Power Ranking RI Golf Courses

After playing some new, outstanding golf courses in Rhode Island this year, I wanted to compile my very own power rankings in the Ocean State.  For a small state, it is LOADED with great courses.  None other than my good friend Donnie Ross has designed a handful of them, so you know they are absolute gems.

A few notes here to consider while reading through my list – this is based on the courses I’ve actually played in RI.  You will not find such legendary tracks as Newport CC, Warwick CC or Carnegie Abbey (playing there later this year).  Also, this isn’t necessary my favorite courses (you can find my overall top 25 here, though it’s the 2017 edition), these are what I would classify as the BEST courses.  Design, playability, memorability, conditions, prestige, etc.  Though undoubtedly I’ve enjoyed my rounds at these places.

10. Crystal Lake

I played here in a scramble last year and was pleasantly surprised by the layout and the course conditions.  The tournament was well-run, they had a nice clubhouse and overall was a pleasant experience.

9. Exeter Country Club

This course falls under the Exeter/Richmond/Meadow Brook umbrella of ownership.  Wide fairways are very inviting, and not a ton of trouble so there is an opportunity to go low here.

8. Montaup CC

The first 3 holes can be pretty tough.  Maybe it was because I played here on the day before my wedding and I was jittery, but this played much harder than I expected.  There’s some holes by the water and the views of Mt Hood Bridge are excellent.

7. Pawtucket Country Club

This is a traditional, old school golf course.  Many straightaway 380+ yard par 4s.  I like the par 3s here, otherwise there isn’t a ton of variety to the layout, but a nice track nonetheless.

6. Meadow Brook

One of my favorite courses in New England.  An excellent layout and course conditions and great value to boot.  Large greens can make for the occasional 3 putt, but this is a very fun track in southern RI.

Below is a view of the fairway from the finishing 18th at Meadow Brook.

5. Agawam Hunt

Ten years ago you would have never even dreamed about getting on this place.  But thanks to some financial troubles, you can get on here through GolfNow for a very reasonable price.  The layout can be a bit funky, but the greens were pure and fast (best greens I’ve played to date in 2018) and it a very fun course to play.  Number one is a tough opening hole – are we sure this a Ross track???

After crossing the street, the first hole you encounter is the beautiful par 3 8th at Agawam Hunt.

4. Metacomet Country Club

When I first played here in 2015, the greens were the fastest greens I’d ever played on.  That still holds true to today.  Get ready for some long par 4s and you MUST STAY BELOW THE HOLE for any shot at scoring well.

The par 3 7th is another beautiful hole at Metacomet.

3. Newport National Golf Club

As of my latest top 25 list, this topped my list.  So why isn’t this #1?  Well a couple reasons.  1) I hadn’t played the 2 courses above it when I last made that list, and 2) this can still be my favorite course because I have lots of familiarity with it and love the layout.  Also, this is a semi-private track, so access to this course is greater than the top 2.

A view of the putting green at Newport National.

2. Rhode Island Country Club

Not. a. single. bad. hole.  This place is FANTASTIC.  The last 4 holes along the water was my favorite part of this lovely track.  If you get the chance to play here, you must.  So much fun to play.

The last 4 holes at RICC offer stunning water views, as evidenced below.

1. Wannamoisett Country Club

Quite possibly the purest golf course I’ve ever played.  It’s nestled in a small plot of land, even Ross himself describes this as his finest layout.  After you play here once, you will be yearning to come back and play it again.  Excellent greens, pristine fairways, beautiful layout, lots and lots of bunkers.  What’s not to like?  The par 3 3rd is one of the best golf holes you will play.

The picturesque third hole (in the background) is one of the best golf holes you can play.  The very difficult par 4 2nd hole is picture in the foreground.