Cape Cod

Any one have any recommendations for a round or 2 on Cape Cod?? I'm heading up there in 2 weeks and would like to play while I'm there... I was looking at the Captains Course outside Orleans... Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Let's assume 2 things: 1) you are likely restricted to public courses and 2) opinions vary and these are just mine.

I am partial to Cranberry Valley in Harwich. I like the layout and the conditions are usually pretty good. A lot of people rave about Captain's but I feel like, especially with 36 holes, the layout is a lot of up and back with each hole seemingly the same and really close to each other.

I also enjoyed Bass River in Yarmouth, which was redesigned by Donald Ross. Bass River is not very long (Blue - 6129, White - 5709, and Red - 5136) and has an unconventional 34-38-72 split. Bayberry Hills, also in Yarmouth, is the sister course to Bass River and has 27 holes. I only played it once, several years ago and I believe it was raining so my opinion may be biased but I thought it was okay.

I've only ever driven by Dennis Pines and my impression was it looked boring but is unfair since I never played it. I also have heard nightmares about 6+ hour rounds but, again, this is unfair since I've never played it.

Unfortunately, I haven't played every course on the Cape and tend to visit the Harwich/Yarmouth area more than others, hence my feedback is limited to those course in the area.

[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1405348854' post='9696859']
Let's assume 2 things: 1) you are likely restricted to public courses and 2) opinions vary and these are just mine.

I am partial to Cranberry Valley in Harwich. I like the layout and the conditions are usually pretty good. A lot of people rave about Captain's but I feel like, especially with 36 holes, the layout is a lot of up and back with each hole seemingly the same and really close to each other.

I also enjoyed Bass River in Yarmouth, which was redesigned by Donald Ross. Bass River is not very long (Blue - 6129, White - 5709, and Red - 5136) and has an unconventional 34-38-72 split. Bayberry Hills, also in Yarmouth, is the sister course to Bass River and has 27 holes. I only played it once, several years ago and I believe it was raining so my opinion may be biased but I thought it was okay.

I've only ever driven by Dennis Pines and my impression was it looked boring but is unfair since I never played it. I also have heard nightmares about 6+ hour rounds but, again, this is unfair since I've never played it.

Unfortunately, I haven't played every course on the Cape and tend to visit the Harwich/Yarmouth area more than others, hence my feedback is limited to those course in the area.
[/quote]

I prefer Captain's - the Port course is better than the Starboard - over Cranberry, but either is a good choice for that area of the Cape.

Bayberry is a great track with some interesting holes. Course was in spectacular shape when I played in mid May. Old Barnstable Fairgrounds is another good choice. I think long rounds are the norm on the cape during tourist season so your best bet is to get out early. The others mentioned are fine as well but as Player stated... These are one's opinion.

Playing cranberry on Thursday. I'll post the conditions.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices hockeyplayer referenced.

Just avoid balymeade at all costs.

If were talking public, I highly recommend my home course, Olde Barnstable. It's in great shape right now. Not to be confused with Hyannis Golf couse which is also a town of Barnstable course. The Highlands in Truro is also a recommendation. 9 holes links style but quite a bit further down the cape. Cant go wrong with Olde Barnstable.

Just played Blue Rock in South Yarmouth with my young son for two days over the weekend. This has to be one the best short courses in America. Great shape - two Par 3's over 200 yds. and many around 180yds and over water. Fun place, good karma.

I have only played Olde Barnstable, Bass River and bayberry hills. I would recommend them to anyone. Bass River like stated is short with wide fairways, not the toughest, but I am a sucker for Donald Ross courses. Bayberry hills is a much tougher challenge, but a good layout in my opinion. I only played olde Barmstable once but remember really enjoying it.

Olde Barnstable
Bayberry Hill
Captains (Port).......leave few disappointed

Cranberry Valley
Hyannis GC
Dennis Pines/HighIands....2nd tier

Bass River
Ballymeade
Sandwich Hollows....only if you cant get out @ above 7

Cranberry valley was in very good condition today. Greens were a touch slow but that is from all the rain yesterday.

[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1405653501' post='9725461']
Cranberry valley was in very good condition today. Greens were a touch slow but that is from all the rain yesterday.
[/quote]

Thanks for the condition update. What did you think of the layout?

Cranberry valley is hosting the MGA public links in early August. They are getting the course in great shape.

[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1405656501' post='9725769']
[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1405653501' post='9725461']
Cranberry valley was in very good condition today. Greens were a touch slow but that is from all the rain yesterday.
[/quote]

Thanks for the condition update. What did you think of the layout?
[/quote]

I enjoy the layout quite a bit. There are a lot if interesting holes, good variety of short and long par 4's. The fairways for the most part are very generous too. Only oddity is the abnormally short par 5 14th. It's about 30-40 yards shorter than the par 4 16th. I know par is arbitrary but feel like they should just switch them.

I find layout subjective so of you play there, you'll have to post what you think.

I played the 9 at highland links today. Greens are super slow but it has some great views of the Atlantic.

[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1405737369' post='9732881']
[quote name='hockeyplayer19' timestamp='1405656501' post='9725769']
[quote name='dartboss04' timestamp='1405653501' post='9725461']
Cranberry valley was in very good condition today. Greens were a touch slow but that is from all the rain yesterday.
[/quote]

Thanks for the condition update. What did you think of the layout?
[/quote]

I enjoy the layout quite a bit. There are a lot if interesting holes, good variety of short and long par 4's. The fairways for the most part are very generous too. Only oddity is the abnormally short par 5 14th. It's about 30-40 yards shorter than the par 4 16th. I know par is arbitrary but feel like they should just switch them.

I find layout subjective so of you play there, you'll have to post what you think.

I played the 9 at highland links today. Greens are super slow but it has some great views of the Atlantic.
[/quote]

I have played Cranberry Valley many times and it is one of my favorite layouts on the Cape.

Just off Cape is Pinehills with 2 courses to choose from, Nicholas and Jones. Both are excellent courses and always in great condition, and the price reflects that.

--kC

I get why you would take Captains Port over Starboard, but to dismiss it is just dumb. 5 and 16 are better than any hole on Port and they stand up to any holes at any of the other courses mentioned.

[quote name='wcb231' timestamp='1406258210' post='9780407']
I get why you would take Captains Port over Starboard, but to dismiss it is just dumb. 5 and 16 are better than any hole on Port and they stand up to any holes at any of the other courses mentioned.
[/quote]

Agreed. 16 is the hardest par 4 on either course.

Let me tell you, Blue Rock is one of the top par 3 courses in the country and stands up well in the world rankings. I love it and play there 3 days every spring and fall. What it does for my overall game is nothing short of amazing.

I would definitely recommend Cranberry Valley. Nice layout that is playable for higher handicaps but still challenging for better players. Has been in nice shape every time I've played it too.

[quote name='davidtgolf32' timestamp='1408218514' post='9947867']
I would definitely recommend Cranberry Valley. Nice layout that is playable for higher handicaps but still challenging for better players. Has been in nice shape every time I've played it too.
[/quote]

I'm originally from the cape. I like Cranberry valley, Dennis Pines, Captains and I like some of the shorter oddball course you can find there like highland links in truro. In brewster there's a course at Ocean Edge that I played once or twice that I recall enjoying. One day i hope to get back and see what Chequesset in wellfleet looks like. Used to play that course over and over growing up there.

[quote name='kc10' timestamp='1405639948' post='9723845']
Just played Blue Rock in South Yarmouth with my young son for two days over the weekend. This has to be one the best short courses in America. Great shape - two Par 3's over 200 yds. and many around 180yds and over water. Fun place, good karma.
[/quote]

It is rated the #3 executve course in the US. I go to a conference there twice a year and play it 6 times. I love it AND my hdcp drops 2 strokes within a month of each trip. We play a Stableford there and I have shot 36 twice over the years. Great track!

KEEP us posted when you open , im sure your buried also

olde Barnstable fair grounds is great, I played Hyannis a lot when I lived on the Cape and Sandwich hollows .

Anyone played Cranberry Valley and or Brookside yet? Going up this weekend and will play both. (Also anyone know of any public tournaments at Eastward Ho? Was going to play in a charity tournament there last fall but missed out due to scheduling conflict).

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1405961327' post='9749853']
Just off Cape is Pinehills with 2 courses to choose from, Nicholas and Jones. Both are excellent courses and always in great condition, and the price reflects that.

--kC
[/quote]

I'll second Pinehills. The Jones course is among my favorites.

Is it difficult to get on any of the courses as a single?

No, but be prepared for a long round. If you go in the afternoon on the weekend it can be very slow. They have some good afternoon deals during the week.