Discover 120+ golf courses across Maine, from championship coastal layouts to scenic mountain courses and resort destinations.
Maine features over 120 exceptional golf courses spanning from the rugged coastal shoreline to the scenic mountains of the interior. The Pine Tree State offers diverse golf experiences including championship resort courses designed by legends like Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Donald Ross, historic seaside links dating back to the 1880s, and affordable municipal courses perfect for families and beginners.
With 124 public courses open to visitors, Maine welcomes golfers from May through October with pristine conditions, stunning natural beauty, and some of the most scenic golf holes in New England. Whether seeking oceanfront challenges at Boothbay Harbor Country Club, mountain masterpieces at Sugarloaf and Sunday River, or historic charm at Kebo Valley Golf Club (established 1888), Maine delivers unforgettable golf experiences.
π Boothbay Harbor, Mid-Coast
Ranked #1 in Maine by Golf Digest 2025-26, surpassing Cape Arundel. Designed by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek in 1918, this coastal masterpiece features breathtaking ocean vistas, challenging holes, and sea breezes off Penobscot Bay. Listed among Top 100 US Resort Courses for 2022-2025.
Course Details: 18 holes, par 70, historic 1918 design
Visit Websiteπ Newry, Western Mountains
Named #1 Course in Maine by Golfweek Magazine. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s "mountain golf masterpiece" opened in 2004, featuring dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditions, and jaw-dropping alpine views. Wide fairways wind through Maine woods with stunning mountainside settings.
Course Details: 18 holes, 7,130 yards, par 72, 2004 RTJ Jr. design
Visit Websiteπ Carrabassett Valley, Western Mountains
Named Maine's #1 golf course 29 times by Golf Digest. Robert Trent Jones Jr. design opened 1985 at Maine's premier alpine resort. Signature holes 10 and 11 offer panoramic wilderness views. The par-3 11th "Precipice" features dramatic 120-foot elevation drop to small two-tiered green.
Course Details: 18 holes, par 72, 6,900+ yards, elevation 2,800 feet
Visit Websiteπ Kennebunkport, Southern Coast
Historic Walter Travis design from 1921. Despite measuring just 5,859 yards, Cape Arundel packs considerable challenge with ocean views, coastal winds, and strategic design. Previously ranked #1 in Maine, remains among state's elite coastal courses.
Course Details: 18 holes, 5,859 yards, par 69, 1921 Walter Travis
Visit Websiteπ Belgrade, Central Maine
Past member of Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public list. Picturesque Clive Clark design in central Maine's lakes region. Offers challenging yet fair play with beautiful water views and well-maintained conditions attracting golfers statewide.
Course Details: 18 holes, par 72, Clive Clark design
Visit Websiteπ Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island
Established 1888, the 8th oldest golf club in the United States. Located on Mount Desert Island bordering Acadia National Park with majestic mountain views. Short at 6,131 yards par 70, but protected by small undulating greens. Originally designed by Herbert C. Leeds and Donald Ross.
Course Details: 18 holes, 6,131 yards, par 70, est. 1888
Visit WebsiteMaine's coastline provides some of New England's most spectacular golf settings with ocean views, coastal breezes, and challenging seaside layouts.
Western Maine's mountains provide dramatic elevation changes and spectacular alpine golf experiences at premier resort destinations.
Central and western Maine's pristine lakes provide stunning backdrops for exceptional golf experiences.
Maine's northernmost region features scenic courses in The County (Aroostook) and Downeast areas, including one international course straddling the US-Canada border.
Maine features 61 nine-hole courses offering affordable, accessible golf perfect for beginners, families, and quick rounds. Many municipal courses partner with Youth On Course providing $5 junior rates.
Complete list of all 61 nine-hole courses available through Maine State Golf Association course finder at mainegolf.org/clubs/find-a-course/
Northern courses have shorter seasons (June-September) due to elevation and latitude.
Rates vary by day, time, demand, and course conditions. Book online for best rates.
Coastal Golf Tour (3-4 Days):
Mountain Resort Tour (3-4 Days):
Budget Weekend (2 Days):
Northeast TeeTime Golf Pass:
Youth On Course Program:
Boothbay Harbor Country Club currently ranks #1 in Maine according to Golf Digest's 2025-26 rankings, surpassing Cape Arundel from the previous cycle. This historic 1918 Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek design features breathtaking coastal vistas and challenging oceanfront holes.
Sunday River Golf Club in Newry is rated #1 by Golfweek Magazine. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s "mountain golf masterpiece" opened in 2004 and features dramatic elevation changes and pristine alpine conditions.
Sugarloaf Golf Club has been named Maine's #1 course 29 times by Golf Digest over the years. This RTJ Jr. mountain course in Carrabassett Valley offers panoramic wilderness views and the dramatic "Precipice" 11th hole with a 120-foot elevation drop.
Maine's golf season runs from May through October, with most courses opening around Memorial Day weekend and closing by Columbus Day or Thanksgiving, weather permitting.
Peak season is June, July, and August when weather is warmest and days longest. Shoulder seasons (May and September/October) offer cooler temperatures but less crowded courses and spectacular fall foliage.
Northern courses and mountain courses have shorter seasons (typically June-September) due to elevation and latitude. Courses like Sugarloaf open Memorial Day weekend specifically.
Best playing conditions occur July through September when greens are firmest and fastest. Fall golf in New England often extends through Thanksgiving at coastal and southern courses.
Maine golf course pricing varies significantly by course type and season:
Discounts available: Twilight rates (after 2-3pm) save 30-40%. Spring and fall shoulder season specials common. Youth On Course offers $5 rounds for juniors ages 6-18. Northeast TeeTime Golf Pass saves up to 50%.
Cart rentals typically $15-$25 extra unless included (resort courses usually include carts). Book online for best rates and availability.
Maine's spectacular coastline features several outstanding oceanfront courses:
Top Coastal Courses:
Coastal courses typically play 1-2 clubs longer due to ocean breezes. Best ocean views occur on clear days; morning fog common in summer.
Maine features approximately 120+ total golf courses distributed across the state.
Breakdown by type:
Courses span from the southern coast (York, Kennebunkport, Portland) through the mountains (Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Bethel) to northern Aroostook County near the Canadian border.
The Maine State Golf Association maintains a complete searchable course finder at mainegolf.org/clubs/find-a-course/ organized by region, allowing golfers to explore all options statewide.
Western Maine's mountains provide spectacular alpine golf experiences with dramatic elevation changes and pristine natural settings:
Top Mountain Courses:
Mountain Golf Tips: Temperatures run 10-15Β°F cooler than coast. Elevation affects ball flight (ball travels farther in thin air at Sugarloaf). Bring layers and rain gear as mountain weather changes rapidly. Best conditions July-September.
Mountain resort courses often offer stay-and-play packages with lodging, multiple rounds, and discounted rates. Book combo packages at Sunday River + Belgrade Lakes for best value.
Yes! Maine offers excellent affordable golf options for budget-conscious players and families:
Best Budget Courses:
Money-Saving Programs:
Many municipal and 9-hole courses don't require tee times, allowing spontaneous affordable rounds. Best budget strategy: Play municipal 18-hole weekdays or 9-hole courses anytime.
Maine courses offer multiple convenient booking methods:
Online Booking:
Phone Reservations:
Booking Tips:
Book combo packages like Sunday River + Belgrade Lakes for discounted multi-course rounds in same region.
Maine's rich golf history includes some of America's oldest courses:
Historic Maine Golf Courses:
These historic courses preserve traditional golf course architecture and design principles from legends like Donald Ross, Walter Travis, and early American golf pioneers.
Mount Desert Island and the Downeast region near Acadia National Park offer several excellent golf options:
Mount Desert Island Courses:
Nearby Downeast Courses:
Acadia Golf Tips: Combine Acadia sightseeing with morning/evening golf at Kebo Valley. Book 7-14 days ahead for summer peak season. Cooler temperatures near coast; bring layers. Spectacular fall foliage September/October makes for unforgettable golf.
Stay in Bar Harbor and play Kebo Valley for ultimate Acadia golf experience. Northeast Harbor offers exclusive play spring/fall for those visiting shoulder season.
Roger Dunn Golf Shops, Van's Golf Shops, Golfers' Warehouse, CaddyTips, The Golf Mart
USA Golf: USA Golf Sites. Associations, Education, Juniors, News (Golf), Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
Last updated on November 24, 2025