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All You Need to Know About Golf on Cape Cod

The Cape Cod peninsula, from Bourne to Provincetown, includes 15 towns and 44 public and private golf courses – each with its own unique history. Together, these courses serve a booming golf industry that generates about $350 million annually.With 18-hole courses (16), 9-hole courses (8) and executive par-3 courses (5), there is no shortage of opportunities to tee it up.According to the Chamber, there were one million rounds of golf played last year both public and private, down from 2004 when estimates were as high as 1.3 million rounds.

Golf is so popular on the Cape that ten municipal courses are available at reasonable rates, especially if you live and work there. The town ofYarmouth runs two courses offering 45 holes, Dennis and Brewster each own two courses featuring 36 holes, Falmouth has 27 holes. Harwich has 27 holes while Barnstable has 36 holes and Sandwich operates an 18-hole facility.

While the Cape for decades has been offering serenity to generation after generation of tourists, it is also a wonderful mecca offering more golf courses per square miles than any other region in the Northeast. There are several exclusive, private clubs steeped in a rich history of the game where the public is prohibited fromplaying unless accompanied by amember.They include CummaquidGolfClub, (est. 1895), EastwardHo CC (est. 1922),Hyannisport Club (est. 1896), New Seabury CC (est. 1962), Oyster Harbors Club (est. 1927), Ridge Club (est. 1990) andWillowbend (est. 1987).

Our 2008 Bay State Golf review of public golf facilities on the Cape Cod mainland includes 27 courses.We spoke to a representative at each course for a personal glimpse and insight. There are two public courses on Martha’s Vineyard: Farm Neck GC, with 18 great holes and a $145 price tag and the 9- hole Mink Meadow GC. Nantucket offers one 18-hole public course at Miacomet GC with a greens fee of $75.

BEST OF THE BEST

Bayberry Hills GC – This 27-hole complex is owned and operated by the town of Yarmouth. It boasts 1,100 season memberships for the bargain-basement price of $750. To qualify, you must show proof of residency. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course plays to 7,200 yards from the tips, making it the longest public course on the Cape. Situated on 200 acres, the terrain features slight elevation changes and large greens that average 7,000 square feet.

Captains GC (Port Course) – In summer, Brewster’s population of 10,000 swells to 30,000, and there are two 18-hole courses on this compound.When the original Captain’s course opened in 1985, this “Sea Captain’s Town” had been seeking the moniker of “Golf Capital of the Lower cape” but that never materialized even though both courses are impressive. The Port course 18 measures 6,700 yards with par of 72. You won’t find too many places with five par 3s and five par 5s except here and all holes are tree-lined.

Captains GC (Starboard) – This 18-hole course is 6,700 yards from the tips and the par is 72. Two pros – Steve Knowles and Jay Packett – are employed on site to assist your tee time and pro shop needs and facilitate other golf related situations. PGApro SteveKnowles: “Around of golf here is enjoyable and affordable. No. 16 is a great golf hole. It’s a long (468-yard) par 4 that doglegs left and it’s a killer to make par. Three players hold the course record of 66: Ryan Ouillette (2001), Scott Hawley (2004) and cape pro Bob Chase (2004).

Cranberry Valley GC – This popular course is on everyone’s must-play list and seldom is heard a discouraging word about the condition and layout of this municipal facility in Harwich.Afine test is offered from the tips at 6,700 yards, and the par-72 tract provides large teeing areas and 53 strategically placed bunkers throughout your 18-hole journey. This Geoffrey Cornishdesigned course opened in 1974 and averages about 45,000 rounds annually. In 2002 the town spent $1.2million on a newclubhouse and completed installation of a $1.6 million irrigation system in 2005.

Dennis Pines GC – This is one of Cape Cod’s busiest courses and has been open for play since 1966. The course is carved around 170 acres of pine forest requiring a demanding par of 72 while maxing out at 7,000 yards. Most bunkers have been rebuilt and the tree-lined corridors place a premium on accuracy rather than distance. Water comes into play on four holes, and No. 12 is recognized as one of the most difficult par 5s around. It’s a double dogleg and requires that you turn the ball (right to left) with your tee shot.

Hyannis GC – For the discriminating public golfer, this 129-acre property is conveniently located about a drive and 5-iron off the Mid-Cape highway off Exit 6. In 1973, Geoffrey Cornish designed the 6,700-yard tract, which annually produces 40,000 rounds and features a 55-station practice range with three practice greens. The course was sold in January 2007, for $9.5 million fromamateur golf legends Joe Keller and Fordie Pitts to the town of Hyannis.

Ocean Edge GC – This landmark property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and features a resort hotel, conference center, residential community and 6,600-yard championship golf course, which was renovated and reopened in the spring 2008. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course features natural elevation changes and scenic views overlooking Cap Cod Bay in Brewster. The entire campus and 700 unit condo development covers 400 acreswith abundantwildlife ranging frombirds, fox, snakes, reptiles and deer. Ocean Edge is the only resort and golf property abutting the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape since New Seabury went private in 2003.

Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds GC – Built in 1992 by designed Mark Mungeam, this municipal course in Marstons Mills is considered one of the Cape newer playing fields. The facility offers a modern clubhouse and full practice range with chipping area and, weather permitting, is closed one day each year (Christmas).

The Cape Cod Open is held here and Ron Philo holds the course record with 64. What you should know about the course is that it has fast undulating greens and there are few flat putts. Tee times can be made seven days in advance and there are about 1,000 members.

BANG FOR THE BUCK

Ballymeade GC – This golf course was built 23 years ago and is situated on 200 acres of prime property inNorth Falmouth.BallymeadeCCis semi-private and averages about 22,000 rounds annually. The course shakes out to 6,900 yardswith par of 72. Hole No. 11 is a 164-yard par 3 and is the highest point on the Cape (110 feet above sea level) with great views of Cape Cod Bay.Weekend fees with cart is $78.

BassRiverGC–Without a doubt, one ofCapeCod’s oldest and user-friendliest layouts, dating back to 1902, this classic, 18-hole, par 72 only stretches out to 6,100 yards. Donald Ross designed nine holes, which features generous landing areas and small greens that average 4,000-5,000 square feet. The front side is very short, and you don’t want to hit it over any greens. The town of Yarmouth owns and operates the propertywhich handles upward of 40,000 rounds a year. It’s an easywalk an one of the Cape’s favorite sons, six-year PGA Tour veteran Jim Hallet, is an honorary member.

BrooksideClub - This course is located in Bourne, only twomiles over the Bourne Bridge, and was originally designed in 1986 by Michael Hurdzan before John Sanford refined the layout in 1995. It is open year-round, and in May 2005, a new, 9,500 square foot clubhouse opened, complete with golf shop, grille roomand function room with capacity for 175.

Cape Cod CC – This 18-hole, par-71 course is bordered by Lake Coonemessett in Falmouth and offers an interesting variety of undulating fairways and subtly sloped greens. Hole No. 14, a 351-yard, par 4, has earned the moniker of “volcano” from local who have had their score ruined after teeing it up there. Cape Cod CC, built in 1928, was purchased by Phil Friel GolfManagement Co. in 1985 and is now one of four courses run by David Friel.

Dennis Highland GC –The town of Dennis is well known for its quiet, beach-oriented nature but boasts two remarkable, and attractive golf destinations. The Dennis Highlands course opened in 1984 and is par 71, stretching out 6,500 yards, throughout 161 acres of medium-height pine and oak trees covering the rolling terrain. An impressive practice range is available and has helped hone the game of some of the Cape’s finest young talent such asMichael Carbone and Ken Lewis.

Falmouth CC –This is a town-owned 27-hole, open year-round course, with bent grass tees and greens and weekday green fees of $45. The town of Falmouth purchased the 18-hole, par 72 course and the 9-hole, par 37 “Talon” course, situated on 270 acres for a whopping $15.8 million. Lenny Buford, a local investor, had owned the property for 20 years.

QuashnetValley CC – Carved around 330 acres of Cape Cod (inactive) cranberry bogs adjacent to the Quashnet River in Mashpee, this scenic 6,600-yard, par 72 course will challenge golfers of all abilities. Built by ownerAnthony Lacava in the 1980s,therearetree-linedfairways,elevatedteeboxes,tranquilpondsandmanicured greens. Quashnet hosted theWomen’s State Open in 2003.”

SandwichHollowsGC – The town of Sandwich bought this course in 1999. It was originally built in 1974 on very hilly terrain bordered by hundreds of acres of conservationland. The18-holecourseplayslessthan6,000yardsandisopenyearround. Gradualimprovementsincethetownboughtthepropertyincludesenlargedteeboxes and upgraded fairways and landing areas. TheWednesday special is 18-holes with cart for $30.

BayBerry Hills GC (Links) – There are no trees on this 75-acresYarmouth 9-hole property thatwas once the site of a town dump. In 1999, for $4million, the town built a 9-hole, par 36 course that measures 2,900 yards. The rate is $50 but drops to $40 after 2 p.m. and to $25 after 4 p.m.

ChathamSeaside Golf Links –This links course dates back to about 1900 and sits on 40 acres of prime real estate, once owned by the Chatham Bars Inn. The town bought the par34, 2,200-yard tract in 1990.

ChequessettYacht&CC – This semi-private club, located in the fishing village of Wellfleet, was established in 1929. It’s short at 2,650 yards with a par of 35. Local amateurMike Flanagan, who is theWellfleet harbormaster, holds the course record of 62 set in 2003.

Falmouth CC – This 9-hole layout is called “Talon” course and features a par of 37 with 3,300 yards of real estate to navigate. It’s a nice course to walk and open year round if weather permits.

HighlandLinks –LocatedITruro,theCape’soldestandclassiestcourse,established way, way, way back in 1892. The scenery is picture-postcard perfect and this course must be played by one and all. Hole No. 6 is a par 5 perched high (130 feet) along thewind swept bluffs of theAtlanticOcean, next to the vintageCapeCod Light.The Highland Light has been moved inland twice in the past dozen years due to coastal erosion and it is the Cape oldest beam dating to 1767.

EXECUTIVE STYLE

Blue Rock GC – This par-3 course in Yarmouth was built in 1962 by Geoffrey Cornish and measures 3,000 yards. Holes range from 100–225 yards, and the facility is open year-round. Local amateur Kevin Carey holds the course record of 49 and Blue Rock averages about 18 holes-in-one each year.

Holly Ridge GC – This is another Geoffrey Cornish-designed Cape course with a par of 54, built by popular local proTomNiblet.The property is located in Sandwich and nestled among pine and holly trees and appeals to seniors, women and juniors.

PaulHarneyGC–Thisfun18-holecoursefeaturessixpar4sranginginlengthfrom 260-350 yards and the rest par 3s. In 1967, at the pinnacle of his brilliant PGATour career, Paul Harney, who was head pro at Pleasant Valley CC for most of his career and summered on the Cape with his family, bought the 70 acres of land and built it. Located in Falmouth, the course measures 3,600 yards with par of 60.

Little Harbor CC – A public 18 hole executive course that challenges you to use every club n your bag.Holes range from100 yards to 291 yards on this pristine condition par 56. Located inWarehamand designed by Dick Bowler in 1964. The best part is the price. It’s only $18 for 18 holes on weekdays and $24 for18 holes on weekends during the month of November.

WoodbriarGC – This place only costs you $20 to play with par being 56. Located near downtown Falmouth and constructed in the late 1960s, there are a few water holes to test your shotmaking and keep your interest.