New Hampshire is considered one of the best golfing destinations in the Northeast. From the White Mountains to the stunning seacoast, playing a round here will provide you with an experience unlike any other. For those looking for a perfect day on the links, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best golf courses in New Hampshire that should be checked out in 2023. From championship courses to smaller, more intimate greens, these are some of the top places to tee it up this year. So grab your clubs and get ready for a spectacular golf outing!
The Golf Club of New England
The Golf Club of New England is a challenging 18-hole course located on 450 acres of former farmland. This course features 7600 yards of tree-lined fairways, natural waterways, old stone walls, and giant oak trees. The course is considered to be one of the toughest tracks in the Granite State as it has a slope of 152 and is ranked top 5 best in the state from 2017-2022.
To keep players engaged and challenged, the Club has a 480-yard 4th and 600-yard 5th which are the most difficult holes in the front nine. On the back nine, there are ponds, wetlands and tranquil streams that come into play in the closing holes. Golfers can walk the course as it is very walkable enabling them to enjoy the serene beauty of the natural greenery while they play.
The Golf Club of New England is also famous for hosting the US Junior Amateur in 2012. Golfers of all abilities can take advantage of what this course has to offer, from lush fairways to beautiful natural waterways. It is undoubtedly the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging course, amidst scenic surroundings and without any residential elements.
Location: 167 Winnicutt Rd, Stratham, NH 03885
Bald Peak Colony
Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Bald Peak Colony is a private course that offers a unique country club experience in New Hampshire. Boasting the distinction of being the only lakeside country club in the area, Bald Peak Colony offers its members breathtaking views of the glistening waters and an idyllic setting that is unrivaled.
The scenic parkland course is known for its well-maintained bent-grass greens and challenging 18-hole layout. Golfers will find themselves tested by the 123 slope and par of 70 while traversing the 6264-yard course. The course features numerous grass bunkers and 20 sand traps that add to the challenge. One of the standout holes is the signature 5th hole, which is surrounded by sand and drops down towards the lake, providing golfers with a challenging and memorable experience.
In addition to the excellent course, Bald Peak Colony also boasts a proud history and tradition. The club is steeped in history, and golfing enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple tee boxes that cater to players of all skill levels. After a day on the links, members can retreat to the historic clubhouse, which contains 25 hotel rooms. The rooms are tastefully furnished and offer all modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for members.
Location: 180 Bald Peak Dr, Moultonborough, NH 03254
Portsmouth Country Club
Since its establishment in 1901, Portsmouth Country Club has been the prime choice for intimate weddings and well-organized events. The Club has an 18 hole layout with a 72 par, including 5 tees, and a total length of 7153 yards. With a 127 slope, it’s a challenging course that even seasoned golfers would find exciting. The Clipper Grille, a must-visit restaurant on the premises, offers an excellent dining experience.
Situated on the Great Bay, Portsmouth Country Club highlights the natural beauty of the area. Every hole on the course is long, wide open, and windy, providing a level of adventure that golf enthusiasts crave. The greens are flat and always immaculately maintained to ensure an enjoyable game for everyone.
As the game progresses, golfers get to experience the very essence of Portsmouth Country Club. The back 9 holes are set right on the Bay, making the view from the greens simply breathtaking. The fourth hole, a signature par five dogleg, is particularly challenging, with the green tightly bunkered, making it harder for golfers to land the ball. No wonder the Portsmouth Country Club has consistently been named among the top 5 best courses in the state from 1977-2003 and 2017-2022.
Location: 80 Country Club Ln, Greenland, NH 03840
Omni Mount Washington Resort
Omni Mount Washington Resort boasts two championship golf courses that are sure to please golf enthusiasts. The first course is the Mount Pleasant Course, which has a 35 par and has played host to greats like U.S. Pro Golfer Gilbert Nicholls, Golf Course Designer Alex Findlay, and U.S. Open Golf Champion Willie Anderson. The Mount Washington Course offers stunning amenities that are perfect for a hole-in-one visit. Additionally, the course features open fairways and challenging greens that undulate in all directions.
Apart from the top-class golf courses, the resort also includes a full-service clubhouse, pro shop, and bar/restaurant offering plenty of beverages and snacks. Guests can also take advantage of golf lessons offered by PGA professionals. And the hospitality at Omni Mount Washington Resort is second to none. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and always willing to help, making for a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Location: 310 Mount Washington Hotel Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Maplewood Golf Course
Maplewood Golf Course, located in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, offers players a challenging yet playable course suitable for all levels. This publicly accessible landscape promises fast and treacherous greens, deep sand traps, and tricky greens, with the added advantage of a reasonable fee. Maplewood is an 18 hole semi-private/resort categorized by its 72 par, 6167 yards with 125 slope.
As players traverse this verdant landscape, they walk through mature hardwood trees with small, quick, and undulating greens, adding an additional level of difficulty to the course. The friendly staff of Maplewood are always available to guide and assist players, ensuring that they have everything they need for a truly enjoyable experience. Additionally, the clubhouse is truly a jewel, the perfect place to retire to after a long day of golfing to unwind and reflect upon a fantastic game.
Location: 2691 Main St, Bethlehem, NH 03574
Wentworth Golf Club
The Wentworth Golf Club offers a remarkable golfing experience that is hard to match. This private course features 18 holes with a par 70 and a slope of 134. The back nine holes, in particular, are widely considered the best, with a hilly nature that adds an extra layer of challenge for players. The course is beautifully maintained, with well-groomed fairways and greens that seem to be almost perfect.
Originally designed by Wayne Stiles in the late 1800s, this course is located in the picturesque Jackson Village and offers one of the most stunning views of the majestic Presidential Range. The Wildcat and Ellis Rivers are also visible from the course. The clubhouse and restaurant facilities offer delicious dining options in a friendly atmosphere where staff members are happy to share tips to help players get the most out of their rounds. The course is challenging, with bunkers and greens that demand precision. However, this amazing course is always kept in great shape, ensuring an excellent golfing experience every time.
Location: 153 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846
Baker Hill Golf Club
Baker Hill Golf Club is a private course in New Hampshire, named after the Benjamin Baker Farm. The 18-hole course is notable for its pristine conditions and challenging green complexes.
At 7000 yards, the course offers a fine mix of par three, four, and five holes. Notably, the back-to-back short par fours at seven and eight and the 504-yard fifteenth are sure to challenge even the most skilled golfers. The golf course lies between Wadleigh State Park and Lake Sunapee, providing stunning views for players and visitors alike.
The 260-acre property is entirely covered with bluegrass, and there is a 137 slope to ensure that players have a challenging experience. The course is home to the only water-protected green, which can be found on the risk par five hole.
Location: 101 Baker Hill Rd, Newbury, NH 03255
Hooper Golf Course
Hooper Golf Course is a hidden gem nestled in the charming beauty of the Walpole region. The course is located in a region where agriculture, forestry, botany, soils, and environmental science thrive, providing Walpole’s youth with a unique opportunity to learn more about these fields.
This 9-hole course has consistently ranked in the top fifteen in America for courses of its size. Its rolling fairways wind through old-growth hardwood forests and offer an easy walk. Players of all skill levels will find it fun and challenging. It’s a hilly course, but it is very fair.
While this layout covers just over 3000 yards, it boasts of over 36 par. The numerous sand bunkers protecting the greens provide ample protection all around. Notably, although relatively short, the greens make this course exceptional. The course is in impeccable shape, providing players with an opportunity to enjoy an exceptional playing experience.
Location: 166 Prospect Hill Rd, Walpole, NH 03608
The Shattuck Golf Club
The Shattuck Golf Club provides an unparalleled golfing experience, where nature meets the challenge of the course. Nestled at the foot of Mount Monadnock, this challenging course spans acres of natural wetlands and boasts an array of wildlife. The lush bent grass complements the scenic wooded terrain and natural environment.
Players can enjoy the course with a cart, making tasteful and challenging course management skills easier to execute. With pristine conditions and unparalleled scenery, The Shattuck Golf Club has been ranked fourth best New England’s public golf courses by Boston Magazine.
In addition to the course, guests can enjoy the excellent food, beautiful views, and friendly staffs. All these amenities come at a reasonable price, making The Shattuck Golf Club an attractive choice for golfers of all skill levels. With its beautiful and natural surroundings, The Shattuck Golf Club is the perfect place to indulge in a memorable round of golf.
Location: 53 Dublin Rd, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Wentworth by the Sea Country Club
Wentworth by the Sea Country Club is an exceptional premier private family club that offers a modern tennis and pool complex, alongside, breathtaking panoramic ocean views and a signature Scottish links golf course. The 18-hole features holes that are split between two distinct land areas, with the first three holes located on the main section of the course. The bulk of the holes is situated on the other side of a part of wetlands which is part of the Piscataqua River. The par 4 4th is the signature hole and the greens are well-bunkered, providing a diverse and challenging course that can entertain all skill levels.
The course is designed with a great mix of parkland and links-style holes, giving a classic old New England style to the course. Visitors are amazed at the view of the ocean and Scottish links, making this course a unique and captivating experience. The Clubhouse is an excellent feature, with a vast array of amenities, and the tennis and pool complex offers modern facilities for everyone to enjoy. Wentworth by the Sea Country Club is an idyllic destination, perfect for those who love to play a round of golf among the most stunning scenery.
Location: 60 Wentworth Rd, Rye, NH 03870
Conclusion
New Hampshire is an exceptional place to enjoy golfing, with a myriad of options for all skill levels. From the rolling hills and old-growth hardwood forests of Walpole’s The Shattuck Golf Club, to the breathtaking panoramic ocean views of Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, this region offers some unforgettable experiences for golfers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, New Hampshire is the perfect destination for your next round of golf.
