Maine Gives
U.S. Golfers a
four-corner bingo
By Kiel Christianson,
Senior Writer
PORTLAND, Maine (Nov. 22, 2004) - Golfers are the type of folks
who'll travel to the four corners of the earth to play great courses.
When American devotees of the game head to the four corners of their
own country, the obvious choices are the great desert and seaside
tracks in sunny Southern
California and the tony resorts of Florida.
The more well-read among us are now also clued in to the spectacular
layouts in the great Northwest.
But what about the country's fourth corner? You know, the one that,
if seen as a silhouette, looks vaguely like America's high-hands
follow-through?
We're talking, of course, about Maine. Traditionally overlooked
by golfers, this summer vacationland's appeal is growing in direct
proportion to the number of low-cost, uncrowded, visually stunning
courses that have opened over the past several years. Duffers from
all over the Northeast are discovering that Maine offers sweet respite
from the six-hour rounds and $100 green fees of courses less than
two hours to the south.
Portland
Maine might not look very big on a map, but with a population
of only 1.2 million, there's room for golfers, fishermen, and moose
alike to roam free. In the summer, the population doubles as tourists
flock to the woods, beaches, and lakes, but you'd still be hard
pressed to ever call it "crowded." And with over 20 courses within
45 minutes of Portland, you aren't likely to find a crowded course,
either.
If there is a metropolis in Maine, it is Portland. With 100,000
residents, Portland is the state's largest city -- one with a decidedly
small-town feel. After the fishing bust 20 years ago, parts of the
city sank as low as the North Atlantic salmon population. But a
dramatic revival has taken place, especially in Portland's Waterfront
district, where the pubs, shopping, art galleries, and Children's
Museum are second to none.
Retooling a former fishing city into a tourist destination is not
an overnight process, and the city is still working to build new
attractions. An aquarium is in development, and the once-commercial
fishing fleet is slowly morphing into a charter fishing business.
Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough Beach, two of the best in the
state, are less than ten miles from downtown as well.
Golf Courses
The worst things about Maine golf are probably the black flies
and mosquitoes. The best things, though, far outweigh the bugs.
According to Peter Webber, executive director of the Golf Maine
Association, "There are currently more golf courses in Maine than
there are golfers. This means that the green fees are very cheap
compared to southern New England, and the courses are much more
accessible." Walk-on singles and twosomes, even during peak season
on weekends, are usually not a problem. Another plus is the northwoods
hospitality. "Owners enjoy having players at their courses," says
Webber, "again, unlike many places in southern New England."
Dunegrass
G.C. (dunegrass.com, 800 521-1029) in Old Orchard Beach
(20-25 min. from Portland's Waterfront) sprawls over a 300+ acre
property. The Dan Maples design boasts what many consider the best
greens in the state, often running about 12 on the Stimpmeter. (6,656
yards, $39-$59)
Sable Oaks G.C. (sableoaksgolf.com, 207 775-6257)
in South Portland (5-10 min.) opened in 1988 and set a new standard
for daily fee golf in the state. Still one of the premier public
layouts, it is somewhat tight, with woods and ponds in play throughout.
(6,357 yards, $25-$50)
Spring Meadows G.C. (springmeadowsgolf.com, 207
657-2586) in Gray (20-25 min.) meanders over 190 acres of farm-
and woodland. Designed by Maine golf course architect Brad Booth
(who works with PGA Tour pro Brad Faxon), the layout contains a
nice mix of long and short par 4s. It also boasts one of the best
19th holes in the state. (6,637 yards, $33-$36)
Fox Ridge G.C. (foxridgegolfclub.com, 207 777-4653)
in Auburn (40-45 min.) is a newly opened track in the middle of
no where, but it is well worth the hike. There's no development,
and the holes are mostly isolated, featuring old stone walls and
island greens. (6,800 yards, $30-$38)
Nonesuch River G.C. (nonesuchgolf.com, (207)
883-0007) in Scarborough (15-20 min.) is a walkable course designed
with the average golfer in mind. The conditions are immaculate,
and the Nonesuch River runs through the layout, creating lots of
wetlands hazards. (6,300 yards, $34-$39)
Lodging
and Dining
When the rich and famous come to Maine, they are more than likely
to stay the Black Point Inn (blackpointinn.com,
(800) 258-0003) in Scarborough. The AAA Four-Diamond inn is located
on Prouts Neck, a scenic escarpment that was home to renowned painter
Winslow Homer. Legend has it that Roosevelt and Churchill met here
toward the end of WWII and burned sensitive documents somewhere
along the inn's three-mile beach. More recently, both senior and
junior President Bush have stayed here.
Although suitable evening wear (jackets for men, skirts for women)
is required in public spaces in the evenings (and denim is forbidden),
Black Point Inn is becoming more family-friendly, according to sales
manager Bill Daniell. The indoor and outdoor pools, kayak and bike
rentals, and children's dinner and movie nights give youngsters
plenty to do, and ensure that their parents get some quality adult
time to enjoy the sumptuous amenities.
Room rates ($450-$630, high season, double-occupancy, inclusive
of gratuities and taxes) include breakfast, tea, and gourmet dinner
in the inn's formal dining room, overlooking the ocean. Guesthouses
are also available for rental (you might find yourself neighbors
with a movie star). Best of all for golfers, guests at the inn are
entitled to tee it up at the adjacent, and very exclusive, Prouts
Neck C.C., a historic, walking-only track with five holes running
along the sea. This is as close to links golf as you will find in
Maine.
For luxury closer to the Waterfront, the Portland Regency Hotel
(theregency.com, 800 727-3436) is ideal. Housed in a former National
Guard Armory, the Regency offers brand new spa facilities and an
outstanding menu (do not miss the bacon-wrapped scallops appetizer).
Packages for two begin at just $129/night with breakfast, $179/night
with breakfast and dinner. Black Point Inn and the Regency are two
of three Maine hotels listed in the 2004 Directory of Historic Hotels
of America.
For
more relaxed dining, The Stadium Bar & Grill (504 Congress
St., 207 772-4263) is a golfer's dream. Not only is this cavernous
sports bar chock-a-block full with televisions and good food, there
are three golf simulators in the lower level. So even on rainy days,
you can bring your clubs and play great courses, all while eating
hot wings, drinking beer, and staying dry.
If the idea of BBQ in Maine doesn't give you a case of gastro-cerebral
vertigo, check out Norm's East End Grill ((207) 253-1700).
And for the obligatory Maine chowder and/or lobster, Gilbert's
Chowder House (207 871-5636) and Joe's Boathouse ((207)
741-2780) come highly recommended. The latter offers a spectacular
view of the city across the bay.
So if you're one of those devoted golfers who'll travel the four
corners of the globe to explore wonderful new golf destinations,
the fourth corner of America is right up your alley. What Maine
lacks in accessibility is made up for ten-fold in great food, golf,
and natural splendor. Just be sure to bring the bug spray.
Other recommendations
Higgins Beach Inn: (800) 836-2322 ($90-$160)
Best Western Merry Manor: (800) 528-1234 ($89-$149)
Granny's Burritos (very cheap and very, very good): (207) 761-0751
Fore Street (expensive Maine game): (207) 775-2717
Gritty McDuff's (brewpub with good pub fare): (207) 772-2739
For more information on Golf in Maine, visit: www.golfme.com
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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