Golfweek Ranks Rhode Island’s Golf Courses: A Comprehensive Overview
USA Today’s Golfweek has recently evaluated the golf scene across the United States, focusing on how each state measures up in terms of its golf courses. This assessment categorized golf courses into three key areas:
- Quality of Publicly Accessible Courses
- Strength of Elite Private Courses
- Overall Golf Caliber Considering Both Public and Private Courses
Rhode Island’s Rankings
In this comprehensive evaluation, Rhode Island’s public golf courses ranked 46th in the nation with a score of 5.62 out of 10. However, the state showed a significant improvement when private courses were considered, placing 20th with a score of 7.24 out of 10. When combining both public and private course assessments, Rhode Island tied for 36th place alongside Kansas and Iowa, achieving an overall score of 6.4.
Below, we highlight the top five private golf courses that propelled Rhode Island to its notable ranking.
Top Private Golf Courses in Rhode Island
1. Newport Country Club
- Location: Newport
- Rank: 58th on Golfweek’s list of Top 200 Classic Courses
- Overview: Established in 1893, Newport Country Club is one of the distinguished founding members of the United States Golf Association. Originally a nine-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1897, and has undergone various enhancements, with the latest renovations led by Gil Hanse in 2017.
2. Wannamoisett Country Club
- Location: Rumford
- Rank: Tied for 62nd on Golfweek’s list of Top 200 Classic Courses
- Overview: Designed by Donald Ross in 1914, Wannamoisett boasts a rich history of competitive and social golfing events. The par-69 course spans 6,901 yards from the black tees and has hosted the prestigious Northeast Amateur Invitational.
3. Shelter Harbor Golf Club
- Location: Westerly
- Rank: Tied for 71st on Golfweek’s list of Top 200 Modern Courses
- Overview: Nestled within 400 acres, Shelter Harbor reflects a commitment to environmental preservation and features open vistas, native grasses, and unique glacial boulders, creating a truly picturesque golfing experience.
4. Misquamicut Club
- Location: Westerly
- Rank: Tied for 88th on Golfweek’s list of Top 200 Classic Courses
- Overview: Another gem designed by Donald Ross, Misquamicut offers an engaging course layout that surrounds Maschaug Pond, featuring a blend of strategy and beauty that keeps golfers captivated.
5. Sakonnet Golf Club
- Location: Little Compton
- Overview: Founded in 1899 and designed by Donald Ross, Sakonnet Golf Club offers 18 memorable holes across 6,337 yards. The course is notable for its striking sea views and historic stone walls, which provide a unique charm.
Conclusion
Rhode Island may face challenges in the public golf course category, but its private golfing scene is thriving, marked by a rich history and excellent course design. Whether you’re a local enthusiast or a visiting golfer, exploring these top-rated private courses offers a wonderful experience of Rhode Island’s unique golfing landscape.
By focusing on both public and private courses, Golfweek’s assessment underscores the potential for growth and recognition within the state’s golfing community. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on a classic design or enjoy modern facilities, Rhode Island’s golf offerings are worth a closer look.
