Ava Romero
Maine is home to several golf courses, including the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Cape Arundel, and the Portland Country Club. The state's rugged, rocky coastline and mountainous interior provide a stunning backdrop for golfers, with courses like Sunday River nestled in the mountains and others like Prouts Neck Country Club situated along the shoreline. Maine's golf courses offer a range of challenges and experiences, from the undulating greens of Cape Arundel to the exclusive fairways of the Portland Country Club. The state's natural beauty and varied terrain make it a popular destination for golfers seeking a unique blend of scenery and sporting pursuits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf Courses in Maine | Cape Arundel, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Portland Country Club, Kebo Valley, Rockland, Samoset Resort, Dunegrass Golf Club, Sugarloaf Golf Club, Sunday River |
| Golf Associations in Maine | Maine State Golf Association |
| Golf Course Designers in Maine | Robert Trent Jones Jr., Stiles and Van Kleek, Walter Travis, Dan Maples, Donald Ross, Geoffrey Cornish |
| Golf Course Features | Rocky coastline, mountain vistas, natural beauty, tree-lined fairways, natural hazards, undulating greens, rocky rivers, ponds |
| Golf Course Difficulty | Challenging for all skill levels, including low-handicappers |
| Golf Season in Maine | Golf courses are open year-round, with some recommending play in late September for foliage |
| Additional Amenities | Dining options, event venues, Golf Simulators, stay-and-play packages, cottages, villas, oceanside resorts |
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What You'll Learn
Best golf courses in Maine
Maine has a lot to offer when it comes to golf courses, with options for all skill levels. Here is a list of some of the best golf courses in Maine:
Cape Arundel Golf Club
Cape Arundel, located in Kennebunkport, is one of the most unique and enjoyable courses in Maine. The course, designed by Walter Travis in 1921, is short, quirky, and fun, especially when putting on its distinctive greens. It packs plenty of punches to challenge and engage golfers of all skill levels.
Boothbay Harbor Country Club
Boothbay Harbor, a 1921 design by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek, is a touch of class in the middle of rustic Maine. The course is immaculate and challenging, offering a unique experience on the coast of Maine. It provides stay-and-play packages at its cottages, villas, and oceanside resorts.
Sunday River
Sunday River, nestled in the mountains of western Maine, is a scenic mountain course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It offers generous landing areas and stunning mountain vistas, especially in late September when the foliage is in full display. It is a bit of a trek from popular coastal destinations but offers a beautiful drive through mountains and villages.
Sugarloaf Golf Club
Sugarloaf, another Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, is a demanding mountain course with narrow fairways guarded by dense forest and imposing rocks. It is located adjacent to a ski resort of the same name, with holes running along the Carrabassett River. The signature 10th and 11th holes offer panoramic views of the Maine wilderness.
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
Belgrade Lakes, designed by Clive Clark, is considered a "gem in the wilderness." It offers panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and forests, with intriguing elevation changes, strategic doglegs, serene ponds, and boulders. The clubhouse provides a beautiful view of the property, including the massive double green shared by the ninth and 18th holes.
Samoset
Samoset, located on the Maine coast in Rockport, offers views of the Atlantic Ocean from 14 of its 18 holes. The course plays along the Penobscot Bay, with holes hugging the rocky shoreline and providing a challenging and scenic golf experience.
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Golf course design
The design of a golf course can greatly impact the strategy and playability of the game. For instance, the small, undulating green complexes at Cape Arundel provide unique putting challenges, requiring precision with wedges to get close to the flag. The pin locations at Cape Arundel also dictate the strategy, with different pins demanding different approaches, ensuring that the course plays differently from one day to the next.
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Golf clubs in Maine
Maine is home to several golf clubs, catering to players of all skill levels. Here is an overview of some of the notable golf clubs in the state:
Boothbay Harbor Country Club
Boothbay Harbor Country Club is located on the coast of Maine and offers a challenging course for players of all skill levels. The club underwent a $50 million renovation in 2015 and 2016, funded by philanthropist owner Paul Coulombe. The course was redesigned by Bruce Hepner and features immaculate grounds, providing a touch of class in rustic Maine. It is considered one of the best-conditioned courses in the state.
Sugarloaf Golf Club
Sugarloaf Golf Club, nestled in the Carrabassett Valley against the backdrop of the Appalachians, offers a demanding mountain course. It features narrow fairways guarded by dense forest and imposing rocks, with significant undulations on the greens. The signature 10th and 11th holes offer stunning panoramic views of the Maine wilderness and dramatic drop-offs from tee to green. Sugarloaf has been rated as one of the top tracks in Maine and is also a renowned ski resort during the winter months.
Portland Country Club
The Portland Country Club is an exclusive, private golf course located just north of downtown Portland, offering terrific views of Casco Bay. The relatively short course was designed by renowned architect Donald Ross and provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers.
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, designed by Clive Clark, is situated in central Maine and offers picturesque views. The clubhouse and first tee sit high above the rest of the property, providing a unique perspective of the course. It is considered by locals to have one of the most scenic putting greens in the state.
Sunday River Country Club
Sunday River Country Club is located on a hillside near the state border with New Hampshire. This Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course offers scenic mountain vistas and plays to more generous landing areas compared to other mountain courses. Playing in late September, with the foliage in full display, is considered one of the best mountain golf experiences in the Northeast.
Kebo Valley Club
Kebo Valley Club, established in 1888 with play starting in 1891, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country. It is situated on Mount Desert Island, bordering Acadia National Park, and just a short distance from downtown Bar Harbor. The course offers a unique and enjoyable experience, with strategic challenges and beautiful greens.
These golf clubs showcase the diverse and captivating golf experiences that Maine has to offer, ranging from scenic mountain courses to challenging coastal layouts. Each club provides its own unique appeal, catering to golfers seeking enjoyment, challenge, or a combination of both.
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Golf in southern Maine
Golf is a popular sport in Maine, with courses dotted along the coastline and nestled in the mountains. Southern Maine is home to a variety of golf courses, catering to golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
One of the most well-known courses in the region is the Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport. Established in the 1920s, this private club offers 18 holes and over 5,800 yards of the course to play, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers. The course has been carefully designed, with small, undulating green complexes that require precision from golfers.
Another popular option is the Biddeford-Saco Country Club, which has been open for over a century. This club is known for its challenging layout, hosting the Maine Qualifier each year. It offers a variety of facilities, including a driving range, a clubhouse, and a practice facility. The par score here is 71, and golfers can expect a range of challenges, including water hazards and winding fairways.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Portland Country Club is a private Donald Ross course just north of downtown Portland. It offers terrific views of Casco Bay and is considered one of the more exclusive courses in the state.
The Ledges is another highly regarded public golf course in Southern Maine. Designed by William Bradley Booth, it offers beautiful views of the coast and a unique golfing experience, with the wind adding a challenging element to the rolling greens.
Other notable mentions include the Willowdale Golf Club, which opened in 1924 and offers views of the river and salt marshes, and the Nonesuch River Golf Club, which provides a challenging layout along with picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Southern Maine is a golfer's paradise, with a variety of courses offering stunning scenery, challenging play, and a range of amenities to suit golfers of all skill levels.
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Golf and stay packages
Maine is known for its rugged, rocky coastline and mountainous terrain, which provides a stunning backdrop for golf courses. The Pine Tree State is a popular destination for outdoor pursuits, including golf, hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping.
There are several golf and stay packages available in Maine, offering deals on golf and accommodation. Here are some options for golf and stay packages in Maine:
- Boothbay Harbor Country Club: This semi-private club on the coast of Maine offers stay-and-play packages at its cottages, villas, and oceanside resorts. The course is challenging for players of all skill levels and has been described as a "touch of class in the middle of rustic Maine."
- Samoset Resort Golf Course: Located in Rockland, Maine, this resort offers an incredible golf experience with breathtaking views. The course is known for its immaculate shape and true greens. The staff is wonderful and provides a highly recommended golfing experience.
- Sunday River: This golf club is nestled in the mountains of western Maine near the New Hampshire state line. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design offers scenic mountain vistas and generous landing areas. The stay-and-play packages include lodging in their Grand Summit or Jordan Hotels and 18-hole rounds of golf with a cart.
- Sugarloaf Golf Club: Sugarloaf is a demanding mountain course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It features narrow fairways guarded by dense forest and imposing rocks. The signature 10th and 11th holes offer panoramic views of the Maine wilderness. Sugarloaf offers ski resort accommodations in the winter months, and golf packages may be available.
- Cape Arundel Golf Club: Located on the coast of Maine, Cape Arundel offers a unique and enjoyable golf experience. The course dates back to the 1920s and has quirky, distinctive greens. The club may offer stay-and-play packages, and the clubhouse is nice, although they don't sell beer on the course.
- Poland Spring Resort: This resort in Maine offers a variety of activities, including a golf course, a huge swimming pool, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, tennis courts, and delicious food. The buffet breakfasts are particularly noteworthy.
- Quisisana Resort: This musical resort on Lake Kezar in Lovell, Maine, offers an all-inclusive experience with room service, dining, and activities like chauffeured golf carts for elderly guests.
When planning your golf trip to Maine, be sure to check out the various golf and stay packages offered by different resorts and golf clubs. These packages can provide great value and convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your golfing experience in the beautiful state of Maine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Maine has several golf courses. Some of the top-rated ones are Cape Arundel, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Portland Country Club, and Kebo Valley.
Many of Maine's golf courses date back to the early 20th century. The state's rugged, rocky coastline and mountainous terrain provide a unique backdrop for golfing. The courses are known for their small, undulating green complexes that require precision from golfers.
Yes, Sugarloaf Golf Club, located in the Carrabassett Valley against the Appalachians, is a renowned mountain course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It features narrow fairways guarded by dense forest and imposing rocks, offering stunning panoramic views of the Maine wilderness.
Yes, there are several public golf courses in Maine, including Spring Meadows Golf Course, which was named New England's Golf Course of the Year in 2021, and Nonesuch River Golf Club, located near Portland.
