Do you want to play on some of the best golf courses in New Hampshire but don’t know anyone in a private club?
You may be in luck then, because Golfweek has ranked the best publicly available golf courses in each state, naming five must-visit courses for New Hampshire golfers to test their skills at.
The courses on this list allow public access in some fashion, be it standard daily green fees, through a resort or by staying at an affiliated hotel. If there’s a will, there’s a tee time – no membership required.
From Greenland to Sutton to Bretton Woods, here are the best public golf courses in the Granite State, according to Golfweek.
5. Breakfast Hill — Greenland, New Hampshire
The modern course at Breakfast Hill Golf Club is a championship par 71 layout. The 18-hole course has been recognized as a high-quality public golf course by Golf Magazine, Golf.com, and, of course, Golfweek.
“Quaintly nestled under our trademark soaring pines sits an upscale public golf course still premature in age yet in its prime amongst the area’s best layouts,” their website said. “Breakfast Hill Golf Club invites you to experience a true New England golf experience unlike any other.”
You can find out about their rates on their rates webpage, but to put it simply, it’s a sliding scale from mornings to afternoon to sunset, with mornings (first tee time to 11:59 a.m.) being the most expensive (from Monday through Thursday, a morning tee time is $64) and sunset (after 3 p.m.) being the cheapest.
You can play by reserving a tee time on Rapid Tee Golf.
4. Atkinson Resort and Country Club — Atkinson, New Hampshire
Atkinson Resort and Country Club’s public golf course is making its return to this list after a year’s absence.
The golf course is comprised of 18 holes, a driving range, a practice hole, and a golfing academy. Their website says they are open seven days a week.
You can play by reserving a tee time on Rapid Tee Golf.
3. Owl’s Nest — Thornton, New Hampshire
Nestled in the town of Thornton, the Owl’s Nest Resort’s layout may be another modern course but it is nonetheless impressive.
The Owl’s Nest course is the state’s only Nicklaus Design course. The 18-hole championship course has elevation changes and scenic views of the White Mountains, according to the Nest’s website.
“Whether you’re a serious golfer or just playing for fun, the course’s elevation changes and immaculate conditions highlight both its charm and challenge,” the website said.
The Owl’s Nest also offers a driving range for golfers trying to get their drive just right.
You can play by reserving a tee time on Rapid Tee Golf.
2. Country Club of New Hampshire — Sutton, New Hampshire
At this golf course, you will be playing at the base of Mount Kearsarge. The course itself measures 6,000 to 7,000 yards and contains lush green fairways, according to the club’s webpage.
“At the Country Club of New Hampshire, we pride ourselves on providing you with the best possible golf experience,” their website said.
From Friday through Sunday, playing 18 holes will cost $65. If you want to play 18 holes after 3 p.m., then it’ll only cost $50. Nine holes only costs $44, their rates webpage says.
If you want to play 18 holes on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, it’ll cost $50, but if you only want to play nine, then it’s cheaper at $32.
You can book a tee time at The Country Club of New Hampshire on Rapid Tee Golf.
1. Omni Mount Washington Resort (Mount Washington) — Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The golf course at the Omni Mount Washington Resort stands at the number-one spot of Golfweek’s best public golf courses in the Granite State.
The resort has two golf courses: the 18-hole Mount Washington course and the 9-hole Mount Pleasant course.
The two courses are flanked by the Presidential Mountain Range and an overwhelmingly beautiful scenic view, according to the resort website.
But only the Mount Washington golf course was awarded Golfweek’s top spot for the best of New Hampshire’s public courses.
It is a par 72, 7,004-yard-course that was designed by iconic Scottish architect Donald Ross in 1915 and restored by Brian Silva when the course reopened in 2008. It has “elevated greens, bunkers crafted in a classic flair, and infinite varieties of recovery shots in the closely cropped areas around the putting greens,” the Bretton Woods website said.
You can play at this course by calling the resort’s clubhouse at 603-278-3322 and inquiring about tee times and their current rates.
Be aware that the Bretton Woods website said that the Front 9 tee boxes on the 18-hole course are being resodded, and that some tees might be moved on a temporary basis throughout early July.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Rin Velasco and Jason Lusk
