Maine is a golfer’s paradise, with its stunning scenery and world-class golf courses. With such a variety of courses available for all skill levels, Maine has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to hit the links on a championship course or just enjoy 18 holes of casual play, these 15 best golf courses in Maine are sure to give you an unforgettable golfing experience.
Portland Country Club
Founded in 1895 as Portland Golf Club, the course has undergone a number of changes since its establishment. Originally located in Fort Preble, the club then made a move to Thornton Heights before finally settling on its Oceanside property. The renowned Donald Ross set out the current course in the 1920s, which includes two nines that visit the coastline before returning to the clubhouse.
Despite its modest length of 6,440 yards, the course packs a punch with standout holes such as the 609-yard 6th and the right doglegged 15th. However, it’s the two waterside par threes at the 7th and 17th that truly capture the golfing spirit. Recently, Ron Prichard was hired to conduct a course restoration, updating bunkers and greens, and removing trees to enhance the layout. Overall, Portland Golf Club is a charming and historic parkland course that continues to offer golfers an enjoyable round.
Address: 11 Foreside Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, designed by renowned architect Clive Clark in 1998, is a unique golf course situated just seventeen miles North of Augusta, the state capital of Maine. Measuring at par 71 and spanning 6723 yards, this one-of-a-kind track is unlike any other golf course in the area. With numerous rocky outcrops and stone boulders lining the majority of fairways, Belgrade Lakes proves to be a challenging yet rewarding course.
Not only is its design remarkable, but its elevation shift of several hundred feet adds an additional layer of difficulty. Despite the course’s challenges, walking is encouraged, and golfers are even welcome to bring their furry companions along for the ride. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is truly a hidden gem within the Northeastern United States.
Address: Country Club Rd, Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918
Sugarloaf Golf Club
The Robert Trent Jones Junior-designed course at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort has been a staple of Maine’s golfing community since its debut in 1985. The course’s hilly, heavily wooded terrain provides golfers with a challenging and rewarding experience, with some truly spectacular and plunging holes.
The stretch of holes from 10 to 15, affectionately known as Sugarloaf’s “string of pearls,” is a true highlight, featuring the course’s signature hole – the short par three 11th, where the green sits over 120 feet below the elevated tee. Recent upgrades to the 5th and 6th holes have addressed drainage issues and allowed natural sunlight to reach more greens and fairways, resulting in improved growth. With a par of 72 and a length of 6910 yards, this course is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a challenging and unforgettable round of golf.
Address: 5071 W Mountain Rd, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
Sunday River Golf Club
If you’re looking for an accessible yet challenging golf course in New England, Sunday River Golf Club is a must-play. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this 18-hole course is nestled in the foothills of the Mahoosac Range, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Sunday River Valley and Old Spec, Maine’s third highest peak. At 7,130 yards from the tips, the course is spacious yet still fully utilizes the naturally dramatic elevation changes, resulting in some uneven lies and blind shots.
However, the generous greens and wide fairways balance out the challenges, making it accessible for golfers of various skill levels. It’s worth the short trip from Portland, which is less than two hours away, to experience the beauty and exceptional layout of Sunday River Golf Club.
Address: 18 Championship Drive, Newry, ME 04261
Kebo Valley Club
Kebo Valley Golf Club, founded in 1888, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States with play starting in 1891. Its rich history includes visits from famous golfers such as President Taft in 1911, who famously carded a 27 on the 17th hole, now known as the “Taft” hole, and Walter Hagen, who set the course record with a three-under 67 in 1922.
The course may be short by modern standards, but its small, undulating greens provide a challenge to even the most skilled golfers. The stunning views of nearby Cadillac and Dorr Mountain make for a beautiful walk on the fairways, especially with the course’s close proximity to Acadia National Park. One of the standout holes, the 399-yard 13th, features chocolate drop mounds in front of a sharply sloping green that will test even the most experienced golfers.
Address: 136 Eagle Lake Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
The Ledges Golf Club
The Ledges is a picturesque 18-hole golf course located in the heart of Southern Maine. With its breathtaking views, rolling hills and stunning ocean vistas, it’s no wonder why this course has become one of the most beloved in the state.
Despite the fact that water comes into play on nine of the holes, the layout at The Ledges is surprisingly forgiving. Its par 72 measures 6500 yards from the back tees and four additional sets of tees make this course enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. With its stunning location, immaculate greens and scenic views, The Ledges provides an unforgettable golfing experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Address: 30 Ledges Dr, York, ME 03909
The Samoset Resort Golf Course
Located in the scenic town of Rockport, the Samoset Resort Golf Course is a historic award-winning golf course that has been offering golfers a challenging yet beautiful experience for over a century. Originally designed as a nine-hole course in 1902, the course was later redesigned in 1974 by Robert Elder into an 18-hole course that boasts of some of the most breathtaking ocean views in all of New England.
The course’s most challenging hole is undoubtedly the 18th, which not only offers stunning views but is also one of the most difficult finishing holes you’ll find in the region. With ponds forming the inland aquatic hazards at various holes, the course presents a challenging yet exciting round of golf for players of all levels. The Samoset Resort Golf Course underwent further renovations in 2000 by local architect Brad Booth, who revamped holes 4, 5, 14 and 18, making it a championship course that tests even the most experienced golfers.
Address: 220 Warrenton St, Rockport, ME 04856
Fox Ridge Golf Course
Tucked away in a rural and picturesque setting lies the Fox Ridge Golf Club, one of many exceptional golf facilities under the management of HF Golf Management. This particular course is renowned for its signature hole, the downhill par three 5th, which boasts a peninsula green extending into a crystal-clear lake. But it’s not just this notable feature that makes Fox Ridge stand out.
With a wide range of holes, including right and left doglegs, up and down hills, and diverse green configurations, the course offers endless opportunities for the discerning golfer. Even without a set of clubs in hand, visitors can appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding them, from the rolling hills to the colorful flora and fauna. Fox Ridge is more than just a golf course – it’s an experience.
Address: 550 Penley Corner Rd, Auburn, ME 04210
Boothbay Harbor Country Club
In 1918, Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek were commissioned by a group of Boston businessmen to construct a golf course on the Boothbay Peninsula. The aim was to attract more tourism to Boothbay Harbor. In 1921, Boothbay Region Country Club (now known as Boothbay Harbor Country Club) opened its doors, featuring a 9-hole layout. The course was later expanded to 18 holes at the beginning of the 21st century.
Today, the course measures 6,655 yards and boasts water features, flower beds, and the beauty of the surrounding Maine woods. The club is semi-private and offers guests the option of staying at cottages, villas, or an oceanside resort. Golfers of all skill levels can appreciate the varying elevations, but the course is best enjoyed with the assistance of a cart. With its rich history and picturesque scenery, Boothbay Harbor Country Club is a great destination for anyone looking to elevate their golfing experience.
Address: 50 Sugar Maple Lane, Boothbay, ME 04537
Cape Arundel Golf Club
Cape Arundel Golf Club, originally established as Kennebunkport Golf Club in 1896, holds a fascinating history dating back over a century. Found upon an 88-acre site off the Kennebunk River’s tidal branches, this club is a coveted destination for all golf enthusiasts.
The club commissioned Walter Travis, an accomplished three-time US Amateur Champion, to furnish this nine-hole course in the early 1920s. Remarkably, the architect managed to transform this tight area into a challenging eighteen-hole course.
With 5,881 yards in length and small, undulating green complexes, it can be quite intense to play on this well-maintained course. The course presents numerous opportunities to putt off the green, and every golfer must be highly precise with their wedges to get close to the flag. The course’s strategy changes every day due to its pin locations, which compel golfers to adjust their approach shots accordingly. This feature necessitates golfers to think their way around the course, preventing skilled players from hitting their driver on every hole.
Address: 19 River Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Brunswick Golf Club
Brunswick Golf Club, situated in the charming town of Brunswick, Maine, has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s. Renowned architect Wayne Stiles initially redesigned the original 9-hole layout in the early 1920s, which was later expanded to an 18-hole layout in 1964 by Canadian partner Bill Robinson and acclaimed designer Geoff Cornish. Measuring 6601 yards and boasting a par of 72, the semi-private course offers a challenging and enjoyable round of golf.
Golfers can expect narrow openings in front of many greens, which require a well-struck ball to thread through, making it a true test of skill for players of all levels. Among the course’s many highlights, the front nine is a standout, designed by Cornish, featuring two back-to-back par-threes (holes 4 and 5) that share a pond. For golf enthusiasts, Brunswick Golf Club is a must-play course, showcasing the innovation and artistry of some of the most celebrated course designers in history.
Address: 165 River Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
Penobscot Valley Country Club
Penobscot Valley Country Club, known locally as “Penobby,” has been a beloved Maine golfing tradition since its opening in 1924. Created by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, the classic design flawlessly weaves into the naturally rolling property, with mature trees dotting the landscape along the undulating fairways.
Though the original design was slightly tweaked in 2001 to increase its challenge, the green sizes were slightly reduced and bunkers shifted or removed, making it both inviting for beginners and challenging enough for more experienced players. Amidst the gorgeous surroundings, players navigate their way through small greens that are well-protected by bunkers and often hit their shots from an uneven lie. The course’s pristine condition can be attributed to its state-of-the-art irrigation system, delivering an unparalleled playing experience for golfers of all levels.
Address: 366 Main St, Orono, ME 04473
Webhannet Golf Club
Webhannet Golf Club is an exquisite 18-hole Skip Wogan design that has been in existence since 1901. The course is located at Kennebunk Beach and is in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. It features tidal-fed water hazards, strategically-positioned bunkers, and bent grass greens. With a modest 6,100 yards from the back tees, the par-71 course encourages precision and sound strategy on every shot.
While only one of the four par-five holes measures over 500 yards, there are feature holes on both the outward and inward halves. Notable examples include the water-protected 462-yard 8th (“Hodgkin’s Pond”) and the sharply canted green on the 482-yard 14th (“Uplands”). Even the short par-four 290-yard 16th (“Sunset”) provides a welcoming chance for birdie. For golfers looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience, Webhannet Golf Club is the perfect destination.
Address: 26 Golf Club Dr, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Prouts Neck Country Club
Established over a century ago in 1907, Prouts Neck Country Club has been a hidden gem among golf enthusiasts. Originally starting with a 9-hole course, the course was redesigned almost two decades later by Wayne Stiles, who added another nine to create the current 18-hole course.
In recent years, former associate of Renaissance Golf Design, Bruce Hepner, has worked diligently to preserve the original design by clearing trees to improve sight lines and conditioning. The sandy soiled holes run through lightly wooded areas, providing a protective buffer from coastal winds.
Boasting blue grass fairways and bent grass greens, the course embodies the look and feel of the original layout from almost a century ago. The club is a private establishment, accessible to guests staying at the Black Point Inn, occupying a magnificent property along the picturesque Scarborough River that drains into Saco Bay, making it an exceptional destination for golf enthusiasts.
Address: 499 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
Grindstone Neck Golf Course
Grindstone Neck Golf Course is a remarkable establishment with a rich history that spans over centuries. The course was founded in 1891 and has since then been offering golf enthusiasts an unrivaled and breathtaking experience. What sets this parkland, nine-hole course apart from the rest is the fact that all the holes deliver stunning views of the Atlantic.
The blue grass fairways and professionally managed poa annua greens blend perfectly with the awe-inspiring oceanic views, making Grindstone Neck Golf Course an ideal destination for both experienced and novice golfers. If you’re planning a trip to Downeast Maine and looking for a remarkable and memorable experience that strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty and golfing challenges, then Grindstone Neck Golf Course is the right place for you.
Address: 106 Grindstone Ave, Winter Harbor, ME 04693
Conclusion
Maine is home to some of the most spectacular and historic golf courses in the country, offering a wealth of opportunities for golfers of all levels. With its beautiful scenery and wide variety of courses, Maine is an ideal destination for both casual and serious golfers alike. Whether you’re looking for a challenging course or a relaxing round with stunning views, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your clubs and hit the greens of Maine!
