Courses to play in Rhode Island

[migolfke]

I have found myself with two free weekend mornings coming up in Rhode Island that I can play golf. Does anyone have any good course recommendations? I will be staying somewhere south of 95. I don't want to play Triggs as I have played it before and it is a bit of a hike from where I will be staying. Any help is appreciated.

[geoangus]

Not sure which part of RI you'll be in, but I'd recommend Meadowbrook if you're in the southwestern part of the state. Newport National is also very nice.

[Imp]

95 splits RI up the center, so it's better if you just say around the area you'll be. (95 splits RI up into East/West). Of course, everything south of providence could be considered south of 95.

Decent public courses in southern RI in some order of quality opined by me...
Meadowbrook (Exeter/Richmond RI)
Newport National (Middletown RI - Aquidneck Island)
Fenner Hill (Exeter RI)
Green Valley (Portsmouth RI)
Richmond (Richmond RI)
Montaup (Portsmouth RI)

--kC

[migolfke]

Thanks for the input. Meadowbrook looks like it may be a good spot based on location. Is Newport National far superior to the others mentioned? How is Winnapaug - is it still a Ross? I'd like to play a Ross if it is decent and still has Ross' design features/ characteristics.

[geoangus]

Newport National is a links style course. Does carry higher greens fees, but conditions have always been good. I've only played Winnapaug for the first few times this past winter, so I can't speak for summer conditions. It's an older course with small greens. Decent may be an adequate description, it's nothing great nor terribly bad.

Less than 30 minutes west of those clubs, along I-95, is another Ross course, Shennecosset in Groton. More of an open links design (Winnapaug is tight in some areas, lots of houses). Also with in that 30 minute window is Lake of Isles in North Stonington, expensive, but a nice resort style course.


edit: I just re-read your OP, Shennecosset is ridiculously difficult to get out on during a weekend morning. Very cliquey towards its members until after 10 (at least in my experience)

[Imp]

I haven't played Winnapaug in a couple years.

Between Meadowbrook and Newport National, I'd pick both. They're both very good and I can't put one over the other. One has trees (Meadowbrook) but still quite open and the other has very few. Greens on both are great. Fairways also. Meadowbrook has a better flow from hole to hole and the finishing holes are a fun and desireable challenge vs Newport National that is just... long.

Shenny is almost a non-starter on a weekend. Fun track, but better played on weekdays or noonish weekend rounds.

--kC

[migolfke]

Shenny seemed like they would be able to get out a single in the morning, but it may be too long of a drive for my available time. I will have to take a ride up one weekend when I have more time. I'm defintiely going to do Meadowbrook, and leave Sunday open for a last minute decision. I'll report back on the cources. .

[garcia51694]

I'd play both Meadowbrook and Newport National. My two favorite courses here in RI by far.

[migolfke]

[indent=1]I ended up only playing Meadowbrook and would definitely recommend it to anyone in the RI area. From what I gathered, Meadowbrook put some money into the course recently, and it shows. The conditioning was excellent. The greens were quick, but not lightening, and rolled true. The bunkers were consistent. The routing was good - an easy walk. The course played very short from the 6500 yard tees, especially considering the greens are on the bigger side and receptive.The price was right too. [/indent]

[geoangus]

glad you enjoyed it

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

How are Triggs Memorial and Winnapaug? Worth playing?

[Imp]

They're both OK for Ross designs. When you go will dictate the conditions they're in. BOth of them in mid summer are usually hard pan and burnt out.

Triggs is in the middle of a couple city blocks... so its more narrow than anything. Winnapaug has some fun holes, but depends on the weather and wind off the ocean. There are many other courses that I'd choose before ever thinking of playing them. Not saying they're bad, but there are better choices.

--kC

[flopshot99]

Fenner hill crazy crazy greens. Beaver ridge as well awrsome

[Imp]

Beaver River you mean? (No course as Beaver Ridge).

Fun stat about Beaver River: All fairway markers are to the back of the green - not the middle. Also, very few holes will you be using driver, it's a shot placement course.

--kC

[jimb6golf]

Triggs is a really nice course but very tight, especially between holes and the next tee box. Causes big time backups on the weekends but if you time it right it's worth playing. Winnapaug was a Ross course but has been heavily modified over the years. Not a great course but has some fun holes. Meadowbrook is pretty nice layout and it appears they've upgraded alot in the past few years. Pretty long and tough with almost a links feel about it. Was going to play it this past weekend but plans fell through. Good luck - they're some nice courses to choose from.

[Imp]

Take the short hop to Dartmouth and play Allendale. As a now Semi-private, the fees were lower than what they should be charging for the conditions. Fairways are like carpet already, rough long and penalizing already. Greens, quick. Don't be above them.

 

--kC

[Wftrudell]

I ended up only playing Meadowbrook and would definitely recommend it to anyone in the RI area. From what I gathered, Meadowbrook put some money into the course recently, and it shows. The conditioning was excellent. The greens were quick, but not lightening, and rolled true. The bunkers were consistent. The routing was good - an easy walk. The course played very short from the 6500 yard tees, especially considering the greens are on the bigger side and receptive.The price was right too.

 

 

Go back when you can and try the black tees. Plays 7500 some days. Has a 260 yard par 3. I plan to give it a go at some point. I just need to find some players willing to do it with me.

[jdl]

We played Meadowbrook from the blues last time, just over 7000 yds. That was plenty for me. Not all that tough but I picked a bad day to have troubles with the driver.