New Hampshire Golf in the Fall
As the golf season begins in the North East again, here is a reflection of my time at the close of a season in New Hampshire visiting my sister, brother in law, and two nephews. “Surely those aren’t golf clubs you have with you?” was a common question asked when I landed in Portland, ME on October 27th. They sure were! I booked a trip to play golf on the last weekend of the golf season for the golf courses surrounding Jackson, New Hampshire and it was nothing short of spectacular. There is a seasonal direct flight from Charleston, SC to Portland, ME and this was the best way to get close to Jackson. Growing up in the south, there is no end to golf season. Getting to experience the close of a season was a new experience for me, and spending time in each of the clubhouses post round was a fun way to hear the locals saying their goodbyes to the course and one another until the blankets of snow that would soon be upon the region melted away.
On the way from Portland, ME to Jackson, NH, we were treated to a late season of colorful foliage. As the locals said, due to all the rain over the summer the foliage season was prolonged, but not quite as vibrant as years past. Still a treat to this southerner. As we entered into Jackson, we got a quick bite and beer from the Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery, with the Czech Pilsner being my favorite of the selections. This was a great refueling spot for an afternoon round of golf.
The first round of the trip was spent at the historic Wentworth Golf Club. Located in the middle of Jackson, NH. The Wentworth Golf Club is an amazing golf course in through the summer and fall, and an equally fun cross county skiing course through the winter and early spring. Matching the red covered bridge into Jackson, there is a golf cart sized bridge to cross the Ellis River. Consistent with all three courses on the trip, breathtaking views of the Presidential Mountain range can be seen during your round. This was a great first round of the trip after a morning of travel. Set in a valley, the course had some subtle elevation changes on the periphery as the mountain ranges started to ascend. The Wentworth Golf Club is part of the attraction offered to guests at the Wentworth Inn. The Inn was built in 1869 with the course subsequently built in 1895 by Marshall Wentworth and Wayne Stiles. Wayne’s work can be found throughout the North East and he was one of the founders of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. A delightful course through and through that I would visit again. The day was capped off at the Shannon Door pub, a local favorite celebrating their 70th year.
Round two of the trip was preceded by an crisp fall hike in the Conway State Forest with vistas of the surrounding Presidential Range again. My two nephews loved hiking and showing me their “neighborhood” during my visit. Back into town, the second round of the trip commenced at North Conway Country Club, which also debuted in 1895 similar to the Wentworth Golf Club. There is something special about a railroad on a golf course. Ask the members of Royal Adelaide. The North Conway scenic railroad runs right through town and your opening tee shot is hit over the tracks to begin the adventure that is NCCC. Routed out and back into a bend of the Saco River, you go on a journey around the property here. Unsuspectedly, the course is off Main Street. It is amazing how nature, mountains and towns are intertwined in the White Mountains. The first 9 holes were completed by Alex H. Findlay in 1895 which played at 2,743 yards and a par 40 and know as Kearsage Golf Links. Ralph M. Barton renovated the original 9 holes in 1935 and added a second set of tees so the course was 18 holes playing as a par 70. In 1975 Philip Wogan added the second set of of 9 holes for a true 18 hole, par 71 course. Length is not the challenge of this course, rather the intricate greens that prioritize precision both off the tee and for your second shot. The holes that face west have a direct view of Whitehorse Ledge which is a sheer rock face with views of North Conway when scaled. North Conway County Club delivered a beautiful afternoon round with the sun setting behind Whitehorse / Cathedral Ledge.
The first two rounds of the trip were a crisp 75 degrees with the sun shining and absolutely no humidity. Fall was in the air with a nice coolness setting in as the sun went down each evening. The same could not be said for round three. As we did the day before, we started the day with a hike in the surrounding mountains. The temperature dropped to 38 degrees from 75 the day before, and a small snow shower fell on the region. Lucky for us, this left an empty golf course for my brother-in-law and I to explore the genius of Donald Ross at the Mount Washington Course at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. After the snow blew through, there was a very calm coolness to the air that was almost motionless. It was a cold round, but my favorite of the trip. With no one in front of us or behind, we were able to spend extra time on the greens exploring the different tiers and ridges Ross built. Built in 1915, Donald Ross’ design has stood the test of time. Donald Ross used the natural topography to create deception off the tee. This was most striking on the par 3, 14th hole where you think the green is surrounded by a large bunker and you have a sliver of green to work with, when in reality there is a basin in between the bunker and green and only the top shelf of green is visible. I played a great round here, however more importantly I got to witness my brothers-in-law's career best round of 1 over par. Everything was clicking this day and this will be a round I remember for a lifetime.
Mount Washington is the tallest mountain of the Presidential Range, as well as the North East. The mountain is ever present in your visuals on the course, as well as the impressive Mount Washington Hotel. The highest non storm event winds have been recorded at the top of Mount Washington with speeds of 231 miles per hour and temperatures have reached –47 degrees. Not only has the hotel served as a luxury destination for decades, the location played an important role in history where the Bretton Woods Agreement was signed following WWII.
This trip proved that you don't have to go to the biggest name golf resorts to have a blast. Seek the hidden gems out there and more importantly, do it with family and friends that can share the experience with you. NH, I will be back!
Trip Itinerary
10/27/2023
Arrive in Portland, ME
Travel back to Jackson, NH
Lunch in Conway, NH
Afternoon 18 holes at Wentworth Golf Club
10/28/2023
Morning hike in the white mountains
Afternoon 18 holes at North Conway CC
10/29/2023
Morning hike in the white mountains
Lunch at Omni Mt. Washington
Afternoon 18 holes at Mt. Washington Course
10/30/2023
Travel to Portland, ME for departure back to Charleston, SC
