With many of its courses set against a scenic backdrop of rocky coastlines, vast forests and rugged mountains, the US state of Maine is a wonderful place for a game of golf. Here are some of its most enticing golfing destinations.
(Photo: Sunday River Country Club)
From traditional championship courses, public and private country clubs, links courses, mini golfing, resort courses and driving ranges, not to mention a myriad of practice greens and pitch and putts, the opportunities for golfing in Maine are almost endless. We’ve picked out 7 of the most charming courses that the state has to offer.
Sunday River Country Club
Situated in the Mahoosuc Range, a northern extension of the White Mountains, straddling the border between New Hampshire and Maine, the Sunday River Country Club is widely regarded to be one of the region’s finest golf destinations. Set against a scenic mountainous landscape, the course has challenging elevation variations that will test the mettle of even your most seasoned golfer. Notable facilities include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and practice range.
18 Championship Drive, Newry
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
A brief scan around this dreamily-set golf club and it’s easy to see why it has been named one of America’s best public courses. Offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its hilltop vantage point, everything about the club has been designed to deliver a memorable golfing experience. The course itself, designed by acclaimed architect Clive Clark, augments its idyllic environs with enticing playing conditions, allowing for plenty of challenging set ups, along with beautiful par threes, consistently diverse par fours, short but devilish par fives, and old-style cross bunkering. For post-game sustenance, there’s a low-key restaurant with a snack bar menu and two deck areas.
46 Clubhouse Drive, Belgrade Lakes
(Photo: Belgrade Lakes Golf Club)
Samoset Resort
If you like the idea of playing golf while enjoying expansive ocean views, the course at Samoset Resort is guaranteed to please. Part of an upscale, family-friendly resort hotel, the 18-hole championship course is sprawled on the point where Rockland Harbor’s north side meets Penobscot Bay in the picturesque town of Rockfort and boasts seven oceanside holes and 14 with spectacular views of the Atlantic. The resort’s golf complex also features a clubhouse with a golf range, practice green, short game facility with bunkers, well-stocked Pro Shop and a Clubhouse Grille restaurant.
220 Warrenton Street, Rockport
Kebo Valley Golf Club
Dating back to the late 19th century, Kebo Valley Golf Club is said to be Maine’s oldest golf club. It borders the stunning Acadia National Park and offers sublime mountain views from the course’s front section. The fairways are routed in an old-fashioned out-and-back manner, with the 13th hole especially enticing thanks to its chocolate drop mounds and sharply sloping green. Among the clubs amenities are a clubhouse, Pro Shop, and restaurant and bar.
136 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor
Old Marsh Country Club
Situated near the Webhannet River, Old Marsh Country Club features a Florida-style semi-private, championship golf course set amid a beautiful coastal landscape. The challenging layout demands strategy and will test the skills of even the most experienced player, but the more difficult elements are balanced by generous landing areas. The Club itself was designed as an homage to the golden age stylings of C.B. Macdonald & Seth Raynor and the course is consistently ranked among the best in New England. Amenities include a practice facility and an outdoor patio & bar overlooking the 10th Tee Box complete with a firepit.
445 Clubhouse Road, Wells
(Photo: Old Marsh Country Club)
Goose River Golf Club
Originally a dairy farm, Goose River Golf Club quickly grew to become one of the region’s most popular courses following its transformation in 1965. Offering terrific views and challenging play for golfers of every skill level, its well-groomed fairways and greens keep the course difficult yet friendly. A quaint clubhouse with food, bar and outside deck serves as a perfect spot to relax after your round, and there’s also a practice range where guests can hit from fairway feel mats or from a grass hitting area, along with a well-stocked pro shop selling a wide choice of equipment and apparel brands.
50 Park Street, Rockport
(Photo: Goose River Golf Club)
Highland Green Golf Club
Nestled in a 650-acre expanse of Midcoast Maine and bordering the Cathance River Nature Preserve, this challenging 9-hole Scottish-style course was built to blend naturally with the area’s beautifully rugged terrain, with rock outcroppings and natural ridgelines incorporated into its design. A charming lodge-style clubhouse, putting green and golf shop are also part of the on-site facilities.
114 Village Drive, Topsham