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1. Cape Cod's Top Golf Courses 2. Golf Courses for Every Skill Level 3. Family-friendly Golfing Options |
Cape Cod (Massachusetts) is not just a prime vacation destination – it’s also a golfer's paradise. After all, any golfer will tell you it’s a game played with the senses. And setting aside the Cape’s picturesque landscapes, coastal charm, and storied history, there’s nothing quite like teeing off in crisp, clean air infused with the salty tang of the ocean. Depending on the season, you may experience the fragrance of hydrangeas, the scent of fallen leaves, or hints of pine and wood smoke.
Above all, however, every golf course on the Cape presents the sweet smell of relaxation, challenge … and possibly even victory (on truly great days)!
In today’s post, we’ll cover the best courses on the Cape for golfers of all skill levels, from challenging links to family-friendly fairways, as well as tips for making the most of your Cape Cod golfing experience.
Cape Cod's Top Golf Courses
For beginners and scratch players alike, Cape Cod offers an array of golf courses, ranging from seaside links and stunning ocean views to inland fairways meandering through rolling hills and meadows with picturesque woodland views.
Along with their scenic beauty and unique landscape features, several Cape Cod golf courses present truly historical significance.
Highland Links in North Truro lays claim to the status of one of the oldest courses on the Cape. Established around 1892, this 9-hole course sprawls along Atlantic Ocean bluffs next to the vintage Cape Cod Light. Established a few years later in 1895, the historic Chatham Seaside Links golf course is popular with both locals and tourists.
The Pocasset Golf Club (Bourne), created in 1916, also has a reputation as one of the Cape's finest.
The Edgartown Golf Club (Martha’s Vineyard) was founded slightly more recently, in 1926, and today is a private course open year-round to members and guests. Its historic clubhouse offers stunning views of Vineyard Sound. For its part, the Cape Cod Country Club (East Falmouth) opened in 1928 as a nine-hole course called Coonamesset. It’s held to have been expanded to 18 holes the following year by legendary golf architect Donald Ross, although this is still the subject of local speculation.
Another of Cape Cod’s more notable golf courses is the Hyannis Golf Course, which today hosts the Cape Cod Open and hosted the Cape Cod PGA Championship in 2015. The Farm Neck Golf Club (Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard) is another exceptionally well-regarded course.
If you're looking to walk the fairways of a few lesser-known courses that offer a delightful golfing experience without the crowds, options include Twin Brooks Golf Course in Hyannis – a par 3 18-hole course with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it ideal for enjoying a casual game with friends.
Cape Cod's only Nicklaus Design golf course, Ocean Edge Golf Club in Brewster, is a private 18-hole championship golf course just adjacent to Nickerson State Park. Access is reserved for members and guests at the resort’s hotel.
Bass River Golf Course (South Yarmouth) is another par 3 golf course, with uncrowded fairways and exceptional views.
Golf Courses for Every Skill Level
Cape Cod caters to golfers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned players.
Great places to start for beginners include the Blue Rock Golf Course (Yarmouth), an 18-hole par 3 course. Dennis Highlands Golf Course presents open terrain that makes it harder to lose your balls. And founded in 1929, the 9-hole Chequessett Club Course overlooks Wellfleet Harbor, with separate tees for an 18-hole round.
But really, it's hard to go wrong with any full-size public course. The Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich), Bayberry Hills Golf Course (West Yarmouth), and the Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course (Marstons Mills) all have club rentals available, and Chatham Seaside Links is another 9-hole gem.
The Osprey Course of the Falmouth Country Club also has a reputation for being one of the more playable courses for all ages and skill levels, due to its easy terrain.
If you’re up for a challenge, you’re in luck. Dennis Pines Golf Course offers a scenic challenge for amateur golfers of all ages. An 18-hole, par 72 course with a variety of terrain, water hazards, and sand traps, it’s particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors – and it’s been called one of the toughest courses on the Cape. Take full advantage of their spacious driving range before heading out for a round!
The highly regarded Captains Golf Course in Brewster is known for some pretty challenging holes, and Cape Cod National Golf Club (ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 20 best golf courses in Massachusetts) also offers terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level.
To play some of the toughest courses on Cape Cod, though, you'll likely need an invitation. Willowbend is a private championship course in Mashpee, while the Nantucket Golf Club is an award-winning private course designed by Rees Jones.
Family-friendly Golfing Options
For family-friendly golfing, you’ll want to seek out par 3 courses, as well as courses offering lessons for young ones. Par 3 courses include Twin Brooks Golf Course (Hyannis), Holly Ridge Golf Course (Sandwich), and the Blue Rock Golf Course (Yarmouth). Cotuit Highground Country Club in Barnstable offers a pretty seaside challenge, with a 9-hole course consisting of 8 par 3 holes and one par 4 hole.
Both the Blue Rock Golf Course and the Holly Ridge Golf Club (Sandwich) offer lessons for junior beginners, as does the Captains. The Kings Way Golf Club in Yarmouth Port also has a reputation for being very family-friendly.
As for mini-golf, that perennial family favorite, you’re well served on the Cape, with well over a dozen courses to choose from, including Cataumet Light Mini Golf in Bourne (also featuring bumper boats, ice cream, and a mini-batting cage), Pirate's Cove Mini Golf in Yarmouth, which presents 18 holes of pirate-themed mini-golf set among waterfalls and caves, and Cape Escape Adventure Golf in Orleans, featuring fishing boats, a koi pond, and waterfalls.
Note that many mini-golf courses may be closed during the off-season, so do verify their status ahead of your visit.
Planning Your Golf Trip to Cape Cod
Spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to visit Cape Cod for golf -- shoulder season for milder temperatures and fewer crowds, and summer for lower chances of rain. The Cape is known for its breezes year-round, however, which can add an element of challenge to your game!
As far as tee times are concerned, you'll want to book well in advance, especially during peak periods at some of Cape Cod's more iconic courses. Online booking is prevalent, but calling directly is never a bad idea.
Driving will provide you with the most flexibility for exploring Cape Cod's many courses. If you're renting a vehicle, inquire about cargo boxes or trunk organizers for golf clubs.
Conclusion
From the Upper Cape to the Outer Cape, Cape Cod’s golf courses offer unique appeal, with challenging play, stunning scenery, and a rich historical context.
That said, there's plenty to see on the Cape! Bring your freshest game to tee off by making time to explore Cape Cod’s village charm, enjoy the seafood, and soak up the stunning scenery.
About the Author
In 2015, driven by his own challenges as a homeowner dealing with a rental management company and a desire for a better solution, Luke Chapman founded Del Mar Vacations. His goal was to simplify the process of managing and caring for rental homes and their guests, offering a comprehensive, full-service solution. As a lifelong Cape Codder, Luke's deep-rooted love and knowledge of the area infuse every aspect of his business. Through this blog, he shares his insider tips and local insights, aiming to transform each visitor's trip into an unforgettable Cape Cod adventure.