10 Days in New England

[Chanceman]

If I were to plan a trip to play 10 days of golf in New England how would this rate? In say September or October.

Starting from Boston, going into Maine then back through New Hampshire and Vermont then back to finish at a course on Nantucket. The driving seems reasonable at about 2-3 hours per day max. These are all public access as far as I can see but not sure of the quality. Is this realistic? Have I left out any worthwhile courses? Other comments ie is there reasonably priced accommodation in places like Bretton Woods. :

Red Tail

Cape Arundel

Samoset

Kebo Valley

Bretton Woods

Okemo Valley

Taconic

The Ranch

Newport National

Miacomet

I did a similar trip (sans golf) when I was a student in NY. It should be beautiful in the Fall.

 

 

[MikeW2]

Course quality is good. If you pick October be prepared for some rounds that might be chilly when up in ME, NH, VT. That time of year anything can happen weather wise.

[bostonbrahmin]

Of that list I've played Samoset, Red Tail, and the Ranch. I can vouch for all of those as phenomenal quality public courses, with Red Tail probably being the best layout of the three. Samoset has easily the best views however - I'd suggest playing it in the afternoon to finish at twilight, then taking a walk down the breakwater after your round. Sunset over the Rockland harbor is sweet.

[jdl]

I concur that Red Tail and the Ranch are very good courses. I haven't played Newport National for a few years and it's my opinion that it's not worth the $$ they are asking for a round now, but if that's not a problem it it's a good course.

An alternative down there is Meadowbrook, not quite in the same class but a good track and much more affordable.

[Chanceman]

Maybe Farm Neck in lieu of Newport? And Crumpin Fox also looks cool further North. Lots of nice courses in MA.Samoset was the one that seems to fly under the radar, so thanks for the heads up. Coastal Maine beckons. After Covid !!!

[medicoreMAgolfer]

If you're going to finish on Nantucket, it means you're likely going to be taking the ferry? The Cape has some (IMHO) underrated Munis that are worth checking out. However, more unique than the munis would be Highland Links in Truro and Marion Golf club (not on the Cape, but not that far) in Marion, Mass. Both are 9 hole quirky courses that are true gems (as long as you don't mind a course that is a bit rough around the edges)

[Chanceman]

As Tina Turner used to say I like me some rough around the edges. So which are the munis you refer to? And a good little 9 holer is always worth playing so Sconset is one that I could do.

[bostonbrahmin]

Both Marion and Truro are some of the coolest 9 holers around. Would definitely suggest, although Truro is quite far from anywhere else really. Also Farm Neck is a fantastic course and another that is beautiful at sunset. If you are playing vineyard golf, there's yet another quirky 9 holer on Chappaquidick that I'd recommend going to as well. In terms of Newport National replacements, Metacomet is a Semi private course in East Providence that has maybe the best greens in New England. It's due to close soon so worth going to while you have the chance.

[jdl]

Yeah, was going to mention Crumpin, it's definitely worth considering as it has a pretty unique "feel" to it. It's a similar length drive for me there or the Ranch and I prefer the design style of the Ranch myself, mainly due to the greens. A couple at Crumpin have these huge mounds in the middle (they call them "kugels"). If you end up in the wrong position on those greens you're screwed. BTW, the course description on their web site is worth a read, just for the unique writing style:https://crumpinfox.com/course/

[NixLix26]

I have played at some of these tracks and even worked at Samoset back in the day. Looks like a great 10 day trip. Great time of year to go as well. Cape Arundel has so much history with all the great players and presidents who have played there. hope it works out for you, Enjoy

[medicoreMAgolfer]

I am partial to Olde Barnstable (Mark Mungeam course) and Bass River (Ross)

[ShortStick]

Good looking road trip - you know the area pretty well. Getting to Keene for Breton Woods from anywhere in Maine is a chore, but driving between the other courses is as good as it gets. Samoset to the north, Taconic to the west, Nantucket to the south. Lots to look forward to!

i guess if you’re looking for ideas, maybe cutting through the lakes region of NH and using rt 89 across VT is easier. The golf will not be better, but I love Woodstock and Manchester in VT as great towns to enjoy after golf. But honestly, it doesn’t get better than what you have planned.

[sodak77]

Really solid list of courses and should be a fun trip. Depending on course access and timing I would suggest 2 other courses that will blend well into your trip. Portsmouth CC which is semi-private and if you play late enough in October (Columbus Day) play Santaky Head while on Nantucket.

[Chanceman]

Yes, I heard about the Columbus Day thing so also might try to play Sankaty Head and Sconset (9 holes) as well as Miacomet while on Nantucket which will be the end of the trip and will have a few days rest. It would be cool to sneak onto Nantucket GC as well!! Perhaps I can write them a grovelling letter.

[Imp]

I personally would prefer Owls Nest over Mt Washington/Bretton Woods (which mostly has the hotel going for it... look there's the big building over there again...). I love the layout at Owls Nest and still with some great views, especially in the fall.

Crumpin Fox may also not have the views as Okemo, but the layout is great. Some really challenging holes.

--kC

[ShortStick]

doh! I got Bretwood and Bretton Woods mixed up. Sorry about that.

[bostonbrahmin]

From what I understand Sankaty no longer allows unaccompanied guests in the off season. If you find out differently by all means please let us know however as I'd love to get out there.

[medicoreMAgolfer]

@bostonbrahmin You’re correct, they no longer allow it. However, they are accommodating if your pro calls over. I was actually able to get two groups out there in the fall of 18. Nantucket GC, on the other hand, was a straight NO (and my pro and the head pro there are close)

[Chanceman]

Any chance with Eastward Ho! ? It looks to be a fabulous course.

[medicoreMAgolfer]

I believe Eastward Ho! has been gettable in the fall if you're a member of another private course. There are also many members on Thousand Greens if you want to attempt that route. They also host a big charity event in October for a local church that is worth looking into. There are other great private spots on the Cape that are also worth playing. I am partial to the "old ones" in Hyannisport, Oyster Harbors, Wianno, Woods Hole, and Cummaquid, but the newer ones are also supposed to be fun tracks. Eastward Ho! just has the most unique land that makes it a really desirable place to play - but you won't go wrong playing ANY of those other ones

[Chanceman]

Thanks for that, it's always a bonus to play a private club on a trip comprising mostly public access courses..

I have often found that a nice polite letter counts for a lot. So I will give it a go.

[kevinricci]

Stick with your original list. Opinions are like a........, everybody has one. Only advise is after the first week in November weather will be a factor.

[chippa13]

The Mrs. and I just played Mt. Washington this past Sunday and Monday. We both really enjoyed it. The course was in great condition and the rough definitely added a degree of difficulty that we don't find in most of the publics around southern New Hampshire.

[Tim_Gavrich]

Lots of solid courses on the list. If you venture into CT, both Keney Park and CT National would slot in very nicely with the ones you mentioned.

[jimb6golf]

Red Tail and Samoset are terrific courses.  A few suggestions include Granite Links, Pinehills, Wachusett GC, Butterbrook, and then some down on the Cape including Captains and Cranberry Valley.  Lots of good courses around the area and October is terrific weather to play too with all the leaves changing and less people typically on the courses.  Have a great trip.

[cbbaron]

Red Tail is great however played this past Sunday and the conditions weren't what I expected paying 120 now I understand lack of rain plays into it but Pinehills and Waverly Oaks have had good conditions this year.

[Chanceman]

Digging a little, I find that NE has possibly the best collection of 9 hole courses anywhere:

Hooper

Hotchkiss

Whitinsville

Marion

Highlands/Truro

Edgartown,

Chappaquiddick

Sconset

Not sure whether they are  accessible for everyone but it looks to be a fabulous group. And there are probably others but these ones I could find.

 

[Judge Smails]

Posting this for someone who checks the thread in the future...

 

The suggestion that Newport National be take OFF this list is surprising to me.  I used to live in Boston and have played most of the courses mentioned.  If I had a chance to go back to the area Newport National is the FIRST place I would play.  Awesome layout, no B.S. golf, better conditioned than Red Tail.  Unless you hate links golf I don't know how you skip this place.

[jdl]

43 minutes ago, Judge Smails said:

Posting this for someone who checks the thread in the future...

 

The suggestion that Newport National be take OFF this list is surprising to me.  I used to live in Boston and have played most of the courses mentioned.  If I had a chance to go back to the area Newport National is the FIRST place I would play.  Awesome layout, no B.S. golf, better conditioned than Red Tail.  Unless you hate links golf I don't know how you skip this place.

Assume you're referring to my comment, you need to learn to read.

[Judge Smails]

9 hours ago, jdl said:

Assume you're referring to my comment, you need to learn to read.

 

Ohhh fun . . . an internet tough guy.  Your grammar and sentence structure is pretty bad for a guy telling someone to learn to read.  

 

As for golf, my comment stands.  The course is well worth playing and the cost is completely reasonable for a premium public course.