Chip Henderson
It can be said that fall golf is the best golf game. Good prices. Comfortable weather. Those colorful leaves. Can’t you love him? Here, in our Fall Travel Package, our experts prepare you for everything golf falls into (for this year or next). We’ve revealed our favorite fall courses, resorts, value spots, must-have clothing, and more. the goal? To educate and motivate you on your next golf excursion. So read on, then grab your batons, bags, and maybe a jacket or two.
ICYMI8 amazing resorts for golfers (and their families!) to visit this fall
ICYMI: Find style and efficiency (or both!) with these luxurious and functional flasks
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As part of our fall travel package, we asked some of our writers and course reviewers to come up with their favorite picks for budget-friendly fall golf destinations. Ironically, one writer (Dylan Dieter) and another (Steve LaPierre) chose the same location. We were sold, so we gave them the floor. Here is their course for New England golf.
Dylan Diether, Senior Writer at Golf Club: I’d be happy here to take a New England siding. I’ve written before about a summer golfing trip on the coast of Maine, and that will still be true in the fall. But fall in New England also means a chance to enjoy gorgeous fall foliage, epic mountain adventures, and warm days and cool nights. Let’s head a little further inland to the Maine/New Hampshire border to stop at two resorts in Omni mount washington resort hotel And Sunday River Golf Club.
The Mount Washington course is named after the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, which lies at the front (or back) of each hole on the course. The design is relatively simple and classic, old school Donald Ross. The venue – the proud pinnacle and iconic red-roofed hotel – takes it to the next level.
Sunday River is arguably the best golf course, public or private, in the entire state of Maine. It’s tucked into the scenic western side of the state and still visible to those White Mountains, just from another angle. While the Mount Washington Trail is located in the valley, the Sunday River is a mountain trail designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The two courses are just over an hour apart, and those who live in more populated golf destinations and have seen price hikes on average public courses will breathe a sigh of relief with reasonable green fees ($86 – $129 on Sunday River, $74 – $139 on Mt. Washington) given that these two are some of the best courses you can play in their states.
Feel free to extend your road trip to Belgrade Lakes (90 minutes east from the Sunday River) or southeast to Portland (and nearby Cape Arundel or Boothbay). Or head south from Mt. Washington for more Owl nest. I can promise you great views in all of the above. I can’t promise you what the weather will be like – so level up!
Steve Lapper, Golf 100 Best Courses panel member: The zero point for fall golf is New England, stretching from upstate New York through Connecticut and Massachusetts to Vermont and New Hampshire. Grab a rental car, move inside, and play likes Saratoga National (Saratoga Springs, New York) and Crumpin Fox (Bernardston, Massachusetts). There is also Wintonbury Hills (Pete Dye) or Kenny Park (Devereux Emmet), both near Hartford, Connecticut, and don’t sleep on them Hopper9 holes from Stiles & Van Kleek in Walpole, NH, OR Rutland CC (Stiles & Van Kleek is another in Rutland, Vermont.
They are all generic and allow for an advanced tee time.
If you’re adventurous with any connections from Albany to Williamstown, try (or even beg) to find a way in the private but friendly life. Glens Falls CC (probably the best Donald Ross sleeper in the country) or arrange a game at Taconic JC (Williamstown, Massachusetts). Taconic is undoubtedly the ultimate Stiles & Van Kleek design and wicked fun.
A couple of those with all the affordable rents and charming local New England cuisine and you have a golf course designated for fall foliage.
Another alternative, one with coastal views (and perhaps more cash value) would be a flight to/from Boston to Philadelphia. Starting in Beantown, stop at George Wright GC. This affordable Donald Ross design is a must-have and pure fun. Heading south, a slick turn into New Bedford and a quick ferry to Nantucket (low season with plenty of places to stay) to enjoy lobster rolls and play Miacomet GC, an upscale public gem that will leave you completely sated.
Back on the road, a drive through Rhode Island should include a stop in historic Newport and a tour of the Newport National. The National is an exhilarating walk and play between tidal marshes and the Atlantic Ocean.
A short drive from Groton, Conn. Another generic find that’s more accessible and affordable ($50 on weekends), Shennecossett GCDesigned by Donald Ross. Scenes seen from the trail are likely to include dolphins and whales, three-masted sailboats or the US Navy’s elegant nuclear submarines.
Farther south, right in the Big Apple Ferry PointA public, links-style course that’s not cheap but is excellent for the Bronx along Long Island Sound. There aim at famous skyscrapers and bridges. The air conditioning is flawless and the golf is really fun.
Finally and only an hour east of Brotherly Love Atlantic City CC, the birthplace of “the bird” a century ago. The vintage locker room, Tom Doak’s restored court and views across the bay to the Atlantic City skyline make for a great day at this popular, albeit semi-public club.