Golf on the Seacoast

A historic waterside layout where Little Harbor views chase you around nearly every hole. It is private, so cultivate a member friend - the scenery fully justifies the social effort.

The area's marquee round, a championship layout stretched along the shore of Great Bay in Greenland. Long, beautifully kept, and the bay wind plays a club or two stronger than it looks from the tee. Bring the full bag and your patience.

The locals' go-to public 18 on the Greenland/Rye line - a Brian Silva design that has collected four-star best-places-to-play honors while staying reasonable on green fees. Always in better shape than the price suggests, which is exactly why the regulars keep quiet about it.

Friendly, walkable, and repeatedly voted among the area's best public golf by the people who play it weekly - which is the vote that actually counts. This is the course for the standing weekend game that keeps a handicap honest.

Tree-lined fairways, a relaxed clubhouse, and a welcome for walk-ons and newer players - New England golf the way it used to feel. My husband grew up around here, and this is the kind of course that makes the game feel like a pastime instead of a production.

Known locally as The Rock, a welcoming nine along the Lamprey River that has been teaching Seacoast golfers since 1933. Affordable, quick to play, and prettier than it has any right to be - the perfect after-work loop.

Dover's historic club, rolling along the Cochecho River since the nineteenth century. Semi-private, so call about access before you drive - the riverside holes repay the phone call.

Carved through York's granite ledges, with elevation changes and forced carries that punish the timid. Bring an extra sleeve and enjoy the drama - it is the most fun you can have losing golf balls in southern Maine.

Twenty-seven public holes spread across the old air base at the Tradeport, which makes it the easiest good tee time on the Seacoast. Jets climb out of Portsmouth International between shots. Weekend pace can crawl at peak times, so we favor the early slots.

A Donald Ross design tucked into the hills above York, with some of southern Maine's prettiest golf holes. Semi-private with public access - the back nine alone is worth the drive up Route 1.