If you believe that the best public course in any state is a mandatory stop, then Newport National Golf Club needs to be on your list. While Rhode Island is small, this course makes a massive statement. It isn’t just the top public track in the state; many argue it’s the best public-access course in all New England.
High Ambitions, Unique Reality
The history of golf in Newport is legendary. It started in 1890 with sugar fortunes and names like Vanderbilt and Astor, eventually leading to the formation of the USGA. Newport National was originally intended to follow that private, ultra-exclusive path with two 36-hole championship courses and a grand clubhouse.
The economy had other plans. Instead of a gated enclave, we ended up with one fantastic 18-hole course open to the public.
The New Clubhouse Facility
The transition to a permanent structure was a major milestone for the club, which for years operated out of a modest double-wide trailer. The new building was created to pay homage to classic New England shingle-style architecture.
The 27-Hole Complex and Practice Areas
Along with the new clubhouse, the club has expanded its golf offerings and addressed one of its historical drawbacks: the lack of practice facilities.
- Vineyard Course: The club now offers the Vineyard Course, an additional nine holes that complement the original Arthur Hills-designed Orchard Course.
- Practice Facility: A new state-of-the-art practice area is now available, featuring a double-ended driving range with over 70,000 square feet of tee space and a one-acre short game area.
Architecture and Environment
Architects Arthur Hills and Drew Rogers didn’t set out to build a “standard” course. Built on the site of a former nursery and orchard, they took a minimalist approach that earned the club a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation.
The layout is a tribute to the links style. You’ll find:
- Pure Surfaces: Meticulously maintained bentgrass from tee to green.
- The Elements: Wispy brown fescue that dances in a constant, stiff ocean breeze.
- The Hazards: Deep bunkers and thick grass that demand smart recovery shots.
Course Highlights and Strategy
Located just a mile from the Atlantic, the wind is the defining feature here. If you aren’t a fan of playing two clubs extra into a gale, check the weather report before you book.
- The Layout: The front nine features unusual back-to-back par 3s (Holes 3 and 4). While it can slow down the pace of play, these holes test your ability to handle wind shifts.
- Risk-Reward: Hole 5 is a short, 296-yard par 4. If the wind is at your back, you can cut the dogleg and drive the green in about 250 yards.
- The Geometry: Keep an eye out for Hole 8—it features a rare, perfectly rectangular green with square corners.
- The Challenge: Hole 10 is a wake-up call for the back nine. You must lay up before a massive barranca, then hit a 165-yard approach over the hazard to the green.
The Bottom Line
It’s a rugged, beautiful, and serious challenge. If you appreciate white gravel paths, natural rock walls, and a course where the conditioning is the star of the show, this is your spot. Just make sure your GPS is set—the signage is easy to miss.
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