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Scenic Public Golf Courses in Rhode Island

ri public golf courses

With beautiful access to the ocean, cliff-side spots and lush forests, Rhode Island has countless picturesque golf courses—and you can play them without being a part of a club. Pack up your bag and hit the driving range at these incredible courses.


Newport National Golf Club, Newport, RI

With humble foundations as a 200-acre landscape nursery, the Newport National Golf Club is easily Rhode Island’s best, with its dramatic views of the Atlantic and Sakonnet Passage. You may be challenged by the winds coming in off the bay, but that only provides an additional factor around which to strategize.

Triggs Memorial, North Providence, RI

Just a bit outside of downtown Providence, you’ll find the idyllic Triggs, where you can golf 18 holes with a cart included during the week for a great rate. The course was designed by Donald Ross, with his signature slopes and beautiful bunkers.

Meadow Brook, Richmond, RI

With such well-manicured lawns and large greens, you’ll love the extraordinary Meadow Brook Golf Course! Each golf cart is equipped with a cooler you can fill up with drinks to guzzle on for all 18 holes—or perhaps just nine! 

Montaup Country Club, Portsmouth, RI

This Portsmouth semi-private course is always perfectly maintained. The course boasts a great layout, with fast greens and rather tight fairways.

Exeter Country Club, Exeter, RI

The Exeter Country Club is one of America’s oldest small courses. Though the site might be old, the bright greens and manicured sand ditches wouldn’t ever make you think so! The course is hidden away in the Exeter countryside, making for a relaxing location to play.

Laurel Lane Country Club, West Kingston, RI

Located in South County, Laurel Lane is a great space for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Seasoned golfers rave about their tidy clubhouse and fantastic restaurant food, while parents will be glad to know that the club supports a wonderful junior PGA program.

North Kingstown Golf Course, North Kingstown, RI

Designed by Walter Johnson, this golf course is often the subject of many rave reviews. The course spans over 6,200 years and plays to a par of 70. Adding to the challenge, constant breezes blow into the course from Narragansett Bay.

Country View Golf Club, Harrisville, RI

Beautiful views and challenging greens await all golfers at Country View. The 18-hole par 70 course can conveniently be found off Route 7. Willows line the fairways, which are complete with rolling hills. Best of all, the course is located just 20 minutes north of Providence for easy access from the city!

Jamestown Golf Course, Jamestown, RI

This nine-hole course is located minutes from Newport, Rhode Island, and offers spectacular nature scenes and elegant greens. Grab a snack afterwards at the Caddy Shack bar, or join a junior league for the summer!

Melody Hill Golf Course, Harmony, RI

Melody Hill recently came under new ownerships, and the course is improving considerably each week. A new irrigation system has filled in the fairways with lush green grass and the new bar and kitchen are sure to impress as well!

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Rhode Island has numerous picturesque golf courses with access to the ocean, cliffs, and lush forests.
  • Newport National Golf Club offers dramatic views of the Atlantic and Sakonnet Passage, challenging winds, and a beautiful layout.
  • Triggs Memorial in North Providence offers 18 holes with a cart included at a great rate, designed by Donald Ross.
  • Meadow Brook Golf Course in Richmond features well-manicured lawns, large greens, and coolers in each golf cart.
  • Montaup Country Club in Portsmouth is always perfectly maintained with fast greens and tight fairways.
  • Exeter Country Club in Exeter is one of America's oldest small courses with bright greens and manicured sand ditches.
  • Laurel Lane Country Club in West Kingston is great for golfers of all ages and skill levels, with a tidy clubhouse and fantastic restaurant food.
  • North Kingstown Golf Course, designed by Walter Johnson, spans over 6,200 yards and plays to a par of 70 with constant breezes from Narragansett Bay.
  • Country View Golf Club in Harrisville offers beautiful views, challenging greens, and is located just 20 minutes north of Providence.
  • Jamestown Golf Course near Newport offers spectacular nature scenes, elegant greens, and a Caddy Shack bar.
  • Melody Hill Golf Course in Harmony, under new ownership, is improving with a new irrigation system, lush fairways, and a new bar and kitchen.

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