New England, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, also boasts an impressive collection of golf courses. Golf enthusiasts from all over the world travel to this region to experience the well-designed fairways, stunning views, and top-notch facilities offered at these prime locations.
Among the numerous golf courses in the area, some particularly stand out due to their exceptional quality and unique features. These courses not only challenge golfers of all skill levels but also provide them with an unforgettable golfing experience. In this article, we will explore some of the best golf courses New England has to offer.
From coastal courses offering breathtaking ocean vistas to courses nestled in the scenic mountains, New England’s varied terrain and climate provide a diverse range of golfing experiences for every taste. Golfers can look forward to discovering hidden gems throughout the six states of this fascinating region.
Top New England Golf Courses
The Country Club
The Country Club, located in Brookline, Massachusetts, is one of the most prestigious and historic golf courses in New England. It was founded in 1882 and has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. This beautiful course is known for its challenging layout and well-maintained greens. Golfers who have the opportunity to play here can appreciate the rich history and classic design of the course.
Newport Country Club
Another noteworthy course in New England is the Newport Country Club, situated in the scenic coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island. Established in 1893, this course has been the site of several important golf events, such as the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Women’s Open. The Newport Country Club offers golfers stunning ocean views and a challenging layout that requires both strategy and skill. Its historic charm and picturesque setting make it a must-play golf destination in the region.
Lake of Isles Golf Club
For those looking to experience a highly rated public golf course in New England, look no further than the Lake of Isles Golf Club. Located in North Stonington, Connecticut, this course boasts two 18-hole championship courses, the North and South courses. Both courses offer a unique combination of natural beauty, with woodlands and lakes, as well as challenging and exciting design. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a memorable round at this top-notch facility, making it an ideal destination for a golf getaway in New England.
Iconic Course Architects
Donald Ross
Donald Ross, a prolific golf course architect, has left a significant impact on New England’s golf landscape. Known for his attention to detail and elegantly contoured greens, Ross has created masterpieces like the Oak Hill Country Club in Upstate New York. His talent for blending courses with their natural surroundings has earned him accolades and admiration throughout the golfing world.
Pete Dye
Pete Dye, another renowned golf course architect, has been instrumental in shaping the golfing experience in New England. His portfolio includes several courses nationwide and internationally. Known for his challenging, strategic course designs, Dye’s work is characterized by distinctive hazard placements, challenging angles, and unique green complexes.
Brian Silva
Brian Silva is a New England-based architect with a portfolio boasting impressive golf courses. Specializing in the restoration of classic courses, he is known for respecting the original designers’ intent while making thoughtful updates to modernize playability. His skill in creative routing and strategic bunkering is apparent in his highly acclaimed projects.
William Flynn
William Flynn, another key figure in golf course design, has contributed significantly to New England’s golf heritage. With his eye for creating strategically interesting courses, Flynn’s work is known for its playability, shot variety, and visual aesthetics. His sophisticated designs reflect a seamless incorporation of natural landscapes, water features, and bunkering.
Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Lastly, Robert Trent Jones Jr., the son of esteemed architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., has also contributed to the world of golf courses in New England. Carrying on his father’s design principles, Jones Jr. is dedicated to creating innovative, visually stunning, and challenging golf courses. His expertise in harnessing and highlighting the existing beauty of the land adds to the memorable nature of his designs.
All of these architects have played a vital role in shaping golf courses in New England, each bringing their signature style and expertise to the table.
Best Golf Courses in Connecticut
Connecticut offers a variety of top-notch golf courses for enthusiasts to enjoy. In this section, we’ll take a look at three exceptional clubs that deserve your attention: Wintonbury Hills, Hartford Golf Club, and Ridgewood Country Club.
Wintonbury Hills
Located in Bloomfield, Wintonbury Hills is a public golf course designed by the renowned golf architect Pete Dye. This 18-hole course provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The beautiful rolling hills and picturesque views make this a must-play course when visiting Connecticut. A few key features of Wintonbury Hills include:
- 6,711 yards from the back tees
- Par 70 layout
- Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest
Hartford Golf Club
Hartford Golf Club is a prestigious private club situated in Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut. Established in 1896, it features 27 holes spread across three unique courses: the Red, Green, and Blue. Each course offers a distinct challenge, providing members and their guests with varying levels of difficulty. Some highlights of Hartford Golf Club include:
- Designed by famous golf architects Donald Ross and Devereux Emmet
- Full-service clubhouse with dining facilities
- Premier practice facilities with a driving range, chipping green, and putting green
Ridgewood Country Club
Ridgewood Country Club, located in Danbury, is a remarkable 18-hole private golf course known for its immaculate conditions and challenging layout. Originally designed by Al Zikorus in 1960, the course underwent significant renovations in 2007. With tree-lined fairways and fast, undulating greens, Ridgewood provides a true test for golfers. Some noteworthy aspects of Ridgewood Country Club are:
- 6,570 yards from the championship tees
- Par 71 course
- Impressive clubhouse and amenities, including tennis courts and a swimming pool
From stunning public courses like Wintonbury Hills to exclusive private clubs such as Hartford Golf Club and Ridgewood Country Club, Connecticut offers a fantastic selection of golf courses for both residents and visitors. Make sure to explore these gems on your next trip through New England.
Best Golf Courses in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it has some fantastic golf courses that golf enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. Let’s take a closer look at two of the best golf courses in Rhode Island: Newport National and the Carnegie Abbey Club.
Newport National
Newport National Golf Club, located in Middletown, offers a challenging and picturesque course. The club has earned itself a great reputation and even made it to the top 5 golf courses in Rhode Island. Newport National is situated on Aquidneck Island, providing golfers with a stunning view of the surrounding area and creating a memorable golfing experience.
The course is designed for players of all levels, offering a mix of long and short holes to keep the game engaging and exciting. Newport National is a fantastic place to play for those looking to experience a beautiful and challenging course in Rhode Island.
Carnegie Abbey Club
The Carnegie Abbey Club, formerly known as Aquidneck Club, is a private golf course in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. This gem of a course attracts golfers searching for a world-class experience in a tranquil setting.
The course itself is beautifully maintained and offers an ideal environment for players looking to improve their game, all while enjoying pristine views of the Narragansett Bay. The Carnegie Abbey Club has earned its place among the best golf clubs in Rhode Island, offering an incredible golfing experience for those fortunate enough to play there.
In conclusion, both Newport National and Carnegie Abbey Club are two of the best golf courses in Rhode Island. Golf enthusiasts visiting the area should definitely consider playing a round at these outstanding courses to fully appreciate the true beauty and challenge that Rhode Island golf has to offer.
Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts
Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill Country Club, located in Fitchburg, is a picturesque and challenging golf course that showcases the natural beauty of Massachusetts. Known for its impeccable course conditions and well-manicured greens, this popular course provides a delightful golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The 18-hole layout combines a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. Oak Hill also offers a variety of tee boxes, allowing golfers to choose the difficulty that best suits their game.
In addition to the impressive golf course, Oak Hill Country Club features a top-notch practice facility and a welcoming clubhouse with delicious food options and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Massachusetts, Oak Hill is a worthwhile stop on your New England golfing journey.
The Ridge Club
The Ridge Club, situated in Sandwich, is a hidden gem among the many excellent golf courses in Massachusetts. This well-regarded course combines a beautiful setting with an expertly designed layout that challenges golfers with a variety of skill levels.
The 18-hole course incorporates the stunning natural landscape of Cape Cod with carefully planned elevation changes, winding fairways, and tricky greens. Golfers will delight in the strategic and unique challenges presented by each hole, as well as the beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Additionally, The Ridge Club offers top-notch amenities, including a practice facility, an elegantly designed clubhouse, and a variety of dining options. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make this course a must-play when visiting Massachusetts on a New England golf adventure.
While visiting the beautiful New England region, don’t miss out on the chance to play these outstanding golf courses in Massachusetts like The Country Club and Oak Hill. You’ll be glad you took the time to enjoy these exceptional golf experiences!
Hidden Gems in New England
Great River Golf Club
Nestled in the charming town of Milford, Connecticut, the Great River Golf Club is a beautiful escape for golf enthusiasts. This stunning course has a parkland-like outward nine that transitions into a links-style inward nine. Golfers will find water, including the Housatonic River, integrated into the course landscape on every hole, providing both a picturesque backdrop and a challenging gameplay experience.
Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug
A bit further north, in Baltic, Connecticut, lies the Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug—a fabulous course designed by Rees Jones. Set within the scenic Lake of Isles area and surrounded by the natural landscape, golfers are treated to a unique and enjoyable course layout.
As part of the Mohegan Sun complex, members can also take advantage of the abundant amenities and entertainment options available nearby, such as gaming facilities, a spa, and various restaurants. The course itself incorporates rolling hills, challenging fairways, and picturesque views of the North Stonington countryside.
In conclusion, Great River Golf Club and Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug are two hidden gems in New England that deserve recognition. Both courses offer unique designs, stunning landscapes, and challenging gameplay opportunities for golf enthusiasts alike.
Booking Tee Times
Online Platforms
Booking tee times at the best golf courses in New England has never been easier, thanks to online platforms. Golfers can explore various websites and apps to reserve a tee time at their preferred course. These platforms often provide a user-friendly experience, allowing golfers to view available time slots, facility descriptions, and pricing information.
Many courses also have their own websites where tee times can be booked directly. This may provide golfers with up-to-date information and potentially better availability, as they are dealing directly with the course.
It is important to note that online platforms may require a credit card to secure the reservation. Additionally, some websites may offer deals or discounted rates for booking online, so it’s always a good idea to check for any potential savings.
Phone Reservations
For those who prefer a more personal approach or have specific questions about the facilities, booking a tee time via phone is also an option. Golfers can call the golf course directly, speak with a staff member, and reserve a tee time over the phone. This method might be especially helpful for those looking to book large groups or require special accommodations.
When calling to reserve a tee time, it’s important for golfers to have their preferred date, time, and number of players ready. Additionally, they should be prepared to provide payment information over the phone, if required.
To sum up, golfers have multiple options when it comes to booking tee times at the best golf courses in New England. Both online platforms and phone reservations can be quick and convenient, allowing golfers to secure their desired time slot and focus on enjoying the facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top public courses in New England?
New England is home to some fantastic public golf courses. Taconic Golf Club in Massachusetts, Great River in Connecticut, and Sugarloaf Golf Club in Maine are just a few examples. These courses offer excellent playing conditions and beautiful scenery for golfers of all skill levels.
Must-visit golf resorts in the area?
If you’re looking for a memorable golf vacation in New England, there are several resorts worth considering. One option is the Samoset Resort in Maine, which boasts a stunning oceanside course. Other notable golf resorts include Newport National Golf Club in Rhode Island and Crumpin-Fox Club in Massachusetts. Each of these resorts offers a unique golf experience paired with comfortable accommodations and amenities.
Best courses in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a rich golfing history and is home to several top-notch courses. Notable examples include the esteemed Taconic Golf Club, The Ranch Golf Club, and Pinehills Golf Club. Each of these courses provides challenging and enjoyable play for a range of skill levels. Thanks goes to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism for the featured picture of Red Tail Golf Course in Devens, MA.
Great New Hampshire golf spots?
New Hampshire may be small in size, but it has some impressive golf courses. Some popular options in the state include Portsmouth Country Club, Montcalm Golf Club, and Baker Hill Golf Club. These courses offer a mix of beautiful landscapes and exciting play that will appeal to any golfer.
Top golf courses in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, has some fantastic golf courses featuring beautiful coastal views. Newport National Golf Club and Triggs Memorial Golf Course are two of the most highly regarded courses in the state. Golfers visiting Rhode Island will find challenging play and picturesque settings at these courses.
Any impressive country clubs?
New England is home to several prestigious country clubs that offer exclusive golf experiences. The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts is one such example, with a rich history dating back to 1882. Other impressive country clubs in the region include the Connecticut Golf Club and Rhode Island Country Club, each offering premier golf facilities and exceptional service.