Rhode Island’s 54 golf courses pack surprising quality into the nation’s smallest state. Bordered by Narragansett Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the pastoral landscapes of South County, Rhode Island offers a compact but diverse golf scene that includes one of America’s most historic clubs, an acclaimed Donald Ross municipal design, and a modern links layout with genuine ocean views.
Golf history runs deep here: Newport Country Club co-founded the USGA in 1893 and hosted the inaugural US Open and US Amateur in 1895, making it one of the birthplaces of American tournament golf. Today’s public golfer has solid options beyond the private clubs — Newport National delivers an Irish/Scottish links experience with Atlantic views, while Donald Ross’s Triggs Memorial in Providence is consistently cited among the country’s best-value public courses. The short distances between courses (nothing is more than an hour’s drive in Rhode Island) make it easy to play multiple tracks on a single trip.
Rhode Island Golf by Region
Providence Metro
Greater Providence is home to the state’s most accessible public golf. Triggs Memorial Golf Course — a 1932 Donald Ross design in the heart of Providence — is frequently cited among America’s best public municipal courses for its strategic bunkering, contoured Ross greens, and exceptional condition relative to its price. Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington (private) is the area’s top private club, while several daily-fee tracks fill out the public market.
Newport / Aquidneck Island
The Newport area blends gilded-age golf history with a quality modern public option. Newport Country Club (private, founded 1893) is one of the nation’s most historic clubs and a former major championship venue. Newport National Golf Club — open to the public — delivers 7,200 yards of championship golf with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage, designed to evoke the feel of great Irish and Scottish links layouts. Green fees at Newport National run approximately $60–$100, making it the state’s top public-access splurge round.
South County / Westerly
The rural southern part of the state offers Rhode Island’s best-kept public golf secret. Meadow Brook Golf Club in Richmond — at 7,400 yards, the longest public course in the state — is a “hidden gem” in southern New England with championship-caliber length and conditions at mid-range prices. The Westerly area also has accessible courses for visitors to the South County beaches.
Top Courses in Rhode Island
- Newport Country Club (Newport) — Private; co-founded the USGA in 1893 and hosted the first US Open and US Amateur in 1895. One of American golf’s most storied clubs.
- Newport National Golf Club (Middletown) — Rhode Island’s top public course; 7,200-yard championship layout with Atlantic Ocean views. Voted “Rhode Island’s Best Golf Course” by World Golf Awards. Green fees ~$60–$100.
- Triggs Memorial Golf Course (Providence) — Donald Ross design from 1932; one of America’s best-value public municipal courses. Listed among “14 Best Municipal Courses in the US” by Golf.com. Green fees ~$25–$45.
- Rhode Island Country Club (Barrington) — Private; the state’s top-ranked overall course by national services. Classic New England layout on Barrington Cove.
- Meadow Brook Golf Club (Richmond) — Longest public course in Rhode Island at 7,400 yards, par 72. “Hidden gem” of southern New England; green fees ~$35–$55.
- Button Hole Golf Course (Providence) — Accessible 9-hole public course with a strong community mission; excellent introduction to the game in the Providence area. Very affordable green fees ~$12–$18.
When to Play Golf in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s coastal location gives it one of the Northeast’s milder climates, with a golf season running April through November. Summers are warm (75–82°F) with ocean breezes that keep conditions comfortable even in July and August. The best weather windows are May–June and September–October — lower humidity, less wind, and fewer summer-crowd tee time pressures. Newport-area courses can be gusty in spring and fall, adding to the links-like challenge. Winter rounds are possible in mild years but not reliable; frost delays are common from December through March.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has 54 golf courses in our database — a compact but high-quality selection for the nation’s smallest state. The courses concentrate around Providence, the Newport–Middletown corridor, and the South County area near Westerly and Richmond.
What is the best golf course in Rhode Island?
Newport Country Club (private) is widely considered Rhode Island’s finest course historically and by national rankings. For public access, Newport National Golf Club in Middletown is the standout — scenic, challenging, and open to all golfers. Triggs Memorial in Providence offers the best value for everyday play.
When is the best time to golf in Rhode Island?
May through October. June and September offer the best combination of weather, course conditions, and manageable crowds. Newport-area courses are particularly beautiful in fall foliage season (October), with cooler temperatures and dramatic coastal light.
How much does golf cost in Rhode Island?
Public courses range from ~$12 (short courses) to $45 (Triggs Memorial) for everyday rounds. Newport National runs $60–$100 as the state’s premium public experience. Twilight rates at many courses offer 20–30% discounts after 2pm.
Is Newport worth visiting for golf?
Yes — Newport combines golf history (the birthplace of American championship golf), a quality modern public course (Newport National), and the area’s mansions, beaches, and sailing culture for non-golfers. It’s a natural anchor for a New England golf weekend.
All Golf Courses in Rhode Island
Browse all 54 Rhode Island golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.