Maine’s rugged coastline and sweeping pine forests offer more than just breathtaking views—they provide the perfect backdrop for some of the most spectacular public golf courses in the country. From dramatic coastal cliffs to serene woodland fairways, each course promises a unique experience shaped by Maine’s distinctive landscape.
1) Samoset Resort Golf Course – Rockport
The “Pebble Beach of the East,” featuring 14 holes with direct views of Penobscot Bay.
Perched where the rocky coastline meets the Atlantic, the Samoset is Maine's premier golf destination. The course is famous for its 500-yard par-5 4th hole, which plays directly alongside a granite seawall. You'll navigate majestic pines and the ever-present sound of crashing waves in an atmosphere that is both serene and invigorating.
| Feature | Highlight |
| Signature Hole | #4 (The Seawall Hole) |
| Vibe | Luxury Resort Coastal |
| Amenities | Full spa, fine dining, and oceanside pool |
2) Cape Arundel Golf Club – Kennebunkport
A historic Walter Travis design that has hosted Presidents and golf legends alike.
Nestled along the Kennebunk River, Cape Arundel is a private club that warmly welcomes public “daily fee” play. It is a short but incredibly strategic course known for its small, contoured greens and tidal creeks. It’s a walking-friendly gem that feels like a step back in time.
3) Belgrade Lakes Golf Club – Belgrade Lakes
A mountaintop masterpiece that captures the rustic, “Golden Age” spirit of Maine.
⛳ Bogey Golf AI For The Win!
Personalized golf trip itineraries in seconds.
Golf Trip Planner
Your Next Golf Getaway
Curated by Bogey Golf AI
While located inland, Belgrade Lakes is consistently ranked the #1 public course in Maine. It features massive granite outcroppings, wild elevation changes, and panoramic views of Long Pond and Great Pond. The “country club for the average guy” vibe makes it a favorite for those seeking high-end golf without the pretension.
4) The Links at Outlook – South Berwick
A Scottish-style links course built on a historic farm with rolling “dunes” of fescue.
Don't let the name fool you—while you won't see the ocean here, you will experience the “Scottish Tradition” of golf. Designed by Brian Silva, this course features undulating bentgrass fairways and scattered sand bunkers. It's a peaceful, inland retreat surrounded by thick woodland.
5) Kebo Valley Club – Bar Harbor
The 8th oldest golf club in the U.S., bordering the majestic Acadia National Park.
Kebo Valley is a bucket-list course for any history buff. Legend has it that President Taft once took a 27 on the “Elbow” hole (#8). The course is surrounded by the towering peaks of Acadia, offering a mix of parkland beauty and rugged mountain air.
6) Sunday River Golf Club – Newry
A high-elevation “mountain-pine” course with dramatic drops and wilderness views.
⛳ Bogey Golf AI For The Win!
Personalized golf trip itineraries in seconds.
Golf Trip Planner
Your Next Golf Getaway
Curated by Bogey Golf AI
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sunday River is arguably the most scenic mountain course in New England. Expect massive elevation shifts and views of the Mahoosuc Range. It is the definition of “woods golf,” where a stray shot is likely to end up in a dense pine thicket.
| Feature | Details |
| Architect | Robert Trent Jones Jr. |
| Terrain | Extreme Mountain Elevation |
| Season | Late May – October |
7) Nonesuch River Golf Club – Scarborough
A balanced parkland layout featuring tidal marshes and dense pine woods.
Located just minutes from Portland, Nonesuch River offers a peaceful round through 203 acres of Maine wilderness. The Nonesuch River snakes through the property, creating natural water hazards that require strategic carries and thoughtful club selection.
8) Dunegrass Golf Club – Old Orchard Beach
A Dan Maples design winding through wooded back-dunes and salt air.
Just over a mile from the famous pier at Old Orchard Beach, Dunegrass offers a challenging layout through over 300 acres of scenic, wooded coastal terrain. The course is known for its fast greens and the sound of the Atlantic breeze through the hardwoods.
9) Boothbay Harbor Country Club – Boothbay
A luxury public-access course (limited times) with a stunning “Midcoast” feel.
⛳ Bogey Golf AI For The Win!
Personalized golf trip itineraries in seconds.
Golf Trip Planner
Your Next Golf Getaway
Curated by Bogey Golf AI
Boothbay recently underwent a massive multi-million dollar renovation, turning it into one of the most manicured facilities in the Northeast. It features classic New England rock walls, bridge crossings, and a clubhouse that is second to none in the state.
10) Grindstone Neck Golf Course – Winter Harbor
A 9-hole historic “hidden gem” where every single hole offers a water view.
Founded in 1891, this is one of the most scenic 9-hole courses in the world. Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, it offers views of Frenchman Bay and the pink granite shoreline of Acadia. It’s a rustic, “golf as it was intended” experience.
The Conclusion
As the sun dips behind the rugged coastal cliffs of the Midcoast or the whispering pines of the North Woods, these ten courses offer a journey into the soul of Maine. Whether you’re lining up a putt at Samoset with the Atlantic spray in the air or navigating the granite peaks of Belgrade Lakes, Maine’s spectacular public courses redefine the “perfect drive.”
