Destination Spotlight: Plymouth, Massachusetts – Come for the history, stay for the golf!
Plymouth, Massachusetts, known for its rich historical roots, is also an emerging golf destination that offers a variety of scenic and challenging courses all centrally located. With coastal views, rolling landscapes, and a vibrant fall season, Plymouth is the perfect location for golf enthusiasts seeking a memorable getaway. Whether you're looking for a golf trip in autumn or just a picturesque round any time of year, Plymouth combines top-tier golf with history, culture, and stunning scenery.
Top Golf Courses in Plymouth
Pinehills Golf Club
Why It’s Special: Pinehills prides itself in proving a member for the day experience. With two premier 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus Jr and Rees Jones, excellent practice facilities and after round drinks porch seating. Pinehills offers a top-tier public golf experience.
The Nicklaus course opened in 2002 with fairways crafted through out the cape pines. Tree lined throughout but wide enough for playability the approach shots are where the course shines. Set amid towering pines and rolling terrain, golfers are provided with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and pristine conditions. It's one of the best golfing experiences in the region, with fall adding a stunning backdrop to your round.
Memorable holes: On the back nine, the 15th is a challenging par three hole that requires a carry across a ravine to a wide, shallow green. The 18th provides a lasting impression where water flanks the left side of the home green.
The Jones course, by Rees Jones is the older sibling by just a slight. Plays a bit shorter but many say more challenging. Featuring big bold bunkering in the fairways, drop off / run off areas for off target approaches and greens that can be visually deceiving showing more break than may be true.
Memorable Hole: The par-5 6th a relatively straight par 5, off an elevated tee, visually attractive with long fairway bunkers down the right. Up to a plateau green protected by deep bunkers front and right.
Why Play Here: Pinehills is ideal for players looking for a private-club experience on a public course, with two championship-level layouts to choose from.
Waverly Oaks Golf Club
Why It’s Special: Waverly Oaks Golf Club is a highly regarded public course known for its beautiful design and excellent conditions. With a mix of open and wooded holes, this championship-style course offers a challenging yet fair layout that appeals to golfers of all skill levels. The expansive fairways, fast greens, and strategic bunkers make every round exciting, while the fall foliage adds a special touch of New England charm.
Designed by Brian Silva, the layout provides feels open amongst the pines and of course, oaks, with multiple options for players to choose on each hole. Force carry or take the layup route, you'll enjoy the opportunity to make thoughtful decisions. The greens generally slope back to front and make approach shots demanding in club choice, consider the extra number!
Memorable Holes: The risk reward options are particularly evident on 2 par 3s, the 8th and 17th. The 8th plays downhill with a safe play to the left side of the large green. If the pin is right, in order to get it close an angle is required that brings a long deep bunker into play. The 17th offers a similar challenge but adds another 20+ yards with a larger and deeper bunkering looking for errant shots.
Why Play Here: Fun and memorable, Waverly Oaks is consistently rated as one of the top public courses in Massachusetts, making it a must-play for anyone visiting Plymouth.
Crosswinds Golf Club
Why It’s Special: Crosswinds offers 27 holes of championship golf, giving golfers plenty of variety. The course blends links-style and traditional New England designs, featuring wide fairways, large greens that roll fast and true, and well-placed hazards. Challenging yet fun is the mantra, this course takes advantage of the natural topography, offering dramatic elevation changes, panoramic views and comfortable spacing between holes for a resort-style atmosphere. The three different nines—Zaharias, Jones, and Ouimet—allow for different playing combinations, ensuring a fresh experience with each round.
Memorable Holes: Back to back on the Zaharias are two water protected greens at 7 and 8. Temptation will find you on 7 to pull out the driver and attempt the green, however a short/mid iron to the landing area that rolls to the water leaves a wedge into the elevated green. The par 3 8th treats the eye to an intimidating raised green with a pond and bunker to the middle and left.
Why Play Here: The diversity of the course layout, coupled with the scenic landscape and fall colors, makes Crosswinds a standout choice for golfers looking to experience a true New England course.
Southers Marsh Golf Club
Why It’s Special: Set on an active cranberry farm, Southers Marsh offers a unique, laid-back golf experience. With a par-61 layout, it’s ideal for a quick yet scenic round, as the fairways wind through cranberry bogs and marshes. This family-run course provides a fun and relaxing environment, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Signature Hole: The par-4 4th hole, where you hit your approach shot over a cranberry bog, offers a uniquely New England golf experience.
Why Play Here: For golfers looking for a shorter, more casual round with a distinct local flavor, Southers Marsh is a must. The cranberry bogs, especially in fall, create a special atmosphere.
Best time to visit: Fall
Fall in Plymouth offers an unbeatable combination of cooler temperatures, vibrant autumn foliage, and fewer crowds. The golf courses, nestled among colorful forests and rolling hills, provide a stunning backdrop for your round. In addition to golf, Plymouth offers plenty of historical attractions, charming local shops, and scenic coastal views, making it the perfect spot for a well-rounded trip.
Where to Stay in Plymouth
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
A manor house style resort with French inspirations located near Pinehills Golf Club, Mirbeau Inn & Spa offers elegant accommodations, a full-service spa, and fine bistro dining, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day on the course.
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor
A relaxed, upscale hotel overlooking Plymouth Harbor. Located right on the waterfront, Hotel 1620 offers modern rooms with easy access to Plymouth’s restaurants, shops, and golf courses. It’s a convenient and comfortable choice for golfers looking to explore the town.
The John Carver Inn & Spa
A cozy, colonial-style inn in the heart of downtown Plymouth, The John Carver Inn offers a charming, historic feel with modern amenities. Warm, old-world rooms with amenities that include spa, an exercise room, a casual restaurant, and a colorful bar with weekend entertainment. There's also a Mayflower-themed indoor pool. It’s close to both golf courses and Plymouth’s famous historical landmarks.
What to Do Beyond Golf
Explore History: Visit the iconic Plymouth Rock, tour the replica ship Mayflower II, or immerse yourself in colonial history at Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
Local Breweries: Check out Plymouth’s growing brewery scene, including Mayflower Brewing Company, for a refreshing post-round drink.
Cranberry Harvest Season: Fall is cranberry harvest season, and you can visit the nearby A.D. Makepeace Cranberry Bog to learn about the process and see the harvest in action.
Dining in Plymouth
East Bay Grille
This waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood, steaks, and stunning views of Plymouth Harbor, making it a great spot for a post-round meal.
The Tasty
A farm-to-table bistro offering creative and seasonal dishes, The Tasty is a local favorite for its fresh flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
Tavern on the Wharf
A casual spot for classic New England fare, including lobster rolls and clam chowder, Tavern on the Wharf is perfect for a relaxed evening by the water.
Getting here
Easily accessible from Logan airport via a 45 minute drive or commuter rail train.
A Perfect Fall Golf Destination
Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers the perfect mix of challenging golf courses, rich history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re playing at the renowned Waverly Oaks or experiencing the charm of Southers Marsh, Plymouth is a top destination for golfers, especially in the fall. Pair your rounds with local dining, historical tours, and coastal views, and you have the perfect golf getaway.
Ready to plan your Plymouth golf adventure? Contact us for a personalized itinerary fit to your group and book your trip!
-The Golf Trip Guys
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