sloping lies or tree trouble, making recovery difficult near the green.

Course management

Shots to think about

Second shot on 7
Weigh your distance—try for the green only if you trust your number and angle; otherwise, lay up to a comfortable wedge.
Approach to 11
Favor the center of the green—wind or nerves can exaggerate misses on this demanding par 3.
Tee shot on 14
Position your drive to open up the angle for your layup and avoid fairway trees.
Second shot on 14
Don’t get greedy—staying short of the fairway pinch point sets up an easier third to a raised green.
Tee shot on 15
Club up if in doubt, aiming to the heart of the green to avoid surrounding hazards.
Recovery from rough
Take your medicine—the smart play is back to the fairway; trees make aggressive approaches risky.
Short-game around bentgrass greens
Focus on spin control—private-club conditioning can leave greens slick and quick.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Excellent private-club standards with smooth bentgrass surfaces and well-kept fairways.

Vibe

Traditional New England private-club elegance—quiet, classic, and member-oriented.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Know the Natural Contours

Study course maps and yardages—natural land movement means club selection is crucial on many holes.

02

Practice Precision Approaches

Bentgrass greens reward shots holding the target line, so warm up your iron play before the round.

03

Bring Course-Management Discipline

Many holes reward smart placement over pure distance—plan your shots, especially into the doglegs.

04

Expect Quiet Tradition

Soak up the understated classic vibe; guests are expected to match the club’s reserved atmosphere.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1925

    Course opened on former Chandler Farm

  2. 1926

    Clubhouse opened in Spanish style

  3. 1979

    Purchased by Yvon Cormier; major renovations begin

  4. 2014

    Hosts Mass Golf Women's Mid-Amateur (Keyes Cup)

  5. 2022

    Hosts Mass Golf Stone Cup Mixed Four-Ball Championship

  6. 2023

    Hosts NEPGA John E. Boda Junior Club Champions

  7. 2025

    Set to host Mass Golf Mid-Amateur Championship

Stories & legends

What makes it special

history

From Farm to Fairway

The club’s roots trace to Chandler Farm, where legendary New England textile magnate William M. Wood dreamt of an exclusive golf haven during the height of the Shawsheen Village era. The founders’ vision of pairing natural terrain with a grand Spanish-style clubhouse lives on nearly a century later.

clubhouse

A Classic Clubhouse Revival

Major expansions under Yvon Cormier began in 1979, infusing new life into the historic clubhouse while preserving its striking stucco and red tile charm. Today’s members enjoy a blend of tradition and hospitality that makes the club a North Shore social fixture.

competition

Tournament Track Record

Although it may not draw major pro events, Andover has regularly welcomed the region’s finest amateurs for championships by Mass Golf and the NEPGA. Hosting top junior and mid-amateur events has cemented the club’s status as a proving ground for competitive New Englanders.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Clubhouse architecture is Spanish-style with a red tile roof, rare for New England.

2

Founded as part of the Shawsheen Village era driven by textile magnate William M. Wood.

3

Bentgrass fairways and greens set the tone for premium turf conditions.

4

Hosted both men’s and women’s state amateur championships.

5

Once a working farm, the site retains elements of its classic New England landscape.

Build the trip

If you're making a North Shore golf trip

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Country Club
Private

Legendary championship legacy and exclusivity

Myopia Hunt Club
Private

Classic architecture and U.S. Open pedigree

Black Swan Country Club
Public

Challenging, respected public access course nearby

Tedesco Country Club
Private

North Shore classic by the coast

Apple Hill Golf Course
Public

Scenic, friendly public track for a casual round

Andover, North Andover, or Salem, NH for best access to both private and public North Shore courses.

Course DNA

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From the community

Community Sentiment

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