5 Best Golf Courses In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is home to some of the best golf courses in New England, offering a mix of historic private clubs and top-tier public layouts.

The five best courses in the state are Newport Country Club, Wannamoisett Country Club, Shelter Harbor Golf Club, Triggs Memorial Golf Course, and Newport National Golf Club—each known for its unique design, challenge, and prestige.

Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes each course stand out.

Newport Country Club (Newport) – A Historic Gem

Steeped in tradition and prestige, Newport Country Club is one of the most historically significant golf courses in the United States.

Founded in 1893, this exclusive private club blends classic architecture with a challenging layout, offering an experience reserved for those fortunate enough to secure an invitation.

Its rolling fairways, seaside winds, and masterful design make it a bucket-list course for golf enthusiasts who appreciate the game’s rich heritage.

Legacy of Golf

Newport Country Club holds a special place in golf history as the site of the inaugural U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championships in 1895, cementing its status as one of the sport’s founding venues.

Over the years, it has hosted prestigious events, including the 1995 U.S. Amateur, won by Tiger Woods, and the 2006 U.S. Women’s Open.

The club’s historic clubhouse, an architectural masterpiece, adds to its timeless charm, serving as a reminder of the course’s deep connection to the early days of American golf.

Course Design

Originally designed by William “Willie” Davis, Newport Country Club underwent significant refinements by A.W. Tillinghast, one of golf’s most influential architects.

The course embodies a classic links-style design, featuring wide, fast-running fairways, deep bunkers, and firm, undulating greens that demand precision.

The ocean’s proximity introduces unpredictable wind conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge to an already strategic layout.

Unlike modern layouts that rely on length alone, Newport’s test lies in shot placement, green reading, and handling the ever-present coastal breezes.

Playing Experience

With a par of 70 and a total yardage of 7,075, Newport Country Club is a test of both patience and shot-making ability.

The opening holes allow for scoring opportunities, but the difficulty gradually increases as players navigate subtle elevation changes, penal bunkers, and fast greens that roll true but require careful reading.

The back nine, particularly the finishing stretch, rewards strategic play, as the swirling seaside winds can drastically alter approach shots.

Many players find the signature holes along the oceanfront to be both stunning and formidable, requiring well-placed drives and accurate iron shots to avoid trouble.

Exclusive Access

As a private club, Newport Country Club is not open to the public, making access limited to members and their guests.

However, there are a few ways to experience this historic venue:

  • Tournaments and Special Events: Occasionally, the club hosts elite amateur and professional events where limited public access is granted.
  • Invitations from Members: The most common way to play is by securing an invitation from a club member, which requires strong connections in golf circles.
  • Corporate and Charity Outings: On rare occasions, the club allows select corporate or charitable outings, offering non-members a chance to experience the course under specific circumstances.

Wannamoisett Country Club (Rumford) – A Donald Ross Masterpiece

Few courses demand precision and course management like Wannamoisett Country Club, a Donald Ross-designed gem in Rumford, Rhode Island.

Established in 1914, this private course is revered for its tight fairways, thick rough, and some of the most challenging greens in New England.

A true shot-maker’s course, Wannamoisett rewards strategic play and punishes wayward shots, making it a favorite among elite amateurs and serious golfers who appreciate classic golf course architecture.

Designed for the Challenge

Donald Ross, known for designing some of the most revered golf courses in America, created Wannamoisett with a focus on precision rather than power.

Though it plays to a par 69—unusual for a championship-caliber course—its 6,732-yard layout offers plenty of difficulty, proving that length isn’t the only measure of challenge.

Players must navigate:

  • Narrow, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee.
  • Deep, penal rough that makes recovery shots extremely difficult.
  • Large, undulating greens that are fast, firm, and heavily contoured, making putting and approach shots crucial.

With only two par fives, par is often a good score on any hole.

Ross’s signature run-off areas and false fronts force players to be precise with irons, as even well-struck shots can slide off greens into collection areas, leaving difficult up-and-down attempts.

Prestigious Events

Wannamoisett is best known as the home of the Northeast Amateur, one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the country.

This invitation-only event draws some of the best collegiate and amateur players in the world, with past champions including Dustin Johnson, Luke Donald, and Ben Crenshaw.

The tournament provides a unique opportunity to see top-tier golf in an intimate setting, as spectators can walk the fairways alongside rising stars.

Beyond the Northeast Amateur, Wannamoisett has hosted numerous state and regional championships, further cementing its reputation as one of the most demanding courses in New England.

Course Features

What makes Wannamoisett so special is the combination of classic design, modern conditioning, and relentless challenge.

Despite its relatively short yardage, the par 69 layout forces players to shape shots, avoid hazards, and putt exceptionally well to score.

Key course characteristics include:

  • Greens that demand precision – Almost every green has multiple tiers, false fronts, and tricky slopes, making lag putting a priority.
  • Short, risk-reward par fours – Some holes offer tempting tee shots, but aggressive play can lead to big numbers if mistakes are made.
  • Minimal bailout areas – Many greens are surrounded by bunkers or steep drop-offs, placing a premium on accurate approach shots.
  • Consistently firm and fast conditions – The course plays best when dry and running, adding an extra layer of challenge to every shot.

Private Membership

Wannamoisett is a private club, meaning access is restricted to members and their guests.

However, there are limited ways for non-members to experience the course:

  • Invitations from members – The primary way to play is through a personal connection with a member.
  • Tournament exemptions – Some charity and member-guest events allow non-members to play under special circumstances.
  • Reciprocal play – Certain private clubs have agreements with Wannamoisett that allow visiting members to arrange tee times.

For those who get the chance to play, Wannamoisett offers a pure Donald Ross experience, requiring thoughtful shot selection and a deft short game.

It's a course that proves that precision and strategy will always triumph over brute force.

Shelter Harbor Golf Club (Charlestown) – A Modern Favorite

Unlike many of Rhode Island’s storied courses with over a century of history, Shelter Harbor Golf Club represents a newer standard of excellence in golf course design.

Opened in 2005, this private club has quickly established itself as one of the top-ranked courses in the state, known for its pristine conditions, strategic layout, and stunning coastal scenery.

Designed to offer both challenge and enjoyment, Shelter Harbor delivers an unforgettable playing experience for those fortunate enough to gain access.

Top-Ranked Excellence

Since its opening, Shelter Harbor has been consistently ranked among Rhode Island’s best golf courses, often appearing on national lists of top private clubs.

Its blend of modern course design, impeccable conditioning, and scenic beauty makes it a standout in the region. Unlike older, more compact courses, Shelter Harbor was designed with expansive fairways, natural hazards, and a routing that seamlessly integrates with the landscape.

The course was built with playability in mind, meaning it offers multiple teeing options that allow both low-handicap players and recreational golfers to enjoy the round.

Despite its fairness, the layout rewards precise shot-making and smart course management, making it a favorite among skilled players.

Course Conditions

Shelter Harbor is renowned for its exceptional course maintenance, with greens, fairways, and bunkers consistently kept in tour-level condition.

The greens are fast and true, rolling at speeds that challenge even the best putters, while the fairways are cut to perfection, ensuring firm, consistent lies.

One of the club’s defining features is its fescue-lined rough, which adds both visual appeal and strategic difficulty.

Golfers who stray off the fairways will find themselves navigating deep, wispy grass that makes recovery shots unpredictable.

The bunker placement is deliberate, protecting the best angles into greens while punishing aggressive approaches that miss their target.

Scenic Beauty

Shelter Harbor’s coastal location adds to its allure, with panoramic views and natural wetlands woven into the course’s design.

Unlike traditional seaside links courses, Shelter Harbor combines parkland-style holes with open, wind-exposed sections, creating a diverse golfing experience in both scenery and playing conditions.

The course was designed to feel in harmony with its surroundings, incorporating native vegetation, protected wetlands, and rolling terrain that reflect the natural beauty of Charlestown’s coastal landscape.

Golfers experience changing elevations, stunning water views, and tree-lined corridors that make each hole visually distinct.

Private Status

As a private club, Shelter Harbor is not open to the general public, making access exclusive to members and their guests.

However, there are a few ways non-members might have an opportunity to play:

  • Guest Invitations: The most common way to play is by securing an invite from a club member.
  • Charity and Corporate Events: Occasionally, Shelter Harbor hosts fundraisers and corporate outings that allow non-members to experience the course.
  • Reciprocal Play: Members of certain private clubs may have access through reciprocal agreements.

Triggs Memorial Golf Course (Providence) – A Public Donald Ross Classic

For golfers seeking a classic Donald Ross design without private club restrictions, Triggs Memorial Golf Course is the perfect destination.

This municipal course in Providence offers an authentic Ross layout with strategic bunkering, sloping greens, and a fair but challenging design.

Unlike many public courses, Triggs maintains a high level of playability and course conditioning, making it one of the best value golf experiences in Rhode Island.

Designed for Everyone

One of the defining aspects of Triggs is that it welcomes golfers of all skill levels.

While it retains the hallmarks of a championship course, its multiple tee boxes and forgiving fairways make it playable for beginners while still challenging seasoned players.

The classic Ross routing rewards thoughtful shot-making, but the absence of extreme hazards or forced carries allows newer golfers to enjoy the round without excessive difficulty.

Despite being a municipal course, Triggs has a private club feel, thanks to its well-maintained fairways, pure rolling greens, and mature tree-lined holes.

For those looking for a true Ross experience at an affordable price, this is one of the best options available.

Course Highlights

Triggs stays true to Donald Ross’s original design philosophy, emphasizing strategic bunkering, elevation changes, and undulating greens.

The par-72 layout stretches to 6,588 yards, offering a mix of scoring opportunities and demanding approach shots.

  • Green Complexes: The greens at Triggs are firm, fast, and subtly contoured, requiring precision on approach shots and confident putting. Many feature false fronts and run-off areas, making even short chips a test of touch.
  • Classic Ross Bunkering: The well-placed bunkers frame landing zones and protect key angles into greens, forcing golfers to think strategically on every shot.
  • Tree-Lined Fairways: Unlike many modern designs that prioritize width, Triggs maintains narrower fairways, rewarding accuracy off the tee. The mature trees add character and challenge, especially on dogleg holes.
  • Variety of Holes: Triggs offers a mix of short and long par fours, scorable par fives, and demanding par threes that test mid-iron play. The back nine is particularly memorable, with several holes requiring well-placed tee shots to set up manageable approach angles.

National Recognition

Triggs is often ranked among the best municipal courses in America, proving that public golf can still offer a top-tier playing experience.

Golfers who appreciate traditional course design will find Triggs to be one of the most authentic Ross layouts available to the public, making it a favorite among architecture enthusiasts.

The course’s reputation has led to it being a regular host for regional amateur events and local tournaments, further cementing its status as one of Rhode Island’s top public tracks.

Accessibility

As a public course, Triggs is easily accessible to anyone looking for a high-quality round. Tee times can be booked online, and weekend slots fill up quickly, especially in peak season.

  • Tee Times: Advanced reservations are recommended, especially for prime morning and weekend slots.
  • Green Fees: Triggs offers affordable rates, with discounts for Providence residents and twilight specials for those looking to play late in the day.
  • Best Times to Play: The course is busiest on weekends and early weekday mornings, so those looking for a quieter round should aim for midweek afternoons.

Newport National Golf Club (Middletown) – Links-Style Public Golf

For golfers seeking a true links-style experience in Rhode Island, Newport National Golf Club delivers a challenging yet accessible round with sweeping coastal views and fast, fescue-lined fairways.

As one of the best public courses in the state, it provides a premium golf experience without the barriers of private club membership.

Known for its ever-changing wind conditions, firm greens, and strategic layout, Newport National is a must-play for those who appreciate the nuances of links golf.

Unique Course Style

Designed to resemble the classic links courses of Scotland and Ireland, Newport National features wide fairways, deep pot bunkers, and undulating greens that demand creativity and precision.

The absence of tree cover means the wind is always a factor, forcing players to adjust their club selection and shot trajectory throughout the round.

The course’s fescue roughs add both beauty and difficulty, swallowing errant tee shots and making recovery a challenge.

Water hazards are minimal, but the natural landscape—combined with firm, rolling fairways—creates a test that rewards thoughtful course management over brute force.

One of Rhode Island’s Best Public Courses

Consistently ranked among the top public courses in Rhode Island, Newport National stands out for its high-end conditions, excellent course design, and competitive challenge.

The greens are fast and firm, demanding precise approach shots, while the fairways offer generous landing areas but require strategic positioning for the best angles into greens.

The layout is designed to test every part of a golfer’s game, with holes that force decision-making off the tee and demand a solid short game to handle the tricky green complexes.

The closing stretch is particularly memorable, with long par fours and a risk-reward par five that can make or break a round.

Playability for All Skill Levels

Despite its links-style challenge, Newport National remains playable for golfers of all levels thanks to its multiple tee boxes and strategic design.

Low-handicap players will appreciate the demanding iron shots and fast greens, while beginners can take advantage of the wide fairways and lack of forced carries to keep their rounds enjoyable.

The course’s biggest defense is the coastal wind, which can turn short par fours into daunting tests and make club selection crucial.

Adjusting to the conditions and playing smart positional golf is key to scoring well on this layout.

Visitor-Friendly

Unlike many of Rhode Island’s best courses, Newport National is fully open to the public, making it an excellent choice for locals and visitors alike.

Tee times can be booked online, but given its popularity, reservations should be made well in advance, especially during peak season.

  • Best Times to Play: The course is busiest on weekends and summer mornings, so midweek or late afternoon rounds provide a more relaxed pace.
  • Green Fees: Rates are higher than most public courses in the area, reflecting the premium playing experience, but twilight rates and seasonal discounts offer great value.
  • Course Conditions: Maintained to private club standards, Newport National’s greens and fairways are among the best of any public course in New England.

Tips for Playing Golf in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s diverse golf landscape offers everything from historic private clubs to top-tier public courses, but knowing when and how to play can make all the difference in your experience.

Whether you’re planning a casual round or tackling a challenging championship course, understanding the state’s seasonal weather, booking options, and course conditions will help you make the most of your time on the links.

Weather Considerations

Rhode Island’s golf season typically runs from April through November, with the best playing conditions found in late spring, summer, and early fall.

  • Spring (April-May): Early in the season, courses begin to green up, but temperatures can still be cool and breezy, especially near the coast. Expect softer fairways and slower greens as courses recover from winter.
  • Summer (June-August): This is peak golf season, with warm temperatures, firm course conditions, and the longest daylight hours. Afternoon rounds can get hot, so morning tee times are ideal for avoiding heat and crowded courses.
  • Fall (September-November): A favorite time for many golfers, fall brings crisp air, vibrant foliage, and excellent playing conditions. Greens tend to be fast and true, and the crowds thin out after peak summer traffic.
  • Winter (December-March): While most courses remain open weather permitting, winter golf in Rhode Island can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures, wind, and occasional snow affecting play.

Since many of Rhode Island’s top courses are exposed to coastal weather, it’s wise to check wind conditions before heading out, as strong gusts can significantly impact club selection and strategy.

Course Availability

Tee time availability varies depending on whether you’re playing a public or private course.

Planning ahead is crucial, especially at high-demand courses.

  • Public Courses: Courses like Triggs Memorial and Newport National allow online booking, often up to two weeks in advance. Prime tee times—weekend mornings and early evenings—fill up fast, so reserving early is recommended. Twilight rates offer a more affordable and less crowded alternative for those with a flexible schedule.
  • Private Clubs: For courses like Newport Country Club and Wannamoisett, access is limited to members and their guests. Some private clubs offer reciprocal play for members of other elite clubs or host charity tournaments where non-members can gain access.

If you’re traveling, consider calling ahead to inquire about weekday availability, as some courses have less traffic during midweek afternoons compared to weekend peak times.

What to Expect

Rhode Island’s golf courses present a unique mix of terrain, coastal challenges, and strategic layouts, requiring versatility in shot selection and course management.

  • Coastal Winds: Many courses, particularly Newport National and Shelter Harbor, are built on exposed land with little tree cover, meaning the wind plays a major factor. Adjusting your ball flight—playing lower trajectory shots and factoring in wind direction—is key to keeping scores down.
  • Firm and Fast Conditions: Some courses, especially those with links-style designs, feature firm fairways that allow for extra roll. This can be a benefit for long hitters but also demands precision when landing approach shots.
  • Tough Greens: Courses designed by Donald Ross, like Triggs Memorial and Wannamoisett, are known for their fast, undulating greens. Expect to read subtle breaks carefully and focus on speed control to avoid three-putts.

Conclusion

Rhode Island offers a diverse golf experience, from historic private clubs to top-tier public courses, each with its own unique challenges and charm.

Whether you’re navigating the coastal winds at Newport National, testing your short game at Wannamoisett, or enjoying a classic Donald Ross layout at Triggs, there’s a course for every golfer.

Plan ahead, consider the season, and take advantage of the state's exceptional golf opportunities for an unforgettable round.