High atop one of the many elevated tees at Crosswinds Golf Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts, it’s easy to assume you’re playing an expensive, once-in-a-season-special-treat level course.

The fairways stretch out with pristine bent grass; green and healthy. The greens are well-maintained and sometimes diabolical in their design – making each hole a new challenge and thrill. Sand traps (there are a lot of them) vary from forgiving to challenging, always in good shape.

The practice area – redesigned last season – is one of the best around, with both mats and grass tee spots (they alternate days), two putting greens and perhaps one of the best chipping/short game practice set-ups around. And the staff? Friendly, accommodating and clearly passionate about what they do and where they are.

Here’s the surprise: Crosswinds ((https://www.golfcrosswinds.com/)) may have the makings of an expensive or even private club, but it’s a true municipal course – and in golf terms, super affordable. With weekday rates in the $60s and weekend rates in the $80s for 18 holes, Crosswinds is an addictive golf habit you not only want, but can afford.

Crosswinds totals 27 holes, with three nine-hole tracts you can mix and match for your mood or try out to find your favorite combos. Named after three of golf’s greatest, the Ouimet is named after “father of golf” Francis Ouimet; The Jones named for Bobby Jones, said to be the greatest amateur player in history; and the Zaharias named for women’s golf legend Babe Didrikson Zaharias. All three are hilly, challenging and lovely.

A round at Crosswinds should include an early arrival: those practice areas are worth a visit on their own, so you’ll want to spend a little time out there readying your game.

Carts are a must at Crosswinds. You can walk, but you will most certainly regret it. The course bobs, weaves, climbs and climbs some more throughout. That makes for fun golf if you love an elevated tee (and who doesn’t).

You’ll find long, undulating fairways that demand some accuracy (pack extra balls if you tend to stray; it’s easy to lose them in the lush courseside woods). But you’ll find help as well. Should you be lucky enough to pair up with regulars, they’ll show you spots where hills help – if you hit to them the right way – and help you understand the feel for distance with the ups and downs of the design. Your second time at this course is always even better, with that experience to guide you. That kind of course management progress makes Crosswinds extra fun.

What may be best about Crosswinds is the setting. Tucked into the thick treed section of Plymouth that tucks up against the famed Pine HIlls, it offers an up-high view of one of the prettiest parts of that historic town. All that climbing and plunging pays off – dramatic, panoramic views rule the setting. The club takes great care, too, with flowers and plantings offering pops of color all season long. And there’s no course-side condos or housing tracts; it’s just you, nature and all the other golf lovers out there. Serene.

There’s a clubhouse with a small pro shop, nice bar and seating area, as well as a fantastic outdoor seating area where you can overlook the courses and putting practice areas.

Food is served, but in a casual way. There’s no set menu; rather, you’ll find out what the staff was inspired to offer that day. Burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs (with Gulden’s Mustard. Crosswinds, unlike Fenway as of late, understands that New England sports hot dogs demand that brand), and other specials are what you’ll find.

Should you want to make a day of your visit, Crosswinds is only about four miles from downtown Plymouth, where you’ll find just about every kind of dining choice imaginable, as well as great bars (check out the new Brewster Bar (https://brewsterbarma.com/) on Main Street, where you’ll find an impressive rum selection and bartenders who know how to make a true Painkiller, walk along the waterfront or visit historical spots. There’s plenty to do.

Crosswinds books up fast, so be sure to reserve a tee time. Affluent yet affordable amenities make Crosswinds worth the trip.