Golfing anywhere on beautiful Cape Cod and her neighboring islands, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, is a golfing vacation treat. Panoramic ocean views, perfectly manicured greens, verdant tree-lined fairways, links-style rough, and challenging play are waiting for you to tee off on Massachusetts turf. You will find a golf course suitable for every level of play, from novice to expert, offered in a variety of price ranges.
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Whether you are on a guys or gals golf getaway, traveling with your family, or just looking for a quick round to escape from the work-a-day world, the Cape and Islands have a golf course perfect for you. We have gathered together 18-hole private, semi-private, and public courses that are accessible, challenging, and picturesque. These courses allow you to score a tee time while enjoying Cape Cod in the summer.
Many stunning private courses like Oyster Harbors, Eastward Ho, Nantucket Golf Club, and Sankaty Head are unattainable for the summer vacationer who does not have a membership. Below are a few explorable options that may get you a tee time. Some top-rated, exclusively private courses allow public play during the very fringes of the season, will allow access if your home club golf pro makes a call on your behalf, or allow you to play as a guest of a member who is not in attendance. It is always worth a phone call to the pro shop to see if there are any options available. We have not reviewed these courses here, but you will surely find they are challenging and beautiful if you can score a round.
Prices for a round of golf vary with the day of the week and time of day, so we offer a range of prices based on green and cart fees. The rate scoring does not include club rentals.
- $ Up to $75
- $$ Up to $150
- $$$ Up to $250
- $$$$ More than $250
Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
Cape Cod National Golf Club
1. Cape Cod National Golf Club, Brewster
Cost: $$$$*
If you want to play on the exclusive and private Cape Cod National Golf Club, you need to plan your vacation around staying at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club. As a guest at the Wequassett, you have access to one of Golf Digest’s 2019 Top 20 Courses in Massachusetts.
With a Championship yardage of 6,954 feet, at the par 72 course, you will be playing one of the most sought-after rounds of golf on the Cape. A true walking course, golf carts are not required. You may find some slow play days, but they do a good job maintaining their goal to keep your round to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Cape Cod National Golf Club
The tree-lined fairways and beautifully maintained greens will challenge your drive if you have a bit of a slice. There are three water hazards on the course, with the trickiest on the par 5, third hole.
If you are looking for a premier round of golf, book a golf stay at the Wequassett and enjoy a luxury Cape Cod golf-cation.
Pro Tip: Discuss tee-time reservations when booking your room at the Wequassett. During the summer season, many reservations have a minimum stay requirement.
*Note that securing a tee time at Cape Cod National Golf Club requires booking accommodations at Wequassett Resort and Golf Club.
2. Ocean Edge Resort, Brewster
Cost: $$$$*
Another private golf club that offers tee times to guests is Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club. You can tee off at a Jack Nicklaus-designed course with one of the resort’s golfer Stay and Play Packages. This is a fun spot to share a villa with your golfing buddies for a fun, golf-focused getaway.
The challenging play on the Ocean Edge course rewards you with expertly maintained greens and deep bunkers. You will need to be on your game to score well, but experiencing one of the Cape’s private golf courses tee box by tee box is golf vacation nirvana.
Pro Tip: Pack for a day at the beach; the resort offers regularly scheduled shuttles to and from the local beach for some relaxing sand play without the ball trapping greens bunkers.
*Note that securing a tee time at Ocean Edge requires booking accommodations at Ocean Edge Resort.
3. New Seabury, Mashpee
Cost: $$$$*
When you stay at New Seabury, you will be transported to a classic, luxury Cape Cod family resort that offers a wide selection of amenities that will keep everyone happy. With 16 tennis courts and a variety of programs available to every level of player, you will surely hone your serve. The private beach offers plenty of sun-filled, sandy days for the golfer and non-golfing family members.
For the golfer, two private courses await you at New Seabury. The Ocean Course is a par 72 course with a long yardage tee box at 7,105 yards. The Dunes Course is a par 70 course with a 6,041 long yardage mark.
Pro Tip: The non-golfers will enjoy all the amenities while you play a round.
*Note that securing a tee time at New Seabury requires booking accommodations at New Seabury, too.
4. Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs
Cost: $$$
Oak Bluffs, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, is known for its gingerbread cottages and laid-back, upscale, beachy vibe. Playing at Farm Neck Golf Club, a semi-private course, requires some flexibility in tee time management but is well worth a late afternoon or twilight round.
The course offers challenging holes with ball-grabbing bunkers then rewards the golfer with gorgeous ocean views. Distracting scenery is a good excuse if your round isn’t up to par.
Pro Tip: To visit the iconic gingerbread houses, set your wayfinder to the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. The access road is across the street from Oak Bluffs Harbor.
5. Mink Meadows Golf Club, Vineyard Haven
Cost: $$
When you are fortunate enough to visit and vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, you will definitely want to add Mink Meadows Golf Club to your playlist. In an exclusive vacation destination, it is often difficult to find a semi-private golf club that is beautiful and affordable.
With the views of Vineyard Sound, a time-honored tradition of hosting Presidents at play, and their commitment to the environment, Mink Meadows will be a highlight of your island stay. Play your first round for the scenery, then play again to fine-tune your approach.
Pro Tip: The premium golf club rental fee is $50 for 18 holes. If you plan to play more than a few rounds, it might be worth dragging your own clubs along for the ride.
6. The Cape Club, East Falmouth
Cost: $$
Built over the old Ballymead Club, The Cape Club course has been completely reimagined. All new greens and remodeled fairways have transformed the golfers tee-to-green playing experience. The Cape Club has a newly renovated clubhouse and is open to the public. Your golf outing will have a private club feel of playing on a members-only course.
Pro Tip: The Cape Club ownership has an extensive expansion plan that promises to transform the area with new residential, cottages, and other amenities while keeping the resort open to the public.
7. Highland Links, Truro
Cost: $$
Founded over 100 years ago, the Highland Links is a historic links-style course. Windswept views of the Atlantic Ocean and the deep natural rough make for an interesting and challenging round. The terrain transports you to Scotland as you tackle the unique landscape offered up by the course. You need to keep a good eye on your ball — most of the course is a sand trap.
The distracting panoramic views can be a hazard on their own.
Pro Tip: Season passes are available if you are summering on the Cape.
8. The Pines And The Highlands, Dennis
Cost: $$
Dennis has two public courses that are fun to play, offer challenging golf, and easily fit right in to your Cape Cod vacation. Dennis is home to some of the best beaches, restaurants, and boating activities to round out your golf getaway.
Tight tree-lined fairways and tricky water hazards are some of the joys you will encounter at The Pines. Watch out for the 12th hole; this par 5 will challenge your playing skills.
The Highlands, with its rolling tree-lined fairways, is a great course for golfers of all levels.
Pro Tip: On a beautiful Cape day when everyone is scrambling to get a spot on Mayflower Beach, secure an early tee time and hit the beach after the crowds leave in the afternoon.
9. Bass River Golf Course, Yarmouth
Cost: $
The Bass River Golf Course invites you to get outside with your sticks and enjoy hitting that little white ball. The Donald Ross-designed course offers forgiving fairways and challenging greens. With beautiful views of the Bass River, playing 18 holes will remind you why you love this game.
Pro Tip: Yarmouth has another very good public course, Bayberry Hills Golf Course, for your swinging enjoyment.
When planning your golf-cation at Cape Cod and the Islands, you will love the casual beachy vibes, the amazing local seafood, and the scenic seashore. Here are three great articles to help you plan the rest of your fun-in-the-sun vacation:
