Cape Cod has long been synonymous with miles of beautiful, natural beaches, a thriving fishing industry and incredible wildlife sightings – but it’s also a fantastic place to play golf: and here we look at the best golf courses on Cape Cod.
Nestled in the south-eastern corner of Massachusetts, this charming, sandy peninsula, which was formed by glaciers, extends more than 100km into the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Cod is famed for its charming small towns and grey-shingled houses, its rich history, and its many iconic summer destinations, with adjacent islands like Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard but if you’re headed there with your golf clubs in tow, you really need to know which are the best golf courses on Cape Cod.
So here we look at 10 of the best golf courses on Cape Cod.
- Cape Cod National Golf Club, Brewster
Cape Cod National is a private members club which, while relatively new on the scene having opened in 1998, is a fantastic test of golf. Founded by John R Pfeffer and his wife Linda, this par-72 championship course measures some 6,900 yards from tips and demands your very best. It has hosted a number of USGA events over the years including the US Amateur Championship and a US Women’s Open qualifier. - The Captains, Brewster
One club, two courses – The Captains is widely seen as the best public facility in the Lower Cape. The Port Course and the Starboard Course (did you spot the nautical theme?) are both good, measuring around 6700 from the tips but both are hugely welcoming to families and juniors and, should you choose, can play from the forward tees which measure less than 4,000 yards. Architect Brian Silva oversee the layouts, which each of the holes on the scorecards named after historic New England seafarers. Lots to like about this place. - Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster
This Jack Nicklaus designed course combines a parkland front nine with a dramatic links-style back nine. The course winds through a pristine environment of cranberry bogs and tidal marshes. It’s just an excellent place to play golf.
Cape Cod is famous for its incredible wildlife. Credit: Thomas Kelley - The Club at New Seabury, Mashpee
The views are breathtaking and the setting, at times, will remind you of Kiawah Island, New Seabury is right up there as one of the very best golf experiences on Cape Cod. With two William Mitchell designed courses, the Ocean and the Dunes, New Seabury has it all and the offering off the golf course is equally impressive with five restaurants, two beach clubs, walking trails and plenty of beach bars. It is a member’s club, but if you can find a way on, you’ll love every minute. - Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs
Ok, ok – you’ll need to take a ferry across to Martha’s Vineyard for this one, but you won’t regret it because Farm Neck Golf Club is one of the best golf courses Cape Cod has to offer. The course runs along the eastern edge of the island and boasts incredible views of the Vineyard Sound, taking in the salt marshes and the meadows beyond. This is a member’s club which is open to visitors, but you may need to be willing to accept less than prime time tee times. Enjoy. - The Cape Club, East Falmouth
Using the land that was once the Ballymead Club, The Cape Club is a brilliantly reimagining of a piece of land steeped in golf history. Open to the public, this feels like a classic Cape Cod golf experience with a series of excellent, strategic golf holes and a wonderful clubhouse. Don’t miss it. - Highland Links, Truro
Perched atop the bluffs of Cape Cod’s chastening Atlantic coast, Highland Links is one of the most dramatic golf courses on Cape Cod. With spectacular views and a classic links feel, this 9-hole course is one of the oldest golf courses in the US, that has a Scottish links feel and some incredible vistas that will leave you wanting more after your final put drops. Very much a family-friendly golf courses, this is one you must play if you’re looking for the best golf courses on Cape Cod.
There are no fewer than 15 towns on Cape Cod. Credit: Anvesh - Hyannis Golf Club, Hyannis
Hyannis sits right at the heart of Cape Cod and a stone’s throw from downtown you will find Hyannis Golf Club, which we felt had to be included on a list of the best golf courses on Cape Cod. This is a golf course which is renowned for the quality of its greens and also some of the best golf practice facilities on Cape Cod, with a 55-bay practice range and two practice greens. It’s also a huge supporter of junior golf in the area. - Wianno Club, Osterville
From the moment you step out of the car, you know you’re in for a real treat at Wianno Club. The timeless clubhouse is perched on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Nantucket Sound and every part of the experience feels like everything you would hope and expect from golf on Cape Cod. Dating back to 1916, Wianno Club is primarily members-only club, they occasionally allow outside play during certain times of the year. It’s certainly a place which celebrates tradition and history. It’s a truly charming setting and an excellent test of golf. - Dennis Golf, Pines Course
Many believe The Pines Course at Dennis Golf is not only one of the best golf courses on Cape Cod but also one of the toughest. Measuring 7,000 yards from the tips, this course – as you might guess from the name – is carved through pine forest not far from the village of East Dennis. Designed by Henry C. Mitchell and opened for play in 1966, Dennis Pines places a real premium on accuracy, with water a threat on four holes. The par-5 12th is arguably the best hole on the golf course.
Cape Cod may well be best known for those sandy stretches, its natural beauty, and the incredible wildlife on show, but it also has some fantastic golf courses too. So, whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking to enjoy a leisurely round surrounded by stunning landscapes, the Cape Cod golf courses on this list provide a range of options to suit all preferences and skill levels. So, do your research, pack your clubs, and enjoy a real golfer’s paradise on the picturesque Cape Cod peninsula.
