11 Best Golf Courses in Rhode Island
What seems to attract most people to golf courses is quality fresh-cut grass, lovely scenery, and top-notch amenities that give it its prestigious character. Whether resident, visitor, or local player, Rhode Island has planted and cultivated many golf courses that live up to the game's physical and social environment. With historical value, ongoing maintenance, and good vibes of each of these courses, golf aficionados can rejoice in any of these eleven best courses in the Ocean State.
Newport National
Newport National, located in Newport, RI, is one of the best public golf courses in Rhode Island. Reflecting its intentional layout, where designers Arthur Hill and Drew Rogers planned for the course to follow the original makeup of shrubs and trees, it is a welcome experience for all who want to be a part of a 7,244-yard experience. Players and visitors can view the Sakonnet Passage, the Atlantic Ocean, and Narragansett Bay through the 18-hole play. If you desire to stay longer, Newport offers a stunning coastal scenery, waterfronts, music, and architecture from America's Gilded Age. Additionally, should you need lodging Brent Motel, Marriott Newport, and Hotel Viking are just a few accommodations. The best time to visit is late spring or early fall.
Warwick Country Club
Considered one of the best courses in the state by Golf Digest, Warwick Country Club boasts a historic design, complemented by its coastal aesthetic, which is particularly well-appreciated during the spring and summer months. Located in Warwick, RI, the course was originally constructed in 1920 by Donald Ross with nine holes. By the early 1950s, Geoffrey Cornish had doubled the number of holes, with a few of the new ones situated along the Narragansett Bay. The surrounding Atlantic Ocean makes the country club appear and feel like an island, where members often socialize by boating, swimming, dining, or attending special events. In between recreation, visitors can stay at the Crowne Plaza Providence, Hampton Inn & Suites, or Comfort Suites West Warwick.
The Misquamicut Club
With the geological makeup of a royal hideout in a romance novel, Westerly, Rhode Island's Misquamicut Club is said to be a classic gem. Also designed by Donald Ross, the course even boasts a 165-yard volcano at the eighth hole. Members can play along the marshlands and in between the vibrant areas that come to life during the fall season. With the addition to the course itself, The Misquamicut also has tennis, a beach club, and dining, welcoming members who enjoy these activities. Due to the club being near beachfronts, visitors can lodge in scenic hotels like the Pleasant View Inn, The Hotel Maria, and Breezeway Boutique.
Shelter Harbor Golf Club
The Shelter Harbor Golf Club stays true to its name and embodies quintessential Rhode Island charm. Founded by Finn Carlsen in Charlestown and designed by the Hurdzan/Fry firm, this team honored the original wetland and bouldered area by designing a strategic, 7032-yard course around the native environment. Although the 18 holes in the course are not as abstract as modern courses, its design offers an air of nostalgia while nodding to a more vintage aesthetic. The club also offers practice facilities, dining options, and additional fitness opportunities. Due to its environmental characteristics, it is best to visit from late spring to fall. Overnight guests can lodge near the club at the Shelter Harbor Inn.
Winnapaug Country Club
Another one of Westerly, Rhode Island's clubs is the Winnapaug Country Club. Said to be where golf and nature meet in perfect harmony, Winnapaug Country Club is open and ready for public use, particularly during the summer months. Located along the Atlantic and Winnapaug Pond, the golf course offers a scenic view of the ocean, spanning 6400 yards of play with a par of 72. The club also offers the Villa Bed and Breakfast, where adult visitors can stay in the historic Westerly, Rhode Island, Villa building, initially built in 1850 and later redesigned after the 1938 hurricane. The club is meant to be a space for play and appreciation, while also giving ample opportunities for leisure.
North Kingstown Golf Course
North Kingstown Golf Course, located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, hosts over 40,000 rounds of golf a year. This could be due to the golf course being open to the public, making it very popular. However, with views of Narragansett Bay and the course situated near an airfield, it offers beautiful ocean scenes and exciting military aircraft, reflecting its culture of challenging yet friendly golf games. The course was designed by Walter Johnson in 1944 with 18 holes and plays to a par of 70. The tricky course is what has lured many in the community to the sports, where groups, staff, and regular players often gather for a tee time and give it a go! Lodgings near the course include TownePlace Suites and Hamilton Place Inn, which features an interesting castle-like architecture. Additionally, the best times to visit North Kingstown are May and mid-September.
Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club
Named after an Indigenous leader who met settlers on the Aquidneck Island in the 17th century, Middletown, Rhode Island's Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club offers views of the Wanumetonomy Hill and Narragansett Bay at each of the 18 holes. The club holds itself to a high standard and is constantly improving and restoring the original architectural design by Seth Raynor, ensuring that it continues to honor older memberships and welcome new members to be part of the Wanumentonomy family tree. Just three years ago, the club celebrated its 100th anniversary. The club is renowned for its celebratory events and leisure golf outings, and is best visited during the summer and fall months. The closest accommodations are at Sonesta Select Newport Middletown or The Pell.
Triggs Memorial Golf Course
According to Golf Digest, Triggs Memorial Golf Course is one of Donald Ross's more authentic course designs. Once only the site of the Obadiah Brown Yorkshire cattle farm, it is now surrounded by the urban areas in west Providence, but has kept its traditional and well-groomed greens and surrounding maple trees on the 18-hole course. The course is named after Jeremiah Triggs, the superintendent of Providence Park. The course is open to the public and offers learning centers, clubs, and tournaments as accredited to its location in the city. Locals say it is best to try and get a play in the morning between April and October, but also a great place for winter golf. Because the course is located in Providence, guest also have the opportunity to stay at the nearby downtown hotels like Neptune or Omni Providence Hotel, and explore Providence nightlife.
The Aquidneck Club
The Aquideck Club, located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a small private club with a golf course situated along the banks of Narragansett Bay, making it an ideal destination to visit during the spring. According to members, staff, and leaders of the club, they honor the passion of golf, community, and friendship. Additionally, the course was designed by British architect Donald Steel, who constructed it with the intention of allowing both beginner and regular players to navigate the course with challenge and enjoyment. The course has retained its natural landscape, which also helps all members feel secure and at ease during a tee time. The club offers golf amenities, dining, spa, additional recreational activities, and 28 luxury suites for nightly, weekly, or monthly stays.
Rhode Island Country Club
In the state of Rhode Island, it is not surprising that there is a Rhode Island Country Club, and it is naturally the first course built in the state. Founded by 27 members and designed in 1911 by Donald Ross in Barrington, Rhode Island, the location, history, and ambiance of the course are why members call it a classic golf course. The course runs alongside views of parkland, seaside holes, and Narragansett Bay, which are best appreciated between May and October. The course offers a combination of unique links that keep players firm and fast on the green bunkers. The club also offers tennis, paddling, pools, and dining. Additionally, members are encouraged to bring along family and youth to be a part of the membership family or host events on this historic landmark. Lodgings near the club are at Williams Grant Inn B&B or Colonial Inn Seekonk, to name a few.
Meadow Brook
Honoring its name and said to be a hidden gem, Meadow Brook's course features five sets of tees that bring players towards lakes, maple trees, and fresh air, which is especially pleasing due to its elevated greens and multiple fairways. Located in Richmond, Rhode Island, the club originally opened in 1929, but was purchased by the Hendrick Family in 2006 and redeveloped by Roger Rulewich and Dave Fleury. The course is conveniently located near Providence, with lovely beaches and casinos nearby. All are welcome at Meadow Brook, which also boasts dining, a full bar, apparel, and golf outings. Due to the course's meadowy feel, it may be best to visit in late spring. Additionally, to accommodate the spring-like feel, visitors can stay at nearby lodging at Stagecoach House Inn, known for its rustic and cozy style.
These clubs and courses were each built with the intention of giving members and the public the space to move, observe, and honor the atmosphere of a round. Rhode Island has much to offer, and one of the best ways to take it in is by first visiting one of its golf courses. Whether you are looking to become a member, want to try it out for the day, desire a club outing, or would like to host an event, each of these courses, and many more, may have exactly what you are looking for for a great day of play.
