Newport National

[eacsgolferdad]

I have a (big) birthday coming up soon. I originally planned on taking a trip to a golf resort but decided last year to shelve those plans for this year. I am looking to take a few days excursion here in New England. I’ve played most all of the upscale public courses here in MA including the Plymouth area courses and Cape Cod public courses and I’m looking to play somewhere different.

 

I am wondering if Newport National is worth consideration. I have never played the course but somehow I’m on their email list. I’d like to hear any feedback on the layout from those that have played it. The website claims it’s a links course, which I love, but I I’m skeptical sight unseen. I would also appreciate it if anyone has played it recently and can comment on course conditions. 

Edited July 12, 2021 by eacsgolferdad

[Ri_Redneck]

Newport National is a nice track, but a tad overpriced (IMHO) with $125 weekday rate. The conditions are immaculate and the course WILL punish the wayward shot, but the scenery is somewhat lacking. Personally, I would choose Cape Club at Falmouth or Pine Hills over it. But if you've already got your fill of those, it will not disappoint.

 

BT

[eacsgolferdad]

9 minutes ago, Ri_Redneck said:

Newport National is a nice track, but a tad overpriced (IMHO) with $125 weekday rate. The conditions are immaculate and the course WILL punish the wayward shot, but the scenery is somewhat lacking. Personally, I would choose Cape Club at Falmouth or Pine Hills over it. But if you've already got your fill of those, it will not disappoint.

 

BT

Thanks, BT. I hadn’t thought of the Cape Club. I haven’t played there since the renovations. I’ll look into that one too.

[ChipStrokes]

just played Newport National last week. like @Ri_Redneck said, it’s immaculate. probably the best conditioned public course i’ve played. 

 

it has some fun and interesting holes but definitely lacking on scenery because it’s in the middle of farmland. 

 

loses some points for not having a driving range though. 

[eacsgolferdad]

3 minutes ago, ChipStrokes said:

just played Newport National last week. like @Ri_Redneck said, it’s immaculate. probably the best conditioned public course i’ve played. 

 

it has some fun and interesting holes but definitely lacking on scenery because it’s in the middle of farmland. 

 

loses some points for not having a driving range though. 

Thanks, Chip. I didn’t realize they don’t have a driving range so I appreciate your mentioning that.

[ChipStrokes]

4 minutes ago, eacsgolferdad said:

Thanks, Chip. I didn’t realize they don’t have a driving range so I appreciate your mentioning that.

there’s a vague mention to one on the website somewhere, but i think it’s gonna be added with some planned future renovations. 

[Ri_Redneck]

22 hours ago, eacsgolferdad said:

Thanks, BT. I hadn’t thought of the Cape Club. I haven’t played there since the renovations. I’ll look into that one too.

Yeah, it's completely different from the old Ballymead. Very nice track and they have what they call "Dynamic Pricing". It means pricing can be lower with more open tee times. Under $100 regularly in the afternoon.

 

BT

[jdl]

Haven't played NN in a few years since they raised their rates (and got rid of the early season discounts). Great course but not sure I'd say its a "links style" course. It's pretty traditional, can be greatly impacted by the wind so I guess there's that "links" connection.

[Imp]

On 7/12/2021 at 3:03 PM, ChipStrokes said:

there’s a vague mention to one on the website somewhere, but i think it’s gonna be added with some planned future renovations. 

They are *finally* putting in the clubhouse, driving range, and another 9 holes.  https://www.newportnational.com/new-clubhouse-and-vineyard-course/

[Ri_Redneck]

That will make it much more appealing...

 

That is, as long as the rates don't go up! 😎

 

BT

[Imp]

They went up a few years ago to help cover for it. I hope it's working.

[gjc985]

The drawings were made in 2019. Don’t hold your breath that another 9 or clubhouse is coming any time soon.

[jbl]

There is zero "links" about this course, typical soft bentgrass resort-ish.  It's worth about half what they charge.