New Hampshire’s 101 golf courses deliver White Mountain scenery, Donald Ross heritage, and the quiet uncrowded play that makes the Granite State one of New England’s most underrated golf destinations. From a Jack Nicklaus design in the Franconia Notch area to Donald Ross’s historic mountain resort layout at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire golf reaches well beyond what the modest course count might suggest.
The state’s golf geography follows the White Mountains north and the seacoast east: the mountain region offers the most dramatic scenery and the shortest season, while the seacoast communities of Portsmouth and Hampton give year-round golfers a more temperate option. The Lakes Region in the center of the state — Winnipesaukee country — provides the densest concentration of summer resort golf. Throughout the state, green fees are among the most affordable in New England, and fall foliage (late September through mid-October) transforms already scenic rounds into something exceptional.
New Hampshire Golf by Region
White Mountains / Bretton Woods
The Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s golf landmark. Donald Ross designed the original 18-hole course in 1915; Brian Silva restored it in 2008 to Ross’s original plans. Playing against the backdrop of Mount Washington — the Northeast’s highest peak — it’s one of New England’s most scenically dramatic rounds. Green fees at the resort run $100+ in peak season. Owl’s Nest Resort in Thornton, about 40 miles south, is home to the only Jack Nicklaus-designed course in New Hampshire ($89–$150 green fees), a modern championship layout with massive bunkers and tiered greens through the Pemigewasset Valley.
Lakes Region / Concord
The Lakes Region around Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s summer resort golf epicenter. Several public and semi-private courses serve the summer camp and vacation home communities. Lake Sunapee Country Club in New London — a Donald Ross design from the 1920s — is the area’s most critically acclaimed private layout, with old-growth forests and classic Ross contoured greens. The Concord metro has accessible public options for everyday golfers at modest prices ($25–$45).
Seacoast / Portsmouth Area
New Hampshire’s seacoast — only 18 miles long — has several quality courses serving the Portsmouth, Hampton, and Exeter communities. Portsmouth Country Club (Greenland) is a well-regarded semi-private layout with Arnold Palmer design credentials. The seacoast’s moderate maritime climate extends the golf season slightly longer than the mountain region, making it New Hampshire’s most reliable year-round market.
Top Courses in New Hampshire
- Mount Washington Golf Course (Bretton Woods) — Donald Ross design (1915), restored 2008; White Mountains backdrop including Mount Washington. Resort public access; green fees ~$100+.
- Owl’s Nest Resort (Thornton) — New Hampshire’s only Jack Nicklaus-designed course; modern championship layout through the Pemigewasset Valley. Green fees ~$89–$150.
- Lake Sunapee Country Club (New London) — Private; Donald Ross design from the 1920s through old-growth forest; consistently New Hampshire’s top-rated private layout.
- Portsmouth Country Club (Greenland) — Arnold Palmer design; the seacoast area’s top semi-private option. Green fees (public days) ~$55–$80.
- Wentworth by the Sea Country Club (New Castle) — Historic island resort club near Portsmouth; picturesque coastal New England setting. Semi-private; green fees ~$55–$85.
- Bretton Woods Country Club (Bretton Woods) — Resort-affiliated second course at the Mount Washington area; more accessible pricing than the main resort course. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- Stonebridge Country Club (Goffstown) — Public course near Manchester; strong conditions and challenging layout at accessible mid-range pricing. Green fees ~$35–$55.
When to Play Golf in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s golf season runs May through October, with the mountain region open roughly Memorial Day through mid-October. The seacoast and southern communities open slightly earlier (late April) and stay open into early November. Peak conditions statewide are June through September. White Mountain resort courses like Bretton Woods are best in July and August (warmest temperatures, fully operational resort season) and September (beautiful early foliage, cooler play, uncrowded). Fall foliage peaks late September through mid-October and makes New Hampshire golf among the most visually spectacular in the country during that window. Plan mountain courses before mid-October — cold snaps can close them quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has 101 golf courses in our database — well distributed across the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and seacoast. Despite its small population, the state has a strong seasonal golf culture driven by resort communities and leaf-peeping visitors in fall.
What is the best golf course in New Hampshire?
Mount Washington Golf Course at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel is New Hampshire’s benchmark — a Donald Ross design with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Owl’s Nest Resort has the state’s only Jack Nicklaus course. Lake Sunapee Country Club is the private-club benchmark by national ranking services.
When is the best time to golf in New Hampshire?
July through September. September is particularly special — comfortable temperatures, peak pre-foliage conditions, and the beginning of the spectacular fall color display. Mountain resort courses are at their finest in early September before the shoulder season crowds ease further.
How much does golf cost in New Hampshire?
Public and semi-private courses run $30–$55; resort courses run $55–$85; and premium options (Mount Washington, Owl’s Nest) charge $89–$150. New Hampshire is competitively priced within New England — comparable to Maine and Vermont but less expensive than Massachusetts’s Boston metro.
All Golf Courses in New Hampshire
Browse all 101 New Hampshire golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.