New England is home to some of the oldest golf in the USA, with classic courses laid out more than a century ago, many with a style that owes much to Scotland. Today, the six northeastern states offer seaside golf on Cape Cod and the Rhode Island coast, mountain golf in Vermont and New Hampshire, rocky coastal courses in Maine and plenty of good public golf around Boston and Connecticut. Add autumn colours, lobster dinners and historic towns, and it's a superb summer and autumn destination.
The main golf areas
Massachusetts and Cape Cod
- Boston area: historic clubs and many public courses within reach of the city.
- Cape Cod: sandy, seaside golf among dunes, pines and salt marshes, with charming villages and seafood.
- The Berkshires: rolling, wooded hills in the west, with autumn colour and cultural festivals.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island's coastline, around Newport and the southern shore, offers seaside golf with ocean breezes, along with historic mansions and sailing.
Connecticut
Connecticut has a strong golf culture, with public, resort and private courses through rolling countryside and along the coast.
Vermont
Mountain golf among the Green Mountains, near ski resorts that become golf resorts in summer, with spectacular autumn colour.
New Hampshire
The White Mountains and the Lakes Region offer mountain and lakeside golf, with cool summers and stunning foliage.
Maine
Maine's rocky coastline has seaside courses with views of lighthouses and harbours, and inland courses among lakes and forests.
Comparing the areas
| Area | Golf style | Best months | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston area | Classic parkland and public | May to October | Golf and city |
| Cape Cod | Seaside, sandy | June to October | Beach holidays |
| Rhode Island coast | Seaside | June to October | Coastal golf and history |
| Connecticut | Parkland and coastal | May to October | Variety |
| Vermont and New Hampshire | Mountain | June to early October | Autumn colour |
| Maine | Coastal and lakeside | June to September | Scenery and seafood |
When to go
- May and June: courses are green, temperatures are mild and crowds are thin, though there can be rain and insects.
- July and August: warm and busy, especially on the coast.
- September and October: often the best time, with cool, clear days and autumn colour, particularly from late September in the north.
- November to March: most courses close for winter.
Playing tips
- Classic design: many older courses have small, sloping greens. Precise approach shots and a good short game are rewarded. Read how to read greens.
- Elevation changes in the mountains. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Coastal wind on seaside courses. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Cool mornings mean the ball flies shorter early in the day.
- Rocky terrain and woods: keep the ball in play. Read golf course management.
Access, costs and booking
- Private clubs dominate the list of famous courses and usually require an invitation from a member.
- Public, municipal and resort courses offer plenty of excellent golf.
- Resort packages in the mountains and on Cape Cod are common.
- Book early for summer weekends and autumn foliage season.
Read how to book tee times and how to choose a golf resort.
Practical tips
- Pack layers and waterproofs; weather can change quickly. Read our golf rain gear guide.
- Insect repellent for early summer.
- Rent a car; courses and towns are spread out.
- Combine golf with historic towns, coastal drives and foliage tours.
Sample trip ideas
- Cape Cod week: a round most days, beaches and seafood.
- Autumn mountain tour: Vermont and New Hampshire golf in peak foliage.
- Coastal road trip: Rhode Island to Maine, playing seaside courses along the way.
- Boston golf break: city sightseeing with rounds on nearby public courses.
Frequently asked questions
When is the golf season in New England?
Roughly May to October, with some courses open from April and into November.
Is New England good for golf in autumn?
Yes. Autumn is one of the best times, with cool, clear weather and spectacular colour.
Can visitors play New England's famous courses?
Many are private and need a member's invitation, but there are many excellent public and resort courses.
Which part of New England is best for golf?
Cape Cod and the coast for seaside golf, Vermont and New Hampshire for mountain golf, and Massachusetts and Connecticut for variety.
The bottom line
New England combines classic golf with seaside villages, mountains and autumn colour. Travel between June and October, mix seaside and mountain courses, book early for summer and foliage season, and enjoy the region's history and seafood. For more summer destinations, read summer golf in the Great Lakes and golf in Canada.