Maine Coast: Where Golf Belongs to the Landscape.
The Maine coast offers golf that feels inseparable from its setting, with fairways tucked between pines, salt marsh, and old seaside towns that have served as summer escapes for generations. This collection focuses on the southern half of the coastline, where courses cluster within easy reach of Portland, quintessential Maine towns, and the New Hampshire border. Layouts often feature small, tilted greens that sit naturally in the landscape, with many of the best public options lying just inland from the ocean or along tidal rivers. Rounds are framed by glimpses of water, working harbors, and weathered New England architecture.
Featured Golf Courses
Biddeford Saco Country Club – Saco, ME
Architect: Donald Ross (1921), Brian Silva expansion (1986)
Biddeford Saco sits on classic coastal ground just inland from the beaches, with a walkable Ross-and-Silva routing that plays shorter on the card but remains demanding through angles, swales, and small targets. The original Ross holes still show in the scale and contour of the greens, while Silva’s work blends seamlessly into the property. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff, easygoing atmosphere, and clubhouse that feels like a true local hang as much as a golf facility. That mix of classic architecture, manageable length, and welcoming vibe earns its place as a must-play in southern Maine.
Cape Arundel Golf Club – Kennebunkport, ME
Architect: Alexander Findlay (original 9, 1900), Walter Travis redesign and expansion (1920s)
Cape Arundel is a compact riverside course laid across tidal estuary fingers and low-profile ground, with roots dating back to the turn of the 20th century. The modern 18 is defined by angles, short par fours, and demanding Walter Travis greens that reward precise approach play and imaginative recovery shots. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and long associated with Kennebunkport’s summer colony and the Bush family, Cape Arundel feels like a playable museum piece that remains engaging for modern golfers.
The Links at Outlook – South Berwick, ME
Architect: Brian Silva (1999)
The Links at Outlook stretches across rolling terrain divided by a country road, offering a rare taste of links-style golf along the Maine coast. The front nine plays open and wind-exposed, with wide bentgrass fairways and minimal framing. The back nine shifts into tighter corridors with more elevation change, blind shots, and strategic lines that reveal themselves with experience. A family-owned atmosphere and well-regarded tavern make staying after the round part of the appeal.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Maine Coast.
Insider Notes:
Biddeford Saco and Cape Arundel are both walkable, classic designs where playing the correct tees greatly enhances the experience.
The Links at Outlook plays very differently front to back, so local knowledge on tee lines pays off on the inward nine.
If you are willing to go inland for a bonus round, many Maine golfers consider Belgrade Lakes part of any best-in-state conversation.
Great Chebeague Island offers a memorable off-day option via ferry, including a tiny nine-hole course that occasionally uses a working lobster boat to shuttle golfers.
Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach all make excellent bases for pairing golf with walkable coastal towns and classic Maine dining.
Airport Access:
Portland International Jetport (PWM)
Biddeford Saco Country Club: ~25 minutes
Cape Arundel Golf Club: ~35 minutes
The Links at Outlook: ~45 minutes
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
The Links at Outlook: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Biddeford Saco Country Club: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Cape Arundel Golf Club: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Driving Times:
Old Orchard Beach: ~25 minutes
Kennebunkport: ~35 minutes
Augusta: ~1 hour
Boston, MA: ~2 hours
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park: ~3 hours
Biddeford Saco Country Club – Saco, ME Reviews
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“Gorgeous course, a lot of fun to play! Worth the $100 non member price, in my opinion. I'll be back next month and will definitely play here again.”
-Kelly
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"Expensive but super nice and worth more than the price. Good luck getting morning tee time on weekends. Highly recomend checking out deep brook golf course in area as well. save money and chiller vibe"
-AL
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"An absolute magnificent golf course! Donald Ross never disappoints. Challenging, fair, immaculate condition, and lightning fast pace of play. A must play!"
-Jamie
Cape Arundel Golf Club – Kennebunkport, ME Reviews
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"I’ve played a lot of golf all across the country. And I’ve played a lot of golf “Top 100” golf courses. Let me tell you…this place is wonderful. I had such a great time playing this one. The fairways were generous, greens were probably about average size, but they had plenty of undulation and they rolled great. This is a place I could play every day."
-Travis
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“Stunning piece of property . Has to have the nicest putting green on the planet. Staff was super friendly and welcoming. This is the model for a private course that allows public play. Greens and mounding are excellent Lots of great drives over the river and par 3s over it as well”
-Gregory
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"So happy I scored my hubby a tee time here. This is the course that George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush always play(ed). They accept non-members three days out. Hubby said it was a challenging and beautiful course.”
-Dani
The Links at Outlook – South Berwick, ME Reviews
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"Top notch golf course and staff. This was my first time at this course and had so much fun it was unbelievable. Had lunch there prior to our tee time. Food was also excellent and very nicely priced. Highly recommend, just book tee time at LEAST a few days in advance if you are looking for a certain time. Also was very nice to see a bee hive off to the side of the back nine.”
-Aron
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"Links style course, fairways and greens in great condition, challenging layout, prompt start to tee times, and food at the restaurant is good… overall a great time.”
-Connor
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"Awesome golf course with a unique design on the back 9 male this is a must stop for any golfer. Greens fees are a little pricey, but it's worth it. The lounge has great food and drinks with an attentive and friendly staff, making it a perfect stop after a round of golf"
-David
