The Definitive Guide to Public Golf Courses in Rhode Island in 2024

When it comes to golfing in Rhode Island, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, public golf courses in Rhode Island offer a challenging and fun experience.

This guide will take a closer look at some of the best public golf courses in Rhode Island, including the scorecard and link to book a tee time. You also learn which public golf courses in Rhode Island are best for beginners.

If you’re a local or planning a golf trip, there are plenty of public golf courses in Rhode Island to play. There’s something for everyone, from classic courses steeped in history to newer designs with ocean views.

And since this is a New England golf and food site, I’ll also share local restaurants and bars.

History of Public Golf Courses in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is home to several world-class golf courses designed by Donald Ross. These are Wannamoisett, Warwick, Metacomet, Rhode Island Country Club, and Triggs Memorial. Of these, Triggs Memorial Golf Course is the only true public Donald Ross in Rhode Island.

Triggs Memorial Golf Course was conceived by Ross in the early 1930s and opened in 1932 in Providence. The course was built on 140 acres of the former Obadiah Brown Farm. It’s a par 72, 6,522-yard course, with a rating of 72. It features relatively small, strategically bunkered greens on a course that follows the land’s natural design.

Exeter Country Club is one of America’s oldest small courses, located in the Exeter countryside. The course is hidden away, making for a relaxing location to play. Laurel Lane Country Club in West Kingston is another public course that has been around for over 50 years.

Newport National, located in Middletown but close to historic Newport, is one of the best public golf courses in Rhode Island. The course is a 7,244-yard, par-72 layout with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. Montaup in Portsmouth is another public course that offers great views of Mount Hope Bay.

Top Rated Public Golf Courses in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has some of the best public golf courses in the country. Here are some of the top-rated public golf courses in Rhode Island from someone that has played them:

Newport National Golf Club

Newport National Golf Club is a beautiful course located in Middletown, Rhode Island. This course has been rated as one of the best public golf courses in the country by Golf Digest.

The course is challenging, with rolling hills, water hazards, and bunkers. The scenery is breathtaking, with views of the Sakonnet River. The course is always in peak condition, and the staff is helpful, especially Pat Chil in the pro shop.

Address:
324 Mitchell’s Lane
Middletown, RI 02842

Phone: 401-848-9690

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 72 | Slope: 129 | Rating: 70.4
• Amenities: Pro shop, short game area, large putting green
• Food and/or dining options:

My recommended local spot for Nachos and Beers: Brick Alley Pub (140 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840)

Triggs Memorial Golf Course

Triggs Memorial Golf Course is a classic Donald Ross design located in Providence, Rhode Island. The course has been around since 1932 and has hosted many professional tournaments. The course is challenging, with narrow fairways and small greens.

Address:
1533 Chalkstone Ave
Providence, RI 02909

Phone: 401-521-8460

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 72 | Slope: 126 | Rating: 70.5
• Amenities: Driving range, virtual golf, large putting green, Pro Shop
• Food and/or dining options: McCormick’s at Trigg’s

My recommended local spot for authentic Peruvian meals and drinks: Los Andes (903 Chalkstone Ave in Providence)

Meadow Brook Golf Course

Meadow Brook Golf Course is a challenging course in Richmond, Rhode Island. The course is always pristine, and the large greens roll true. A few holes play like links-style, while the rest have tree-lined fairways. There are strategically placed bunkers all over the course and several water hazards to contend with.

Address:
163 Kingstown Rd,
Richmond, RI 02898

Phone: 401-539-8491

Call to book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 72 | Slope: 123 | Rating: 70.6
• Amenities: Pro Shop, putting greens
• Food and/or dining options: Clubhouse serves breakfast and lunch

My recommended local spot for burgers and beers: Wood River Bar and Grill (1139 Main St in Richmond)

Winnapaug Country Club

Originally designed by Donald Ross in 1922, the Nicklaus Design Group has refurbished it to provide an amazing golf experience. It plays around 6400 yards with a par of 72. Several holes are right on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean that provide a windy challenge. FYI: Taylor Swift’s house in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly is down the street.

Address:
184 Shore Rd
Westerly, RI 02891

Phone: 401-600-1747

Book a tee time | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 72 | Slope: 119 | Rating: 68.6
• Amenities: Short-iron driving range, chipping and putting area, Pro Shop
• Food and/or dining options: The Clubhouse Restaurant

My recommended local spot for breakfast: The Cooked Goose (92 Watch Hill Road in Westerly)

Crystal Lake Golf Club

Crystal Lake GC is located in Burrillville, RI, up near the Massachusetts border. This hidden gem is one of the best public golf courses in Rhode Island but it is not near a major city so it doesn’t get the shine it deserves. It is always in great shape and has some of the best public greens in the state. There are irritating sand bunkers on every hole but they make you use your strategy off the tees. The course has an amazing layout with some blind shots and guarded greens.

Address:
100 Broncos Highway
Mapleville, RI 02839

Phone: 401-567-4500

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 71 | Slope: 116 | Rating: 66.6
• Amenities: Putting green, Pro Shop
• Food and/or dining options: Crystal Lake Tavern

My recommended local spot for tacos and a quick lunch: The Taco Shop (459 Chapel St, Burrillville, RI 02830)

North Kingstown Golf Course

North Kingstown GC is centrally located in Rhode Island, making it a perfect place to play no matter where you live. NKGC always has lush fairways and well-manicured greens. You can see the Quonset Airbase on a few holes on the back nine for a nice bonus.

Address:
615 Callahan Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852

Phone: 401-294-0684

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 70 | Slope: 114 | Rating: 67.3
• Amenities: Driving range, putting green
• Food and/or dining options: Quonset Tavern By The Green

My recommended local spot for pizza: Four Brothers Pizzaria & Restaurant (6921 Post Road in North Kingstown)

Affordable Public Golf Courses in Rhode Island

There are a variety of public golf courses in Rhode Island that are affordable and offer great value for money. When booking a round, I always check my apps on my phone first. I use GolfNow, Supreme Golf, and Barstool Golf Time to find the best deals.

If I find a deal or even just a tee time that works for me, I go to the course’s website to compare the prices. All three apps charge a service fee of around $2-$3, so I always make sure the price on the app is at least $5 cheaper to make it worth it.

Using the apps can get you other incentives and deals, similar to credit card points, so if you play a lot, then using the apps all the time would be worth it. I usually book with the golf courses directly unless it is a great discount.

The apps can have deals much cheaper than what the courses post on their sites. GolfNow calls them Hot Deals, while Supreme and Barstool call them Specials, but these can get you 5-30% off regular rates. The only problem is they are usually limited to 2 tee times a day, which means only eight spots are available, so you have to be early to get the deal.

Geographical Breakdown of Public Golf Courses

It’s the smallest state, but the public golf courses in Rhode Island can compete with anyone. These courses are spread throughout the state, with a few clusters in certain areas. Here is a breakdown of where the best public golf courses in Rhode Island can be found:

Newport and Aquidneck Island

Newport is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in Rhode Island. Newport National Golf Club is a must-play for any golfer visiting the area. Other courses in the Newport area include Green Valley Country Club and Jamestown Golf Course.

Providence and Surrounding Areas

Providence is another great area for golfers. Triggs Memorial Golf Course, a Donald Ross design, is a classic course that is always in great shape. Other courses in the Providence area include Button Hole and Cranston Country Club.

Southern Rhode Island

Southern Rhode Island has some great public golf courses as well. Meadow Brook Golf Course in Richmond is a challenging course with beautiful views. Exeter Country Club is another great course in the area. On Route 138 there is Laurel Lane and Beaver River.

Northern Rhode Island

Northern Rhode Island has a few hidden gems for public golf courses. Crystal Lake Golf Club in Burrillville is a beautiful course that is always in great condition. Foster Country Club in Foster is another great course in the area.

Best Public Golf Courses for Beginners

If you’re new to golf and looking for a course to practice your skills, there are public golf courses in Rhode Island that cater to beginners. These courses offer a relaxed atmosphere, affordable rates, and easy-to-navigate layouts that are perfect for those just starting.

Montaup Country Club

Montaup Country Club in Portsmouth is an excellent choice for beginners. The course is always well-maintained, and getting a tee time is easy. Montaup is an excellent course to learn the basics of golf, with a great layout, fast greens, and open fairways.

Address:
500 Anthony Rd
Portsmouth, RI 02871

Phone: 401-683-0955

Call to book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 71 | Slope: 122 | Rating: 68
• Amenities: Driving range, short game area, putting green, Pro Shop
• Food and/or dining options: Andy’s 19th Hole

My recommended local spot for RI inspired food: 15 Point Road Restaurant (15 Point Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871)

Exeter Country Club

Exeter Country Club is another excellent option for beginners. The course is one of America’s oldest small courses and offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. With a par of 70, the course is easy to navigate and provides a great opportunity to practice your short game.

Address:
320 Ten Rod Rd
Exeter, RI 02822

Phone: 401-295-8212

Call to book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 72 | Slope: 122 | Rating: 69.7
• Amenities: Iron-only driving range, putting green, Pro Shop
• Food and/or dining options: Bar and Restaurant in clubhouse

My recommended local spot for Locally sourced food and Craft Beer: Celestial Cafe (567 S County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822)

Fenner Hill Golf Club

Fenner Hill is a links-style 18-hole course with cool water hazards and an epic super-sloped green on the 9th hole. The course layout has plenty of sand traps to keep you honest, and the greens are sloped just enough to keep you on your toes.

Address:
33 Wheeler Ln
Hope Valley, RI 02832

Phone: 401-539-8000

Book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 18
• Par: 72 | Slope: 126 | Rating: 70.1
• Amenities: Short game area, large putting green, Pro Shop
• Food and/or dining options: The Pub & Grille at Fenner Hill

My recommended local spot for Mexican: Alaina’s Guac n’Roll (93 Kingstown Rd, Richmond, RI 02898)

Jamestown Golf Course

Jamestown GC is a hidden gem for one of the best public golf courses in Rhode Island. This course is always in amazing shape, from the tees to the fairways to the greens. It is great for beginners because it is wide open, and there isn’t a lot of O.B.

Address:
245 Conanicus Ave
Jamestown, RI 02835

Phone: 401-423-9930

Call to book a tee time | Scorecard | Rates

• Type of course: Public
• Holes: 9
• Par: 36 | Slope: 34 | Rating: 108
• Amenities: Putting green
• Food and/or dining options: Caddy Shack

My recommended local spot for Home-cooking cafe: Slice of Heaven (32 Narragansett Ave #1166, Jamestown, RI 02835)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public golf courses in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has a total of 60 golf courses, both public and private. Among these, 29 are public courses that are open to anyone who wants to play.

What are some popular golf courses near Newport?

Newport is home to some of the best golf courses in Rhode Island. Newport National Golf Club is a highly rated public course that offers stunning views of the Sakonnett River. Another popular course is Green Valley Country Club, which is located just a few miles from Newport and features a challenging layout.

Are there any Public Donald Ross-designed courses in Rhode Island?

Yes, there are two public Donald Ross-designed courses in Rhode Island. Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence and Winnapaug Country Club in Westerly. He also designed several private courses, but you need to know a member to play those tracks.

Does Triggs Memorial Golf Course have a driving range?

Yes, Triggs Memorial Golf Course has a driving range that is open to the public. The range features both grass and mat hitting areas, as well as a large putting green and chipping area.

That is my best advice when playing public golf courses in Rhode Island. What do you think? Are there any courses you would recommend? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or share them in the Facebook group.

Want more reviews and information about golfing in Rhode Island?

• Discover the Best Golf Courses near Westerly RI
• Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Golf Courses near Newport RI