Get into the swing of things this Spring by heading out to one of New England’s top golf courses. Whether you are a beginner or junior looking to learn the basics or a seasoned golfer up for a hazard-based challenge, each course has something for you.
Below, we have teed up our top picks for each state:
MASSACHUSETTS
Photo Courtesy of Miacomet Golf Club
As the only 18-hole public golf facility on Nantucket Island, Miacomet Golf Club is a link-style course that offers challenging yet enjoyable play, ample fairways, and a mix of green sizes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet. Owned by the Nantucket Island Land Bank, the club and course get its name from the Wampanoag Tribe, who referred to the area of the island as “Miacomet” or “The Meeting Place.” Golfers of all ages and skill levels can spend a day on the course, get professionally-led golf instruction, and practice in the world-class Trackman Golf Simulators. The club also offers Junior Golfer clinics and leagues for men, women, and seniors.
CONNECTICUT
Located in Hartford, the Keney Park Golf Course is owned and operated by the City of Hartford under the supervision and direction of the Department of Public Works. The original nine holes, built in 1927, were designed by pioneering American golf course architect Devereux Emmet, while the second nine were added in 1931, designed by City of Hartford engineer Robert ”Jack” Ross. Considered Connecticut’s #1 public golf course, Keney Park Golf Course underwent an extensive remodel and renovation that was completed in 2016 and today is host to the Connecticut PGA Championship, the Hartford Women’s Open, and the National Boy’s and Girl’s Junior PGA Championships. With a grass-tee driving range, a bunkered green, and an additional large putting green, golfers can get their practice swings in before enjoying the excellent course. There are leagues available to join, a season pass program, a pro shop, and a brand new fleet of Club Car golf cars equipped with GPS.
RHODE ISLAND
New England Golf Monthly has named Newport National Golf Club “New England’s number one public access course.” Designed by renowned golf architect Arthur Hills, the 7,244-yard Orchard Course is an 18-hole links-style course with sloping tree and fescue-lined fairways, nearby wetlands and marshes, and deep bunkers. Enjoying a magnificent setting with views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage and challenging winds from Narragansett Bay, the award-winning course also boasts a pro shop with an official Callaway Fitting Center to customize clubs to fit your swing.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Photos Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
“We are so blessed to be here,” says Vince Runyon, Director of Golf at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH. He explains that the award-winning 18-hole Mount Washington course, designed in 1915 by Donald Ross, has an incredible setting, located between the iconic resort building, which is a National Historic Landmark, and Mount Washington. “It is just such a beautiful place, and that is one of the things that make the course so special.”
In addition, there is a 9-hole championship course, the Mount Pleasant course, which also boasts spectacular scenery. Open to the public and resort guests on a seasonal basis from mid-May to late October, the golf facility also offers a full-service clubhouse and lessons with PGA professionals. With breathtaking vistas and natural surroundings, as well as the elegant amenities of the resort itself, this is a golf experience not to be missed.
VERMONT
Proudly reflecting the down-to-earth vibe of Northern Vermont, the team at Jay Peak Championship Golf Course display a friendly, laid-back attitude that matches the wooded terrain and natural waterways of the course. Designed by Graham Cooke, this seasonal golf course is open to the public and, located only five miles from the Canadian border, is popular with both Americans and Canadians. You can buy a season pass (discounted for Vermont residents) or take advantage of a resort lodging package with unlimited golf play. Jay Peak may be known as a premier ski and snowboarding resort, but why not take advantage of the manicured greens and challenging holes nestled within the Northern Green Mountains with a golf trip this summer?
MAINE
Photos Courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Country Club
Boothbay Harbor Country Club is an award-winning private club that you can play if you stay at its oceanside resort, golf villas, or cottages. When you choose one of the tailored golf packages available to guests of Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas, challenging holes, and a refreshing sea breeze blowing off the nearby ocean. Boothbay Harbor Country Club’s 18 championship holes are truly a “Pure Maine” golfing experience that features innovative design, incredible conditioning, and unparalleled landscaping. There is a stunning new clubhouse, two great restaurants, golf carts outfitted with TekGPS, and opportunities for high-level practice at their target greens and new short-game facility. It is an extraordinary golfing experience at a luxurious and stunningly situated Maine resort.
