Discover 45+ golf courses in the Ocean State, from Newport's historic championship courses to scenic coastal layouts and Donald Ross designs.
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the nation, but it boasts an impressive golf legacy that far exceeds its size. As the summer home of legendary architect Donald Ross, the Ocean State features some of New England's finest golf courses, including Newport Country Club—the site of the first U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur championships in 1895.
From the historic links of Newport to scenic coastal layouts with Atlantic Ocean views, Rhode Island offers diverse golfing experiences. The state's 45+ courses range from championship tracks like Newport National to classic Donald Ross designs like Wannamoisett, Triggs Memorial, and Winnapaug. Whether you're seeking historic prestige, oceanfront beauty, or accessible public golf, Rhode Island delivers quality over quantity.
📍 Newport
America's First Championship Venue. Founded in 1893 as one of five founding members of the USGA, Newport Country Club made history by hosting the first U.S. Open and first U.S. Amateur championships in 1895. The original nine-hole course was designed in 1894 by Willie Davis and expanded to 18 holes in 1899. A.W. Tillinghast remodeled the layout in 1923. Donald Ross later refined the design in 1915. The club hosted the 2024 U.S. Senior Open and consistently ranks as Rhode Island's #1 course.
Private Club | Historic 1893 founding | First U.S. Open site
📍 Middletown (401) 848-9690
New England's #1 Public Course. Designed by Arthur Hills on 200 acres of former nursery land, this 7,244-yard championship course features dramatic Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage views. Voted "Rhode Island's Best Golf Course" by World Golf Awards and named "Number One Public Access Course in New England" by New England Golf Monthly. The Orchard Course challenges golfers with steady winds off Narragansett Bay across a links-style layout.
Rates (2025): $165 weekdays, $195 weekends
Public | 7,244 yards, Par 72 | Ocean views | Book 14 days advance
Visit Website📍 Rumford (East Providence)
Donald Ross Masterpiece. This 1914 Donald Ross design (remodeled 1926) is widely considered among Ross's finest layouts and one of the top golf courses in the United States. At barely 90 acres, Wannamoisett occupies one of the smallest footprints of any championship course in the country. The par-69 layout is considered today the best par-69 course in the land, featuring small, strategically bunkered greens and Ross's signature design elements.
Private Club | 1914 Donald Ross design | Par 69 | 90 acres
📍 Richmond/Wyoming
Rhode Island's Longest Public Course. Originally opened in 1929, Meadow Brook has the distinction of being the longest public course in Rhode Island at 7,400 yards, Par 72. This championship layout challenges golfers with length and strategic design across rolling terrain. The course has been renovated and updated while maintaining its classic character.
Rates (2025): $75 weekdays, $85 weekends
Public | 7,400 yards, Par 72 | Longest in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's golf history is unparalleled in American golf. The state played a pivotal role in establishing golf in the United States and served as the summer home of legendary architect Donald Ross.
Rhode Island's nickname as the "Ocean State" is reflected in its spectacular coastal golf courses. Several layouts offer Atlantic Ocean views, Narragansett Bay vistas, and steady sea breezes that add challenge and beauty to every round.
Middletown - Public
Dramatic views of Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage. Links-style layout with steady winds off Narragansett Bay. 7,244 yards.
$165-195 | Ocean views throughout
Middletown - Private
Founded 1922, designed by Seth Raynor. One of only a few courses in the U.S. with ocean views from every hole. Set close to Narragansett Bay with spectacular coastal scenery.
Private | Ocean views every hole
Westerly - Public
Donald Ross design (1922) with sweeping vistas of Winnapaug Pond and Atlantic Ocean. 6,361 yards, Par 72. Westerly's only public course.
$61 | (401) 596-1237
WebsiteNewport - Private
Breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views alongside historic championship golf. Coastal setting enhances the challenge of this legendary course.
Private | Historic ocean course
Barrington - Private
Routed across parkland, woodland, and wetlands, ending with four holes winding around Narragansett Bay. Hosted 2011 U.S. Women's Amateur.
Private | Bay views on closing holes
Warwick - Private
Established 1924, lies on the shores of Narragansett Bay with views of the estuary from every hole. Breathtaking bay vistas throughout.
Private | Bay views every hole
As Donald Ross's summer home, Rhode Island features an exceptional collection of courses designed or remodeled by the legendary architect. Ross created some of his finest work in the Ocean State between 1911 and 1932.
Rhode Island's public courses range from championship layouts to accessible municipal facilities. These courses welcome all golfers and offer excellent value.
Middletown
New England's #1 public course. Arthur Hills design, 7,244 yards, Par 72. Atlantic Ocean views. Championship layout.
Rates: $165-195
(401) 848-9690
Providence
1932 Donald Ross design. Par 72, 6,522 yards. Top 30 municipal course in America. Small strategic greens, classic Ross routing.
Rates: $32-38
(401) 521-8460
WebsiteRichmond/Wyoming
Rhode Island's longest public course at 7,400 yards, Par 72. Championship layout originally opened 1929. Rolling terrain.
Rates: $75-85
Longest in state
Westerly
Donald Ross design (1922). Ocean and pond views. Par 72, 6,361 yards. Westerly's only public course.
Rates: $61
(401) 596-1237
North Kingstown
615 Callahan Road. Public municipal course offering accessible golf in South County area.
Municipal | South County
Warwick
Public course in scenic state park setting. Accessible rates and family-friendly atmosphere.
State Park Course
Harmony (Glocester)
Public course in northern Rhode Island. Rolling hills and scenic terrain.
Public | Northern RI
Lincoln
Public course in northern Rhode Island offering accessible golf near Providence.
Public | Lincoln area
Coventry
Public course in central Rhode Island. Accessible layout for all skill levels.
Public | Coventry
These courses offer membership programs while also allowing public play through tee time bookings. They provide upscale facilities with public accessibility.
Portsmouth
Semi-private course offering member and public play. Quality facilities in Newport County.
$49 | Semi-Private
Hope Valley (Hopkinton)
Semi-private course in South County. Offers public tee times alongside member play.
$37-70 | Semi-Private
Warwick
Established 1925. Semi-private course with membership and public access. Warwick area.
$75-85 | Semi-Private
Burrillville
Semi-private course in northern Rhode Island. Scenic setting with lake views.
Semi-Private | Northern RI
Portsmouth (Newport County)
18-hole semi-private course in Newport County offering member and public play.
Semi-Private | Newport County
Westerly
9-hole semi-private course. Ranked #28 in Golf Magazine's "Top 50 9-Hole Courses in the World."
Semi-Private | 9 holes | Top-rated
Home to Rhode Island's most historic and prestigious courses, including America's first championship venue.
Includes the capital region with classic Donald Ross designs and accessible municipal golf.
Greater Providence suburbs with Narragansett Bay views and diverse course options.
Rhode Island's coastal region with 16 public courses, beach proximity, and Donald Ross designs.
Courses with spectacular bay views around Rhode Island's defining geographic feature.
Weekday rates typically 10-15% lower than weekends. Twilight rates available at most courses.
New England golf season runs through Thanksgiving most years. November offers bargain rates but prepare for cooler temperatures.
Coastal courses offer spectacular beauty but require strategic wind play.
Book premium courses 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season. Call ahead to confirm course conditions in spring and fall.
Rhode Island offers the best opportunity in New England to experience Ross's design genius on public courses.
Rhode Island's small size allows playing multiple courses in one day. Distances rarely exceed 45 minutes between courses.
Rhode Island's championship golf legacy continues from 1895 to present day.
Quality golf doesn't require premium prices in Rhode Island. Municipal and public courses offer excellent value.
Comprehensive listing of all golf courses in Rhode Island, organized alphabetically. Includes public, semi-private, and private facilities.
Newport Country Club is consistently ranked as Rhode Island's #1 course. Founded in 1893 as one of five founding members of the USGA, Newport made history by hosting the first U.S. Open and first U.S. Amateur championships in 1895. The course was designed by Willie Davis (1894), expanded in 1899, remodeled by A.W. Tillinghast in 1923, and refined by Donald Ross in 1915. Newport recently hosted the 2024 U.S. Senior Open. However, it's a private club.
For public access, Newport National Golf Club in Middletown is the clear winner. Designed by Arthur Hills, this 7,244-yard championship course was named "Number One Public Access Course in New England" by New England Golf Monthly and voted "Rhode Island's Best Golf Course" by World Golf Awards. It features stunning Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage views. Green fees are $165-195 (2025 rates).
Donald Ross designed or remodeled 10+ golf courses in Rhode Island between 1911 and 1932, making the Ocean State home to one of the finest collections of Ross designs in America. As Ross's summer home, Rhode Island holds special significance in his legacy.
Public Donald Ross Courses:
Private Donald Ross Courses include: Wannamoisett Country Club (1914, considered among his finest), Rhode Island Country Club (1912), Sakonnet Golf Club (1921), Metacomet Country Club (1921), The Misquamicut Club, Point Judith Country Club, Newport Country Club (remodeled 1915), and Agawam Hunt (remodeled 1911).
Ross's signature small, elevated greens with subtle breaks and strategic bunkering are beautifully displayed across these Rhode Island courses.
Rhode Island's top public courses offer championship golf, historic designs, and coastal beauty:
1. Newport National Golf Club (Middletown) - New England's #1 public course. Arthur Hills design, 7,244 yards, Atlantic Ocean views. $165-195.
2. Triggs Memorial Golf Course (Providence) - 1932 Donald Ross design. Top 30 municipal course in America. Classic Ross features. $32-38.
3. Meadow Brook Golf Club (Richmond) - Rhode Island's longest public course at 7,400 yards. Championship layout from 1929. $75-85.
4. Winnapaug Country Club (Westerly) - Donald Ross design (1922) with Atlantic Ocean and pond views. Westerly's only public course. $61.
5. North Kingstown Municipal Golf Course - Affordable South County golf. 6. Melody Hill Golf Course (Harmony) - Scenic northern Rhode Island layout. 7. Goddard State Park Golf Course (Warwick) - State park setting with accessible rates.
The best times to play golf in Rhode Island are late May and mid-September. These shoulder seasons offer ideal weather conditions—warm temperatures, lower humidity, and typically calmer winds—combined with less crowded courses and easier tee time availability.
Peak Golf Season: May through September provides the most consistent weather and course conditions. Summer months (June-August) can be humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but offer the longest daylight hours.
Extended Season: The golf season runs April through November. Early spring (April) courses may have softer conditions, while late fall (October-November) offers spectacular foliage views and bargain rates—just dress for cooler temperatures.
Coastal Considerations: Morning tee times at coastal courses like Newport National and Winnapaug offer calmer conditions before afternoon sea breezes intensify. Winds off the Atlantic Ocean typically increase from 11am-4pm.
Year-Round Options: Newport National operates year-round (weather dependent), though most courses close December through March. November golf offers true bargains but prepare for temperatures in the 40s-50s.
Rhode Island golf green fees (2025 rates) vary widely based on course prestige and facilities:
Premium Public Courses: $150-195 weekend rates
Mid-Range Public Courses: $70-85
Value Public Courses: $40-70
Municipal Courses: $32-50
9-Hole Courses: $20-40 (Harbor Lights, Midville Golf Club)
Cost-Saving Tips: Weekday rates run 10-15% lower than weekends. Twilight rates (typically after 3pm) offer 30-40% discounts. November golf provides the lowest rates of the season. Senior and resident discounts available at many municipal courses.
Several Rhode Island golf courses offer spectacular Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay views:
Best Coastal Courses (Public Access):
Premium Ocean View Courses (Private):
Coastal Golf Tip: Expect wind! Coastal courses play 1-2 clubs longer due to steady breezes off the Atlantic. Morning rounds typically offer calmer conditions before afternoon sea breezes strengthen.
Newport Country Club is the birthplace of championship golf in America. Its historic significance is unparalleled in U.S. golf:
Key Historic Milestones:
Newport Country Club consistently ranks as Rhode Island's #1 golf course and represents the beginning of competitive golf in America. While it's a private club, its historical legacy makes it a pilgrimage site for golf historians and enthusiasts worldwide.
Booking tee times at Rhode Island golf courses varies by facility type and season:
Online Booking: Most public and semi-private courses offer online tee time reservations through:
Phone Reservations:
Advance Booking Windows:
Peak Season Tips (May-September):
Cancellation Policies: Newport National requires 48-hour cancellation notice. All no-shows will be charged. Most courses have 24-hour cancellation policies.
Walk-On Opportunities: Municipal courses like Triggs Memorial, North Kingstown, and Goddard State Park often accept walk-ons, especially on weekday afternoons. Call ahead to check availability and course conditions.
Rhode Island's longest golf courses provide championship-length challenges for skilled players:
1. Meadow Brook Golf Club (Richmond/Wyoming) - 7,400 yards, Par 72
Rhode Island's longest public golf course. Originally opened 1929, this championship layout tests all aspects of your game across rolling terrain. Green fees: $75-85. A true test for low handicappers.
2. Newport National Golf Club (Middletown) - 7,244 yards, Par 72
Arthur Hills championship design with Atlantic Ocean views. New England's #1 public course combines length with strategic design and coastal winds. Green fees: $165-195. Plays even longer in wind.
Other Championship Length Courses:
Note: While Rhode Island courses may not match the extreme lengths of modern championship courses (7,500+ yards), the state's historic layouts emphasize shot-making, strategic play, and dealing with coastal wind conditions. Donald Ross famously designed courses where intelligence trumps pure distance.
Yes, Rhode Island offers several 9-hole golf courses perfect for quick rounds, beginners, and value-conscious golfers:
Public 9-Hole Courses:
Semi-Private 9-Hole Course:
Benefits of 9-Hole Golf:
Note: Several 18-hole courses also offer 9-hole rates if you only want to play the front or back nine. This provides more variety while maintaining the quick-play format.
The official governing body for amateur golf in Rhode Island, offering handicap services, tournaments, and player development programs.
Visit RIGA WebsiteDedicated to promoting and developing women's golf throughout Rhode Island through tournaments, clinics, and community programs.
Visit RIWGA WebsiteUSA Golf: USA Golf Sites. Associations, Education, Juniors, News (Golf), Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
Rhode Island Guide: Comprehensive guide to the Ocean State
Last updated on November 24, 2025