Maine’s 118 golf courses are spread across one of America’s most scenically dramatic states — rocky coastline, forested lake country, mountain terrain, and the wilderness of Acadia National Park all provide backdrops for golf that’s genuinely unlike anything you’ll find further south. Maine is having a moment in 2026 as a golf destination, recognized nationally for its combination of charming historic courses, modern top-100 layouts, and uncrowded conditions.
Golf in Maine fits the state’s personality: unhurried, surrounded by natural beauty, and often at prices far below what comparable scenery costs elsewhere. The season is short — roughly late May through early October — which concentrates passionate local golfers and a steady stream of visitors into a compact window. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club’s national Top 100 Public ranking has put a spotlight on the state, while Kebo Valley’s 1888 founding makes it one of America’s most historically significant public courses.
Maine Golf by Region
Southern Maine / Greater Portland
The Portland area and the southern coast offer the state’s most accessible public golf and the longest shoulder season. Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport — a historic layout associated with the Bush family — is a classic short course with charm and history. Multiple daily-fee tracks around Portland serve the state’s largest population center with green fees that are among New England’s most affordable.
Midcoast / Camden and Rockland
The midcoast region is home to Samoset Resort Golf Course in Rockport — arguably Maine’s most spectacular setting, with holes running along Penobscot Bay with views of working lighthouses and the open Atlantic. It’s a resort course (green fees ~$75–$120) that delivers a genuinely coastal New England experience rarely matched anywhere in golf. The midcoast’s combination of charming harbor towns and quality golf makes it an excellent base for a golf-and-travel trip.
Downeast / Acadia Area
Bar Harbor and the Acadia region contain one of American golf’s oldest clubs: Kebo Valley Golf Club, founded in 1888, making it among the oldest courses in continuous use in the United States. The public layout sits in the heart of Bar Harbor, just minutes from Acadia National Park, and combines Victorian-era charm with genuinely interesting golf at accessible prices. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club in central Maine — a Golf Digest Top 100 Public course — is a two-hour drive from Bar Harbor but worth the detour for any visiting serious golfer.
Top Courses in Maine
- Belgrade Lakes Golf Club (Belgrade) — Golf Digest Top 100 Public Courses in the US. Designed by Clive Clark; 18 holes through pristine lake country in central Maine. One of New England’s finest public rounds; green fees ~$65–$95.
- Kebo Valley Golf Club (Bar Harbor) — Founded in 1888; among America’s oldest courses in continuous operation. Public; sits steps from Acadia National Park with a Victorian-era character and charming classic layout. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- Samoset Resort Golf Course (Rockport) — Ocean-front resort layout along Penobscot Bay with lighthouse views and dramatic coastal scenery. Resort public access; green fees ~$75–$120.
- Sunday River Golf Club (Newry) — Robert Trent Jones Jr. mountain design at the Sunday River ski resort; dramatically elevated terrain with views across the western Maine mountains. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- Sugarloaf Golf Club (Carrabassett Valley) — Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in the Carrabassett Valley beside Sugarloaf Mountain. Alpine scenery and a genuine mountain golf experience. Green fees ~$45–$75.
- Cape Arundel Golf Club (Kennebunkport) — Historic 9-hole layout with strong local character near the Bush family compound; walkable and charming. Green fees ~$30–$45.
- Poland Spring Country Club (Poland Spring) — Historic resort course dating to 1913 near the famous natural spring. Classic New England layout on rolling terrain. Green fees ~$35–$55.
When to Play Golf in Maine
Maine’s golf season runs late May through mid-October, with peak conditions from June through September. July and August bring warm temperatures (72–80°F), long days, and the height of tourist season — book tee times well in advance at popular coastal and resort courses. September is often the finest month: comfortable temperatures, stunning early foliage, and significantly fewer crowds. Mountain courses like Sugarloaf and Sunday River have a shorter window (mid-June through mid-September) due to elevation. The coastal south opens a week or two earlier and closes later than inland areas. Maine does not have year-round golf — plan on a late-season close around Columbus Day weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in Maine?
Maine has 118 golf courses in our database, distributed along the coast and inland through lake country and mountain regions. Despite a short season, the state has a passionate golf culture and is increasingly recognized as a destination for New England golf trips.
What is the best golf course in Maine?
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is Maine’s highest-ranked public course by national services (Golf Digest Top 100 Public Courses in the US). For historical significance, Kebo Valley (1888) is unmatched. For scenery, Samoset Resort delivers coastal Maine views that rival any golf setting in the Northeast.
When is the best time to golf in Maine?
Late June through September. September stands out — cooler temperatures, early foliage, excellent course conditions, and far fewer visitors than the July–August summer peak. Coastal courses open their best weather window slightly earlier (late May) than mountain courses.
How much does golf cost in Maine?
Maine offers good value relative to its course quality. Budget courses run $25–$40; quality public tracks (including Kebo Valley) charge $50–$85; and resort courses like Samoset run $75–$120. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, despite its national ranking, stays competitively priced at $65–$95.
Is Maine good for a golf trip?
Yes — especially in combination with Acadia National Park (Kebo Valley is right there), the midcoast (Samoset plus Camden and Rockport), or a western mountains golf-and-hiking trip (Sugarloaf and Sunday River within an hour of each other). The short season means courses are in their absolute prime during visiting months.
All Golf Courses in Maine
Browse all 118 Maine golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.