Newport County, Rhode Island, is a golfer’s paradise. It offers an impressive array of courses that cater to players of all skill levels. From championship-caliber layouts to hidden gems tucked away in serene settings, each golf course in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, and Little Compton delivers a unique experience. Let’s take a closer look at the golf courses in this picturesque corner of the Ocean State.
Newport National Golf Club
Middletown, Rhode Island
Newport National is known for its impeccable course conditions, with meticulously maintained playing surfaces year-round. The greens are fast and true, providing a true test of putting skill, while the fairways offer generous landing areas for tee shots. The course is set amidst rolling terrain, mature trees, and natural wetlands, providing a picturesque backdrop for a round of golf.
Designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills, this 18-hole championship course is an enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities.
One of the standout qualities of Newport National is its stunning scenery. As you make your way through the course, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including glimpses of the nearby coastline. The club also offers a range of amenities, including a fully stocked pro shop, practice facilities, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar.
Membership at Newport National is not required to play, making it accessible to both locals and visitors alike. However, memberships are available for those looking to take full advantage of the club’s offerings, including priority tee times and exclusive events.
The Aquidneck Club
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Perched on the northern tip of Aquidneck Island, The Aquidneck Club offers a world-class golfing experience amidst stunning natural beauty. Designed by British Course Architect Donald Steel, this championship course features 18 holes set against the backdrop of Narragansett Bay.
Golfers at The Aquidneck Club can expect a challenging round featuring strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens that demand precision and strategy. However, the true highlight of the course is its breathtaking ocean views, which can be enjoyed from nearly every hole.
Membership at The Aquidneck Club is exclusive and by invitation only, reflecting its status as one of the premier private clubs in the region. For those fortunate enough to gain entry, the club offers a range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art practice facility, tennis courts, and a clubhouse with dining options.
Newport Country Club
Newport, Rhode Island
Founded in 1893, Newport Country Club holds the distinction of being one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States. It’s one of the five original signatories to the USGA Charter and host of the first United States Amateur Championship in 1895. Situated on the shores of Narragansett Bay, this historic club features a classic links-style course that has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years.
Golfers who tee off at Newport Country Club can expect a challenging round characterized by narrow fairways, thick rough, and ever-present coastal winds. However, the stunning ocean views and meticulously maintained grounds more than make up for the course’s difficulty. The natural contours of the land have been incorporated into the design, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and strategic complexity of the layout.
Membership at Newport Country Club is by invitation only. Members enjoy a range of amenities, including a clubhouse with dining facilities, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
Montaup Country Club
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
The Montaup Country Club offers a more laid-back golfing experience compared to its counterparts in Newport. This 18-hole course features tree-lined fairways, challenging water hazards, and fast greens that will test players of all abilities. Originally the Chase Peach Orchard, Montaup Country Club traces its origins back to 1923 when it debuted as a modest three-hole course. Subsequently, it underwent expansion to a full eighteen holes before being scaled back to nine holes just before World War II. Decades later, the club’s members restored the back nine. They organized rock-picking gatherings and took on the task of mowing the greens themselves to ready the course for play. With no formal architect guiding the layout changes, Montaup’s design evolved over time. Today, this semi-private establishment remains a beloved fixture in Rhode Island’s golfing scene.
What sets Montaup apart is its welcoming atmosphere and affordable rates. Unlike some of the more exclusive clubs in the area, Montaup prides itself on being accessible to golfers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll find a warm welcome at this hidden gem of a course.
Membership at Montaup Country Club is available but not required, allowing golfers to enjoy the course on a pay-as-you-play basis. The club also offers a range of membership options for those looking to make Montaup their home course.
Green Valley Country Club
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Green Valley Country Club is a true hidden gem that offers a serene and picturesque setting for a round of golf. This 18-hole championship golf course features gently rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and well-manicured greens that provide a fair but challenging test for players of all abilities.
One of the standout qualities of Green Valley is its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The club also boasts a range of amenities, including a practice facility, pro shop, and clubhouse with dining options.
Membership at Green Valley Country Club is available but not required, making it accessible to both residents and visitors alike. For those looking to make Green Valley their home course, various membership options are available, offering perks such as priority tee times and member-exclusive events.
Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club
Middletown, Rhode Island
Steeped in history and tradition, Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club offers a classic New England golfing experience that combines challenging play with old-world charm. Founded in 1922, this historic club features an 18-hole course designed by renowned architect Seth Raynor, known for its strategic bunkering and subtle elevation changes.
Golfers at Wanumetonomy can expect a traditional layout that rewards precision and shot-making skills. The course is lined with mature trees and features picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Membership at Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club is available but not required, making it accessible to golfers of all backgrounds. The club offers a range of membership options, including full golf privileges, social memberships, and junior memberships, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Jamestown Golf Course
Jamestown, Rhode Island
Located on picturesque Conanicut Island, Jamestown Golf Course offers a scenic golfing experience that showcases the natural beauty of Newport County. This 9-hole, par-36 course features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Originally designed and constructed in 1895, Jamestown Golf Course holds the distinction of being one of the oldest public courses in the United States.
Despite its shorter length, Jamestown Golf Course presents a fun and engaging test for golfers of all abilities. The course’s rolling terrain and ocean breezes add an extra layer of challenge, requiring players to carefully navigate each hole to score well.
Membership at Jamestown Golf Course is not required, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a casual round of golf. The course also offers affordable rates and a range of amenities, including a clubhouse with dining options and a pro shop.
Sakonnet Golf Club
Little Compton, Rhode Island
Situated along the shores of Narragansett Bay, Sakonnet Golf Club offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. As you approach the first green, you see St. George’s School, the Newport Bridge, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, and Sakonnet Light. Designed by famed golf architect Donald Ross, this 18-hole course features rolling terrain, coastal breezes, and panoramic views of the Sakonnet River.
The classic parkland-style layout of Sakonnet Golf Club is characterized by tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and subtly contoured greens. The design emphasizes shot placement and precision, rewarding strategic play over brute force. The course’s coastal location adds an extra layer of difficulty, as players must contend with shifting winds and changing tides. Sakonnet Golf Club offers a timeless and challenging golfing experience in a beautiful coastal setting.
Sakonnet is a private club. Invitation to play golf, host or attend events, or become an applicant for membership must be by invitation only.
Newport County, Rhode Island, is home to some of the finest golf courses in New England. Reach out to us for more information about these golfing experiences and more. If you’re interested in buying or selling a property in Newport, RI, or its surrounding communities, Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate will gladly be your guide. Call us at (401) 680-6588 or send a message to info@hoganri.com.
