Golf + Changing of the Leaves

So the better half has always wanted to head to the upper NE _(in Denver currently)_ and see the leaves change. NOT that we dont have that here too with the aspens...but I digress.

She always tosses out I can play a few rounds of golf too, which is her way to trying bait me into the trip. Looking online It appears the leaves change is mid/late September through October? Read somewhere that in Maine they say "peak" is considered Columbus Day weekend?

So focusing on the real trip aspects, lets say mid October how are course conditions? Weather conditions? Do courses clear the leaves??? _I ask on the clear of the leaves as around here once the leaves drop it can be a pain in arse to find your ball even in the fairway, let alone out of it._

We (she...lol) are thinking Maine. Fly into Boston and drive up to Portland area and go from there.

Appreciate any input.

_EDIT: if a better spot to go please let me know._

I play 95% of my golf south of Boston October weather usually is good rates go down etc. Leave clearing really comes down to what their budget is higher end courses like Pinehills and Waverly Oaks will have leaves cleared. Lower end you will lose a few balls.

Obviously lots of "it depends" answers, but the further north you go the earlier the leaf season "peaks".

https://newengland.com/seasons/fall/foliage/peak-fall-foliage-map/

Mid October weather is usually still pretty good. The one risk with the leaves is if we get a big storm after they've turned, the winds can defoliate those beautiful scenes pretty quickly.

October is one of the best months in New England weather-wise. It seems like the last few years, our seasons have shifted, eliminating spring (we now have fall, winter, late winter, and summer) and extending late summer/early fall weather. October weather is typically cool but comfortable (50-60 degrees), generally sunny and dry, perfect for golf. As long as you don't go too far north into Maine, that's still pretty true.

When it comes where to go, Maine is a great choice. I'd suggest staying away from the coast, as it gets SUPER crowded that time of year. You'll see much better foliage inland, particularly the Lakes and Mountains region. The Lakes region in New Hampshire is also spectacular, a bit more commercialized (which also means better dining options and shopping options for the wife), but it also means a bit more congestion. The North Conway area of NH is just north of the Lakes region, with plenty of shopping, dining, and excellent golf. Really hard to beat a ride along the Kancamangus Highway and Bear Notch Road around North Conway for foliage viewing.

As far as golf and leaves, they're all going to have some problems, as courses around those areas are all very wooded. As cbbaron said above, the better/more expensive courses will do a better job of keeping the leaves at least off the fairway. There's really not much they can do about it in the woods :)

Thanks for the responses. On leaf removal very similar here, depends on the course/budget.

If in the Portland area is there good golf? Is that to far north _(seems pretty south)_

The question I have been wondering, is it better to drive around and stay at different locations OR base on one spot? Sorry for the "noob" questions. I honestly have not really studied the area enough to know. Will have to research this weekend. It looks like it could a pretty trip though.

_Edit: The other trip she noted would be the Oregon coast again but Maine is still tops since we have done Oregon before. Personally I am much more down with Oregon (no offense) as I think I could spend a day or two at Bandon =)_

Yeah, the rules of golf hate the leaf rule but it is an essential ingredient for New England golf. Courses do blow leaves into the woods, but of course leaves fall all day long. Fresh leaves are fluffy and balls will hide underneath. You’re from Denver so you know the drill - go in circles where you think it is to get more angles and even hope your feet find it. One thing that may be different is that it is cooler and the grass is lusher so the ball is not likely to roll out. If you can’t find it, chances are good it is behind you somewhere.

You did ask about peak season. My advice is be prepared for a day trip from your base location. It is unpredictable when peak foliage will be and peak may well have come and gone in Bar Harbor up north before it arrives in Portland.That makes it special! Be flexible - travel up the coast or inland. Lots of destinations - Rockport has art, Kennebunk up to Acadia has the coast (and golf) and Portland has amazing restaurants. Have fun!