Course of the Week: The Pines Course at The International

The International, a private golf club in Bolton, Mass., is set to open its newly redesigned Pines Course to members on June 6. The project, led by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw of Coore and Crenshaw, marks a significant shift from the course’s previous reputation as the longest in America toward a design that values playability, strategy and the natural landscape.

Founded in 1901, The International has long been a fixture in New England golf. Since its acquisition by Escalante Golf in 2021, the club has seen more than $40 million in investments, including a recent renovation of the Tom Fazio-designed Oaks Course by Tripp Davis. The Pines redesign represents a broader industry trend: moving away from sheer length as the primary measure of difficulty and instead embracing classic, option-oriented golf, according to The International.

Coore and Crenshaw’s approach emphasizes variety and flow, ensuring each hole contributes to an engaging round. The new routing, a par 71 at just over 7,000 yards, features wide fairways, fescue grass for firm-and-fast play and large, front-to-back canted greens surfaced with bentgrass, which performs well in New England’s climate. Notably, the design avoids a single “signature” hole, aiming for every hole to offer a memorable test.

“We’ve failed, to be quite candid, if we have a signature hole,” said Bill Coore. “To me, that basically is saying that you spent all your efforts on that one hole. You grounded the entire golf course around one hole. Instead, we believe that every hole could be a signature hole to someone, and we are proud to say we’ve accomplished this on the Pines.”

The course also integrates the surrounding environment, using indigenous pitch pines and a dramatic quarry area to add both strategic and visual interest. These choices reflect a growing industry focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, with fescue requiring less water and maintenance than traditional turf.

The Pines’ transformation aligns with a broader movement in golf architecture, where classic design principles and environmental considerations are increasingly prioritized. For members, the new course promises a more engaging and varied playing experience. For the industry, it serves as a case study in how historic clubs can adapt to modern expectations without sacrificing tradition, according to The International.

With the Pines reopening, The International continues its evolution as a leading golf destination in the region. Future plans include new member cottages and a clubhouse, further enhancing the club’s offerings.

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