Five Perfect Golf Days in Rhode Island

While watching Annika Sorenstam battle to victory in the 2006 Women’s Open Championship, you marveled at the beauty of the Newport Country Club course.  You were captivated by the seaside setting, the windswept greens.  You thought to yourself, “I should plan a golf trip to Rhode Island!”  Now, why didn’t you think of that sooner?

It’s true, Rhode Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of great golf destinations.  But it should be at the top of your list.  The caliber, the variety and the accessibility of great golf; not to mention everything else the state has to offer, add up to a great golf getaway.  (See the Visitor’s Guide for ideas).

Let’s consider a 5 day trip and an itinerary that will give you a range of different golf experiences.  We’ve covered full-service hotels in other articles.  So this time, we are going to change things up a bit and sample some of the state’s best Bed & Breakfasts.

Day 1:  A little practice never hurt anyone

Let’s start off in the southwestern corner of the state.  If you are driving from points south, this will be close to the border where you enter into the state.  If you are flying into Providence or driving from the North, you’ll be crossing through the entire state via I-95S (remember it is the smallest state in the country, there are ranches in Texas that are larger).  This area is also very close to the Foxwood’s and Mohegan Sun Casinos located just over the border in Connecticut-something to keep in mind if the gambling bug strikes.

The Shelter Harbor Inn is a beautiful historic Bed & Breakfast located in Westerly, RI.  It was originally a farmhouse, built in the early 1800’s.  The Inn has 24 guest rooms, all with private bath; and a full service restaurant.  The location is perfect for exploring the village of Westerly, area beaches and as a home base for the first half of your visit.  See their website, http://www.shelterharborinn.com/index.htm for information and reservations.

To get in gear for some serious Rhody Golf, our first stop is The Golf Pavilion in Hopkinton.  The Golf Pavilion is the newest, and some say the best, training facility in the Northeast.  The facility has all grass tees (bent grass, of course) and a lighted driving range and even mini-golf for the kids.  There are pros on site for individual lessons.  See their website, www.golfpav.com, for the wide range of services they offer.

Tonight enjoy dinner at the Inn or a lobster dinner by the shore in one of the numerous seafood restaurants on the south coast.  The official South County web site can assist you, http://www.southcountyri.com/whattodo.aspx.   

Day 2:  The Southern Swing.

Today will feature more South County golf.  Beaver River in Richmond was chosen as the best new 18-hole course by Rhode Island Monthly magazine.  The club opened in 2001 and has steadily increased its popularity with the state’s golfers.  The course is situated in a picturesque wooded setting. It provides a challenging test for the experts while still being enjoyable for the beginners.  The club house is a 4500 sq. ft. building with a wrap around deck that overlooks the course.  Stay to enjoy lunch at the Beaver River Bar & Grille.  Check out www.beaverrivergolf.com for details.

If you are still in the mood for some South County Golf, it is just a short drive to Laurel Lanes in West Kingston.  See www.laurellanecountryclub.com for directions and information.  The course has been in operation for 45 years.  They specialize in golf outings, so if you would like to bring 60 of your closest friends, they will be able to accommodate you.

The nearby town of Narragansett, RI located off of Rt. 1, provides gorgeous scenic views of the Atlantic.  Get the gang together for a stroll along the ocean then drive over to the fishing village of Galilee for more of that authentic New England seafood.

Day 3:  Golf and the City

Pack your bags because we’re headed to the big city.  Well, the biggest city in Rhode Island.  Providence offers a lot within a small downtown area.  Great restaurants and shopping abound.  For lodging, try the unique Old Court Bed and Breakfast on historic Benefit St.  This inn is right in the center of college hill, home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and within walking distance of downtown.  You can explore the halls of the outstanding RISD museum or check out the stacks of rare books at the Providence Athenaeum, a library founded in 1753.  Both are right down the street.  For rates and reservations see www.oldcourt.com.  Another option, about 10 minutes drive outside of Providence, is the Edgewood Manor located in Cranston.  It is a beautiful Greek revival mansion known for luxurious rooms, great artwork and lovely gardens.  More information can be found at www.edgewoodmanor.com.

Our golf destinations are close by. 

The Cranston Country Club, http://www.cranstoncc.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp, is a wonderfully scenic course.  Although close to the metropolitan center of the state, this club offers a country setting surrounded by majestic oak and maple trees.  Another city-side golf location is the Triggs Memorial Golf Course in North Providence.  This is a Donald Ross designed course, built in 1930.  “Authenticity is what Ross fans (and architecture writers) seek first and foremost when searching out his designs. In my opinion, Triggs is pretty darned authentic. The original hole-by-hole diagrams hanging in the grill room (minus the 18th hole, which walked off somewhere) verify that almost every hole and every bunker are still as Ross first envisioned them. (This is one of those courses that Ross actually visited, according to newspaper reports of the day. His summer office was in Little Compton, in the southeast corner of Rhode Island, just 30 minutes away. Ross walked the land on at least two occasions, once before making a routing, then again while designing particular holes.)”  (Ron Whitten, GolfDigest.com)  Course information can be found at www.rigolf.com/triggs/

Both courses are a short drive from the downtown area.  You will have plenty of time to explore Providence after you’ve finished on the green.  Don’t miss some of the world-class Italian eateries on Federal Hill.   

Day 4: How the North was won

For our final day of golf, we have chosen the Crystal Lake Golf Club in Harrisville, www.crystallakegolfclub.com.  It is located in the northwest corner of the state, so we’re covering a lot of ground.  For three years in a row, The New England Journal of Golf  has rated it one of 100 “must play” courses in the region.  The woodland setting on Crystal Lake is especially scenic during the fall foliage season. 

Afterward, you might want to relax by taking in some more classic New England views along the Blackstone River valley.  You will be driving south on Rte. 146 from Crystal Lake back into the city.  Along the way are a number of walking and biking trails.  You can even take a guided tour on the Blackstone Valley Explorer, a 49 passenger riverboat.  For information see http://www.nps.gov/blac/index.htm.

Day 5:  Arrividerci, Rhode Island

It’s time to pack your bags and head home.  You have now traveled the entire length of Rhode Island and, no doubt, gained a strong admiration for our lovely state.  You’ve improved your game and met some unique challenges.  And, hopefully, you got a taste of some good ol’ Rhody hospitality.  We didn’t even touch the East Bay section of the state which includes Newport and some lesser known but equally beautiful spots. You’ll have to stay longer next time.



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