Maine offers some of the most scenic and diverse public golf courses in the country, from rugged mountain layouts to serene lakeside fairways.
If you're looking for the top five, check out Sugarloaf, Belgrade Lakes, Sunday River, Point Sebago, and Dunegrass.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes each course stand out.
Sugarloaf Golf Club (Carrabassett Valley)
Sugarloaf Golf Club is one of the premier public golf courses in Maine, offering a breathtaking mountain setting combined with a challenging layout.
Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course seamlessly integrates the natural beauty of the landscape with a design that tests even the most experienced golfers.
The course takes full advantage of its rugged mountain setting, with each hole offering spectacular views of the surrounding Sugarloaf Mountain and Bigelow Mountain Range.
The dramatic elevation changes create a thrilling playing experience, with the standout being the par-4 11th hole, which features a 100-foot drop from the tee.
This hole not only tests your skill but also adds a unique element to your round that makes it truly memorable.
Sugarloaf’s 18-hole layout is challenging, with a slope rating of 151, making it best suited for skilled golfers.
The combination of elevation changes, narrow fairways, and strategically placed hazards ensures that players are constantly strategizing their shots.
Despite the difficulty, it remains a rewarding experience for those up for the challenge, offering a unique opportunity to play amidst some of Maine’s most dramatic natural landscapes.
The amenities at Sugarloaf Golf Club further enhance the experience.
There’s a well-stocked pro shop, where you can purchase gear or schedule lessons, and the Strokes Bar & Grill provides a comfortable spot to relax after a round, serving up local food and drinks with scenic views of the course.
The club also offers practice facilities for players looking to fine-tune their game before heading out on the course.
Green fees at Sugarloaf are on the higher end, especially during peak times, with rates typically around $200.
However, for those who appreciate challenging courses in stunning settings, the experience is well worth the price.
The combination of world-class course design, rugged mountain scenery, and top-notch amenities makes Sugarloaf Golf Club a must-play destination for avid golfers visiting Maine.
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club (Belgrade)
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is known for its stunning natural beauty and player-friendly design, making it one of the most accessible and enjoyable public courses in Maine.
Located in the rolling hills of central Maine, this course offers panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and forests, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your round.
The layout of Belgrade Lakes is designed with a focus on making the game enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
The wide fairways offer plenty of room for error, allowing even beginner golfers to have a comfortable experience while still presenting a challenge for more experienced players looking to shape their shots.
The greens are forgiving, and their strategic placement means that golfers can enjoy a balanced round without feeling overwhelmed by overly difficult features.
What sets Belgrade Lakes apart from many courses is how it emphasizes the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Granite outcrops and rock formations are integrated into the course, providing not only a scenic touch but also adding an interesting dynamic to several holes.
Water hazards are scattered throughout the course, contributing both visually and strategically, though they are not overly punishing, which helps maintain the course's player-friendly reputation.
Belgrade Lakes is ideal for golfers of all abilities, making it a perfect destination for families, groups with mixed experience levels, or anyone looking for a relaxing yet stimulating round.
The course design strikes a balance between challenge and enjoyment, ensuring that both casual golfers and serious players can walk away feeling satisfied with their game.
Additionally, the course is consistently praised for its condition.
It's often regarded as the best-maintained course in Maine, with pristine fairways and greens that are carefully cared for throughout the season.
This attention to detail elevates the playing experience and ensures that every round at Belgrade Lakes feels special, no matter your skill level.
Sunday River Golf Club (Newry)
Sunday River Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a true mountain golf experience nestled in the Mahoosuc Range of western Maine.
With dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views, this course is one of the most visually striking and challenging public golf courses in the state, perfect for those who enjoy the test and thrill of mountain golf.
The layout of Sunday River takes full advantage of the rugged terrain, offering a course that challenges golfers to navigate steep slopes, wide elevation variations, and strategically placed hazards.
Every hole presents a new perspective of the surrounding mountains, with elevation changes that require careful club selection and thoughtful shot execution.
The natural beauty of the course is complemented by the well-designed fairways and greens, making the entire experience both challenging and rewarding.
One of the course's standout features is the par-3 14th hole, which is as picturesque as it is difficult.
This hole demands a precise tee shot to carry over a sandy waste area, adding pressure and excitement to an already challenging round.
Players need to carefully judge the distance and elevation to avoid the trouble spots and land on the well-protected green.
This hole exemplifies the kind of thoughtful, challenging design that makes Sunday River a must-play for serious golfers.
While the course is open to all skill levels, it is best suited for more experienced golfers, particularly those who enjoy the complexities of mountain golf.
The elevation changes, narrow landing areas, and hazards will push even skilled players to think critically about every shot.
Beginners may find some sections of the course daunting, though the variety of tees allows for some flexibility in difficulty.
Point Sebago Golf Resort (Casco)
Point Sebago Golf Resort is an excellent choice for golfers looking for a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere without sacrificing the challenge of a well-designed course.
Located in Casco, this resort integrates its golf course into the surrounding birch forest, providing a peaceful and scenic experience that appeals to both casual and more serious golfers.
The layout of Point Sebago Golf Resort is relatively flat compared to many other courses in Maine, making it an approachable option for golfers of all skill levels.
However, don’t be fooled by the lack of dramatic elevation changes—this course still presents challenges in the form of strategically placed water hazards and bunkers.
These elements are thoughtfully positioned to test your accuracy and course management skills, keeping even experienced golfers engaged.
The wide fairways also offer plenty of room for less experienced players, ensuring that the course remains fun and accessible.
One of the standout holes at Point Sebago is the par-3 17th.
This hole is known for its uphill challenge, where players must carefully judge their club selection and distance control to reach a green nestled in a grassy hollow.
The uphill terrain adds an extra layer of difficulty to what would otherwise be a straightforward par-3, making it a memorable part of the course.
Point Sebago is a great option for families and casual golfers, thanks to its welcoming environment and player-friendly design.
While serious golfers will still find plenty to enjoy in the water hazards and bunkers, the course is also forgiving enough for newcomers to the sport or those simply looking for a relaxed round.
The resort atmosphere enhances the overall experience, offering additional activities and amenities that make it a perfect destination for a golf getaway with the whole family.
Dunegrass Golf Club (Old Orchard Beach)
Dunegrass Golf Club offers a unique coastal golfing experience, combining the natural beauty of dunes, marshlands, and forests into a challenging and rewarding course.
Located near Old Orchard Beach, it’s a perfect destination for golfers who want to mix a beach vacation with a round of golf on one of Maine’s most scenic and strategically designed courses.
The course’s design takes full advantage of its coastal setting, incorporating a variety of landscapes that make each hole feel distinctive.
Golfers will encounter narrow fairways that require precision off the tee, as well as well-protected greens surrounded by bunkers and natural hazards.
While these features create a challenge, the course is laid out in a way that remains fair, providing multiple tee options to cater to different skill levels.
This makes Dunegrass an exciting test for seasoned golfers while still being accessible to those newer to the game.
Proximity to Old Orchard Beach makes Dunegrass an attractive option for those looking to combine their golf trip with time spent by the ocean.
After a round of golf, players can easily head to the nearby beach, boardwalk, and local attractions, making it a great option for families or groups with mixed interests.
Some of the course’s highlights include its ability to integrate the natural elements of the area.
Golfers will play through rolling dunes, skirt the edges of marshlands, and wind their way through coastal forests.
This variety keeps the round interesting and provides plenty of beautiful backdrops for your game.
Whether navigating a tight fairway between dunes or avoiding the marshland on a tricky approach shot, golfers will find that each hole brings something new.
Who Should Play These Courses?
Each of Maine’s top public golf courses offers a unique experience, catering to different types of golfers based on skill level, preferences, and desired atmosphere.
Whether you’re an experienced player seeking a technical challenge or someone looking for a more relaxed, scenic round, there's a course that fits your needs.
Sugarloaf Golf Club: For Golfers Who Love a Tough Challenge and Stunning Mountain Views
Sugarloaf Golf Club is best suited for golfers who enjoy a rugged, challenging course paired with breathtaking mountain scenery.
With its dramatic elevation changes and a slope rating of 151, this course is ideal for advanced players who relish the chance to navigate difficult terrain and strategically placed hazards.
If you’re a golfer who appreciates the intricacies of a mountain course and enjoys testing your skill against steep drops—such as the par-4 11th hole with its 100-foot drop from the tee—this is the course for you.
It’s designed for those who seek an adrenaline-filled, high-skill round surrounded by panoramic views of the Sugarloaf and Bigelow Mountain ranges.
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club: Ideal for Golfers of All Levels Seeking a Scenic and Forgiving Course
Belgrade Lakes is an excellent option for golfers of all abilities who are looking for a beautiful, relaxed, yet engaging round.
Its wide fairways and forgiving greens make it accessible for beginners or casual golfers, while more experienced players can still find plenty of enjoyment in the well-designed layout.
The scenic views of lakes and forests, along with the course’s gentle elevation changes, create a welcoming atmosphere for players who want to focus more on enjoying the natural surroundings than overcoming a steep learning curve.
This is the perfect course for those who want to experience golf in Maine's serene landscape without the intensity of a mountain course.
Sunday River Golf Club: For Experienced Players Wanting a Technical, Mountain Golf Experience
Sunday River Golf Club is best for experienced golfers looking for a technical challenge set against the backdrop of Maine’s rugged mountains.
The course’s dramatic elevation changes, combined with narrow fairways and demanding hazards like the forced carry over a waste area on the par-3 14th, provide a serious test of skill.
Golfers who enjoy the mental and physical demands of a mountain course will appreciate the strategic thinking required at every hole.
Sunday River’s layout, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offers an ideal balance between challenge and beauty, making it perfect for those who want a thrilling, high-level round.
Point Sebago Golf Resort: Perfect for Families or Those Looking for a Relaxed but Engaging Round
Point Sebago is the ideal course for families, casual golfers, or those who want a relaxed yet enjoyable game.
Its relatively flat terrain is forgiving for less experienced players, but the inclusion of well-placed water hazards and bunkers ensures there’s still enough challenge to keep things interesting.
The family-friendly environment makes it a great option for group outings, while the peaceful birch forest surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere for a laid-back round.
Point Sebago is perfect for golfers who want to have fun without the pressure of navigating a highly technical course.
Dunegrass Golf Club: For Beach Lovers and Those Looking for a Precise, Technical Course
Dunegrass Golf Club appeals to golfers who enjoy a technical, precise game in a coastal setting.
Its narrow fairways and well-protected greens demand accuracy, making it ideal for golfers who like a course that requires focused shot-making.
Located near Old Orchard Beach, it’s also perfect for beach lovers looking to combine a round of golf with a coastal vacation.
The integration of dunes, marshlands, and forest into the layout keeps the round interesting, providing a challenging but fair test of your skills.
Dunegrass is best for players who enjoy a strategic course with a scenic, seaside feel.
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
To ensure you get the most out of your time at Maine's top public golf courses, planning ahead is key.
From choosing the ideal time of year to play to reserving your tee times early and making the most of the available amenities, a little preparation can significantly enhance your overall experience.
Here are some practical tips to help you fully enjoy your round at any of these courses.
The best time to play at Maine’s public golf courses varies slightly depending on the course’s location and climate.
Generally, the golfing season in Maine runs from late spring through early fall.
Sugarloaf Golf Club and Sunday River Golf Club, with their mountain settings, are best enjoyed in the summer and early fall months, when the weather is warm and the foliage creates stunning backdrops.
Playing in early fall also means fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, making it a great time for a relaxed and scenic round.
Belgrade Lakes and Point Sebago are ideal for spring through summer, with the rolling hills and lakeside settings offering some of their most scenic views in late spring and early summer.
Dunegrass Golf Club, located near the coast, benefits from cool breezes in the summer, but also remains a fantastic option in the fall when the beach traffic slows down, and the weather is still mild.
Booking your trip during the optimal playing season ensures the best conditions for your round.
To avoid disappointment, it’s crucial to reserve your tee times well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season (typically summer and early fall).
Sugarloaf, being one of the most popular and challenging courses in Maine, often fills up quickly, particularly during weekends and holidays.
Booking several weeks or even a month in advance is recommended.
The same applies to Belgrade Lakes, which is known for its well-maintained course and attracts golfers from all over.
For courses like Point Sebago and Dunegrass, you may have more flexibility, but it’s still a good idea to secure your tee time a few weeks ahead, especially if you're traveling with a group or visiting during busy summer weekends.
For last-minute trips, it’s always a good idea to check availability online or call the clubhouse to see if there are any cancellations or open slots.
After your round, take full advantage of the amenities offered at these courses.
Sugarloaf Golf Club features the Strokes Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy a post-game meal with spectacular views of the mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxing sit-down meal, this is a perfect place to unwind after a challenging round.
Belgrade Lakes doesn’t have a full-service restaurant, but there’s a snack bar offering quick refreshments, and you’re only a short drive from nearby towns with great dining options.
Sunday River Golf Club also provides casual dining with outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to relax and take in the views of the Mahoosuc Range.
If you’re playing at Point Sebago, the resort atmosphere means you have access to multiple dining options, from beachside grills to family-friendly restaurants, so you can turn your golf day into a full-day vacation experience.
Finally, Dunegrass Golf Club offers a cozy post-round dining experience, and its proximity to Old Orchard Beach means you can easily head into town for some classic New England seafood or beachfront dining.
For those looking to make a trip out of their golf experience, exploring nearby attractions is a must.
After playing Sugarloaf, consider hiking or mountain biking in the surrounding trails.
A round at Sunday River can be complemented by scenic chairlift rides or zip-lining, depending on the season.
Belgrade Lakes offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking or fishing in the surrounding lakes, while Point Sebago has its own range of family-friendly resort activities like boating, swimming, and mini-golf.
If you’re playing at Dunegrass, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on Old Orchard Beach or explore the nearby boardwalk and amusement park for a complete vacation experience.
Conclusion
Maine’s top public golf courses offer a variety of unique experiences, from challenging mountain layouts to scenic coastal fairways.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a relaxing round, these courses provide something for everyone.
Plan ahead, choose the right course for your skill level, and enjoy everything Maine’s golfing destinations have to offer.
