white lighthouse near body of water

Guide

Maine Golf Courses: A Complete Guide

8 minute read
Outdoors
Maine's golf courses range from municipal gems to championship layouts. Here's where to play your best round in the Pine Tree State.

Golf in Maine means playing courses shaped by dramatic elevation, water hazards, and views that compete for your attention. You'll find everything from small municipal layouts near Bangor to championship clubs in Boothbay Harbor and Belgrade Lakes. Whether you're looking for a quick nine holes or an ambitious 36-hole day, this guide covers the state's best courses and what to expect when you arrive.

Tips for Your Visit

Golf season runs roughly April through October, though spring conditions vary and fall offers the most consistent quality. Bring plenty of water, especially at municipal courses where beverage carts are inconsistent, and pack extra golf balls since Maine's layouts often feature hazards that swallow shots. Call ahead to confirm tee time slots and ask about current course conditions, particularly after aeration cycles or extreme weather. Summer weekends fill quickly, so book in advance. Parking is available at all courses, though the iconic coastal clubs like Boothbay Harbor and Belgrade Lakes require driving through scenic areas with limited passing zones.

1

Dunegrass Golf Club

See main listing

Located in Old Orchard Beach, Dunegrass plays as both a golf destination and an event venue. The 18-hole course earns consistent praise for its tree-lined fairways and elevated opening hole that sets the tone for a challenging day. Visitors describe a layout that rewards shot-making in both directions, with well-maintained greens and a friendly staff.

The wide open spaces work equally well for weddings or rounds, and the course holds a good pace despite its difficulty. One regular notes the greens play quite well here. Fair warning: there's no beverage cart on the course, so bring your own water on hot days.

Dunegrass Golf Club
Dunegrass Golf Club
2

Links at Outlook Golf Course

See main listing

This Berwick course has made recent investments in its grounds, with new landscaping around the clubhouse and brick building that catches visitors' eyes. The golf course itself is well maintained and offers a solid layout alongside a full bar and restaurant.

A recent guest praised the excellent customer service and the chicken tenders in the snack menu. The course works well for weddings and casual dining. Conditions can vary by season, and prices reflect its popularity, so check expectations before booking. The setting feels elevated for the area, and most visitors leave planning a return trip.

Links at Outlook Golf Course
Links at Outlook Golf Course
3

The Meadows Golf Club

See main listing

Situated in Litchfield near Augusta, The Meadows appeals to golfers who prefer a shorter, well-maintained layout. The course has embraced modern mowing technology, and regulars appreciate the consistent upkeep. It draws return visitors, particularly in October.

The pub serves solid food and drinks, and the ownership is hands-on, making appearances to greet guests. One visitor came through as part of Harvest Host (an RV camping program) and was impressed enough to plan a second visit to the owner's other property, Fog Brook. This is a friendly, accessible course that doesn't overcomplicate the experience.

The Meadows Golf Club
The Meadows Golf Club
4

Riverside Golf Course

See main listing

Riverside is a Portland-based municipal course with memorable elevation changes and plenty of contour. The views from the property are one of its strongest selling points. You'll find a good pro shop, helpful staff, and a nice bar and patio area to unwind after your round.

The layout includes some blind shots and can be demanding off the tee, but the rough isn't overly punitive, which keeps the pace manageable. One tip: bring drinking water. None is provided on the course itself. The property hosts events like fundraiser rounds and tournaments, so check ahead to confirm availability. The course fills up quickly during good weather.

Riverside Golf Course
Riverside Golf Course
5

Atlantic Pines Golf Club at Old Marsh

See main listing

Reopened in Wells, Atlantic Pines distinguishes itself as a more challenging alternative to traditional courses in the Kennebunk area. The layout features plenty of water and marsh hazards, making it visually striking and strategically demanding.

Pricing has been a point of contention with some visitors. Confirm rates when booking, as walk-up prices have differed from quoted phone rates. Recent reviews flag inconsistent course conditions, particularly fairway and green maintenance in 2024. The bones of the course are solid and the setting is beautiful, but condition standards seem to fluctuate. If you're visiting, call ahead to ask about current maintenance and pricing.

Atlantic Pines Golf Club at Old Marsh
Atlantic Pines Golf Club at Old Marsh
6

Sunset Ridge Golf Links

See main listing

This Westbrook course offers interesting elevation changes and a variety of hole designs, particularly challenging par 3s from the back tees. The layout itself gets strong marks from visitors who appreciate the strategic variety.

Conditions vary depending on the season and recovery time from heat stress. Fairways can run thin and hard during dry stretches, and aeration cycles leave temporary roughness. One first-time player noted the course lends itself to losing golf balls, so bring extras. Recent visitors have been more positive about the course after autumn recovery, suggesting timing your visit for cooler months might improve your experience.

Sunset Ridge Golf Links
Sunset Ridge Golf Links
7

Bangor Municipal Golf Course

See main listing

Located near Acadia, Bangor Municipal is an affordable, accessible course with a solid layout and big, rolling greens. It's the kind of place where you can get paired with locals and pick up tips on where to eat and explore the area.

The course plays well and the price is right, especially for a $20 round. That said, the experience depends on staff attitude on the day you visit. One visitor had a frustrating encounter over timing, so manage your arrival carefully. Overall, it's a solid players' course that rewards good greens-reading and works well for visitors who want a low-key, budget-friendly 18 holes.

Bangor Municipal Golf Course
Bangor Municipal Golf Course
8

Penobscot Valley Country Club

See main listing

A Donald Ross design near Orono, Penobscot Valley carries historical prestige and a classic architecture that attracts golf purists. The greens feature the breaks and contour that define Ross's style, and they're generally well maintained.

Recent maintenance decisions, particularly aeration cycles, have left some visitors frustrated when course conditions weren't disclosed at booking. One golfer who booked 36 holes played only 4 due to poor fairway conditions. The staff are helpful and welcoming, and the design doesn't disappoint, but timing matters. Call ahead to ask about recent work on the course before committing.

Penobscot Valley Country Club
Penobscot Valley Country Club
9

Western View Golf, Pub & Events

See main listing

Under new ownership, Western View has invested in clubhouse renovations and upgrades that visitors notice immediately. The course offers stunning views and a challenging layout, complemented by a cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

The pub serves excellent food, with standouts like Italian wedding soup that guests rave about. The venue hosts murder mystery dinners and live music, making it as much a social destination as a golf course. Owners Jason and Dina have energized the place, and regulars report visiting several times a week. This is the kind of place that works for both serious golfers and casual diners looking for an entertaining evening.

Western View Golf, Pub & Events
Western View Golf, Pub & Events
10

Willowdale Golf Club

See main listing

Willowdale in Scarborough offers a solid 18-hole layout in great shape. Visitors call it a hidden gem and specifically praise the experience on holiday weekends when the course plays well and feels welcoming.

Management has received criticism for communication failures around tee time delays. One visitor waited over an hour without notice and felt dismissed when they complained. That said, the front desk staff can be accommodating if problems arise during your round. The course itself plays nicely and photos don't do the condition justice, so expect better greens and fairways than you might anticipate from online images.

Willowdale Golf Club
Willowdale Golf Club
11

Natanis Golf Course

See main listing

Natanis operates two distinct 18-hole courses, the Tomahawk and Arrowhead, each offering different challenges and playing experiences. A driving range rounds out the facilities. The courses are well maintained and deliver solid golf in a natural setting.

Regulars from long-standing golf groups return here season after season. However, 2025 brought a significant price increase on the Tomahawk Course from $75 to $100 (18 holes with cart), a jump some long-term players found steep. The courses themselves justify a visit, but budget accordingly and compare with neighboring options if price is a factor.

Natanis Golf Course
Natanis Golf Course
12

Belgrade Lakes Golf Club

See main listing

This Augusta-area course ranks among the highest-rated in Maine for good reason. Views of lakes, mountains, and pines set the tone immediately, and the layout makes excellent use of the natural landscape. The course is immaculate, with fast, fair greens, perfect fairways, and no divots in sight.

The staff from the clubhouse through the starter's booth and grounds crew make visitors feel at home. One player familiar with Hawaiian resort courses ranked Belgrade among their all-time favorites. The 12-minute tee time spacing means you'll play stress-free golf without pressure from groups behind. This is destination golf, and the experience lives up to the high rating.

Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
13

Boothbay Harbor Country Club

See main listing

Boothbay Harbor stands out as one of the state's most immaculate and challenging courses. The moment you drive through the gate, the amenities and property upkeep signal a serious commitment to excellence. The course itself is gorgeous and perfectly maintained, with receptive greens and course conditions that inspire confidence.

The staff are uniformly professional, friendly, and attentive, with attention to details like chilled water bottles at key holes. You can walk and carry your bag, though there are a couple of elevation climbs to certain tees. One regular visitor called it the best golf experience they've had in hundreds of courses. This is bucket-list golf in Maine.

Boothbay Harbor Country Club
Boothbay Harbor Country Club
14

Sanford Country Club

See main listing

Sanford Country Club has undergone ownership and investment changes that visitors notice immediately. The course is in excellent shape with fast greens, a proper rough, and well-maintained fairways. The staff are genuinely nice, and you'll meet interesting people during your round.

A 9-hole round with cart runs about $55 per person, and rangers go out of their way to orient newcomers. One ranger even provided SCC ball markers as a gesture. The casual bar stocks local beers and the food service impresses visitors. New ownership seems energized, and the recent improvements show. This is a friendly, welcoming course that works equally well for serious golfers and casual visitors.

Sanford Country Club
Sanford Country Club
15

Ledges Golf Club

See main listing

Located in York near Ogunquit, Ledges is a challenging but fair course with beautiful scenery and a great location. Elevation changes throughout the layout keep things interesting, and the fairways are wide enough for solid tee shots but demand accuracy on approach.

The staff are all friendly, and the regular group that plays here includes talented golfers who keep the atmosphere fun. Rangers manage pace well even during busy summer season, moving groups along without feeling rushed. The greens play quick, so account for that in your reads. This is the kind of course that rewards thoughtful play and offers enough variety to keep experienced golfers engaged.

Ledges Golf Club
Ledges Golf Club

Guides

Related guides

All Guides