The Beach Times
The Cape Cod Golf Scene
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Monday, July 9, 2018
Golfing on Cape Cod
If you’re planning to hit the links during your Cape Cod vacation, you should know a little bit about why the region is such a golf hotbed. It was truly a perfect storm that created the landscape, both physical and social, that led to the development of so many golf courses throughout the Cape.
You see, without the rolling hills found all over Cape Cod, the terrain might be a bit boring and, therefore, the courses wouldn’t be at the same level. The rolling hills were formed during the last ice age, about 15,000 years ago, when the glaciers retreated. The process is similar to how the kettle ponds were created all over the Cape, as it was the same geological process.
From a social point of view, it is Cape Cod’s proximity to Boston and its emerging golf scene during the Victorian era that led to so many golf courses being built. Basically, people in Boston loved to golf at that time, and the Cape was, and remains, a popular vacation destination for people from Boston, so it made sense to construct the courses.
The end result is that Cape Cod has one of the country’s best golf scenes, with 27 public and 15 private facilities, which is a considerable amount for such a small area. For our purposes, we’ll look at some of the top public golf courses on Cape Cod that you can tee off from within a short distance of your vacation rental.
Cranberry Valley Golf Course
Cranberry Valley Golf Course is a par 72 course that is set in a heavily wooded area in Harwich. You can play the course at a variety of different lengths, making it possible for less skilled players to enjoy a round. The course is 18 holes with a few par-fives sprinkled in, providing variety, and is also a very scenic course thanks to the surrounding forest.
Rates vary at Cranberry Valley, depending on the month and time of day you choose to play. You can find lower prices if you play in the afternoon or during the week. There is an on-site driving range at the course, as well.
Blue Rock Golf Course
If you're more of a beginner, Blue Rock Golf Course in South Yarmouth might be for you because it is a par-three course with holes ranging between 103 and 255 yards in length. According to Golf Magazine, the course is one of the top 10 par-three courses in the world, thanks to its wooded setting and water holes. In fact, the course's ninth hole, which is 169 yards long over water, has been called one of the top 18 holes on Cape Cod.
There are a variety of green fee rates found at Blue Rock, with pre or post season rounds generally being cheaper. You can find deals during the high season if you golf in the evening, and the course has a deal where your lunch is $10 with the purchase of a green fee.
Highland Golf Links
In Truro, the Highland Golf Links are well worth checking out. This is the oldest course on Cape Cod, dating back to 1892, and sits atop a bluff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The course is also next to Cape Cod Light, providing spectacular views. As a traditional links course, Highland Golf has deep rough and open fairways, creating a challenging, yet scenic, round. The course is only nine holes, but you can play it twice at a discounted rate to make up 18.
The course charges the same rate no matter the season or time of day, although junior players can receive a discounted price. Club rentals are available at the course at the cost of $20 for 18 holes.
The Cape Club
Those who really love golf must play a round at The Cape Club in Falmouth, as it has been rated as one of the top public courses in New England. The Cape Club is a championship-level course that has been completely renovated in recent years, creating better views, wider fairways, and making it into an altogether more playable course. In the coming years, a pool and spa will be added to the resort, turning it into a full-day venue for the entire family.
The pricing for a round at The Cape Club is dynamic, so it changes continually based on availability. Generally, prices will be lowest after 4 PM, but you can find lower rates during the day if you book early or wait until the last minute to fill a cancellation.
Cape Cod Country Club
Despite its name, Cape Cod Country Club is a public course. In fact, it's one of the best courses on Cape Cod and was called one of the best places in the country to play by Golf Digest magazine. This championship-level course has a unique layout that creates a fun, yet challenging round, as it sits along Coonamessett Pond but meanders into wooded areas, as well. Overall, the course is 6,404 yards in length and is a par 71, but beginners can start from the white tees to make it more playable for them.
If you're able to golf at Cape Cod Country Club during the week, you can assure yourself of finding the lowest rates. In addition, after 4 PM you can play unlimited rounds until close for a low price, even on weekends.
As you can see, the golf scene on Cape Cod is diverse, as you’ll find courses of all lengths and difficulty levels. Even if you don’t plan to bring your clubs to your Cape Cod vacation rental, you’ll be able to rent a set at most of these courses.
Take the time to learn about the golf courses on Cape Cod before arriving on your vacation to ensure you’re aware of the best clubs to match your skill level. With so many choices available, Cape Cod makes the perfect destination for a golf vacation this summer.
Blue Rock Golf Course Cape Cod Country Club Cape Cod Golfing Cranberry Valley Golf Course Golf Highland Golf Links The Cape Club