Top 10 Golf Courses in New Hampshire: Discover the Best Fairways in the Granite State
New Hampshire, known for its stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and rugged mountains, offers a unique and scenic golfing experience that reflects the state’s natural beauty. From courses nestled in the White Mountains to those set along serene lakesides, New Hampshire’s golf courses provide a mix of challenge, charm, and picturesque settings that appeal to golfers of all skill levels. Here’s a look at the top 10 golf courses in New Hampshire, each offering a memorable round of golf in the Granite State.
1. Baker Hill Golf Club (Newbury)
Baker Hill Golf Club in Newbury is one of New Hampshire’s premier private golf courses. Designed by Rees Jones and opened in 2001, the course is set amidst the rolling hills and forests of central New Hampshire, offering stunning views of Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee.
The course features a classic layout with wide fairways, large greens, and numerous strategically placed bunkers. Known for its excellent conditioning and challenging design, Baker Hill has hosted several regional tournaments, further solidifying its reputation as one of the top golf courses in the state.
2. Lake Sunapee Country Club (New London)
Lake Sunapee Country Club in New London is a private course designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1929. The course offers a classic layout with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and deep bunkers that require precision and strategy.
Set against the backdrop of the White Mountains, Lake Sunapee Country Club provides a traditional golfing experience with a touch of New England charm. The course’s history, challenge, and beautiful scenery make it a favorite among avid golfers in New Hampshire.
3. Wentworth by the Sea Country Club (Rye)
Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye is a private course with a rich history and a stunning seaside setting. Originally designed by Donald Ross in 1920, the course offers a classic layout with narrow fairways, small greens, and challenging bunkers.
Wentworth by the Sea has hosted numerous state and regional tournaments, highlighting its reputation as one of the top courses in New Hampshire. The combination of history, challenge, and scenic coastal views makes it a standout in the state’s golf scene.
4. The Golf Club of New England (Stratham)
The Golf Club of New England in Stratham is a private course designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 2003. It is set on 450 acres of rolling terrain and offers a challenging layout with wide fairways, large greens, and numerous natural hazards.
The Golf Club of New England is known for its excellent conditioning and stunning views, particularly on the back nine, where several holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The course has hosted several notable tournaments, including U.S. Open qualifying events.
5. Abenaqui Country Club (Rye Beach)
Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach is a private course initially designed by Wayne Stiles and opened in 1903. Set along the New Hampshire seacoast, the course offers a classic layout with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and numerous bunkers.
Abenaqui is known for its excellent conditioning and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among local golfers and visitors. The course’s combination of history, challenge, and scenic coastal views makes it a must-play for golfers in the Seacoast area.
6. North Conway Country Club (North Conway)
North Conway Country Club is a public course with a rich history and a stunning setting. Originally established in 1895, it offers a classic layout with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and picturesque views of the surrounding White Mountains.
North Conway Country Club is known for its excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among local golfers and visitors. The course’s history, challenge, and scenic beauty make it a standout in New Hampshire.
7. Mount Washington Resort Golf Club (Bretton Woods)
Mount Washington Resort Golf Club in Bretton Woods is a public course designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1915. Set against the backdrop of the Presidential Range, the course offers a challenging and visually stunning round of golf.
The course features wide fairways, large greens, and numerous natural hazards that require strategic shot-making. The Mount Washington Resort Golf Club has hosted several state and regional tournaments and is known for its excellent conditioning and breathtaking mountain views.
8. Hanover Country Club (Hanover)
Hanover Country Club is a public course owned by Dartmouth College. Originally designed by Willie Park Jr. in 1899, it offers a classic parkland-style layout with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and numerous bunkers.
Hanover Country Club is known for its excellent conditioning and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among local golfers and Dartmouth students. The course’s history, challenge, and scenic beauty make it a standout in the Upper Valley.
9. Laconia Country Club (Laconia)
Laconia Country Club is a private course designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1924. It offers a classic layout with tree-lined fairways, small greens, and numerous bunkers that require precision and strategy.
Laconia Country Club is known for its excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among local golfers and visitors. The course’s combination of history, challenge, and scenic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains makes it a must-play in central New Hampshire.
10. Portsmouth Country Club (Greenland)
Portsmouth Country Club in Greenland is a semi-private course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1957. Set along the banks of the Great Bay, the course offers a challenging and enjoyable round of golf with wide fairways, large greens, and numerous water hazards.
Portsmouth Country Club is known for its excellent conditioning and stunning views, particularly on the back nine, where several holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding marshes and bay. The course’s combination of challenge, beauty, and excellent facilities makes it a favorite among golfers in the Seacoast area.
Conclusion
New Hampshire’s top golf courses offer diverse experiences, from the historic charm of Wentworth by the Sea to the mountain beauty of the Mount Washington Resort Golf Club. Each course on this list provides a unique blend of challenge, scenic beauty, and New England charm, reflecting the state’s rich golfing heritage and commitment to excellence. Whether you’re playing in the shadow of the White Mountains or along the serene coast, New Hampshire’s golf courses promise an unforgettable experience.
References
- Baker Hill Golf Club: Official Website
- Lake Sunapee Country Club: Official Website
- Wentworth by the Sea Country Club: Official Website
- The Golf Club of New England: Official Website
- Abenaqui Country Club: Official Website
- North Conway Country Club: Official Website
- Mount Washington Resort Golf Club: Official Website
- Hanover Country Club: Official Website
- Laconia Country Club: Official Website
- Portsmouth Country Club: Official Website
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