Enjoy an Escape to Cape Cod

I had the opportunity recently to be invited in a trip to find out about Cape Cod golf and other experiences on the Cape. I met with Patti Lloyd, Senior Vice President of Sales at Cape Cod’s Chamber of Commerce, at the start of the visit.

The first course we played was Blue Rock Golf Course (www.bluerockgolfcourse.com) in South Yarmouth, a par-54, Geoffrey Cornish design. It measures from 2,150 to 2,800 yards from five different sets of tee boxes. The course was built in 1962 and has been consistently ranked in the Top 10 executive courses in the country.

From the manicured tee boxes to the meticulously maintained greens, Blue Rock would be an excellent choice if you are looking for a course to work on improving your irons and short game.

The top handicap hole is number, playing at a robust 255 yards from the tips. Hole number 9 is rated one of the Cape’s Top 18 holes, playing 170 yards from the back markers. The hole requires the experienced player to navigate a well-placed tee shot over water to a large, undulating kidney shaped green. Par on this hole is a great score.

For those golfers who prefer to take a cart the course offers an easy walk through picturesque landscaping.

Dennis Pines Golf Course (www.DennisGolf.com), a Henry Mitchell design, focuses more on accuracy than distance. Built in 1966, the course winds its way through the pine forest of East Dennis. The 8^th hole plays a long 487 yards from the tips and is the number one handicap hole on the course. Par here is challenging but rewarding to those who can achieve that goal.

The par-71 Dennis Highlands Golf Course (www.DennisGolf.com), opened in 1984, was designed by Mike Hurdzan and Jack Kidwell. As with Dennis Pines, the course features large multi-tiered undulating greens that will challenge anyone’s putting skills. The sweeping panoramic views offer the golfer breathtaking images of wild flowers and landscaping.

Due to the fact that winters are relatively mild on the Cape, both courses stay open year round for play.

The Highlands Restaurant is an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy a beverage and a delicious sandwich either before or after the round. Food choices are plentiful and mouth watering and the libations were ice cold. Prices were extremely reasonable and the serving sizes are ample.

Bayberry Hills Golf Course (https://www.golfyarmouth.com), located in West Yarmouth, is a premium 27-hole championship layout. Designed by Geoffrey Cornish and Brian Silva, the track opened in the summer of 1988. Verdant lush grass, meticulously groomed, along with wide fairways and large undulated greens make it a unique and serene experience for the golfer. Multiple tee boxes allow for the perfect choice for players of all skill levels.

A particular local favorite is hole number 4, the only water hole on the course. It plays 400-plus yards and features a large pond, fescue, bunkering and large trees that protect the green from errant shots.

The “links” 9-hole course, opened in 1999, has a total opposite feel of the 18-hole track, with rolling hills and fescue lined fairways. Here you will find shorter par-fours and a couple of long par-fives.

Other courses to sample on Cape Cod include The Captains Golf Course (www.CaptainsGolfCourse.com) in Brewster features 36 holes of golf on two very distinct 18-hole layouts. The club calls itself the Cape’s premier public golf facility, and the conditioning here is always excellent, the golf challenging but approachable for players of all abilities.

The Port Course plays to a yardage of 6,724 yards and has a slope of 131 and a rating above its posted par of 72, which gives an indication of the difficulty of some of the holes. One of the best holes is the 573-yard, par-five eighth. A pond guards the putting surface and there are several large fairway bunkers to complicate matters.

The Starboard Course plays around 6,800 yards and has a slope of 122. It’s a bit more “player friendly” than its sister layout, with wider fairways, large greens, and fewer bunkers than the Port Course, which makes it more suitable for mid- and higher handicap players. Number 18 is a great finishing hole, a 534-yard par-five that can be reached in two by big hitters.

Kings Way Golf Club (https://www.kingswaygc.com) is located within the Kings Way community on the historic north side of Cape Cod’s village of Yarmouth Port. The golf course plays to a par of 60 featuring spectacular elevating changes, Scottish bunkers, and undulating greens. The course is welcoming to golfers of all levels. Being an “executive” style layout it allows you to enjoy some golf and get off the course and on to all the other activities on the Cap in quick order.

Looking for lodging during your stay? The Aiden by Best Western hotel, managed by Brenda Smith, is conveniently located in Yarmouth on Route 28. Rates are very reasonable and include a continental breakfast for their guests. The rooms are spacious and clean. Stay and Play golf packages are available. Check their website (https://www.bestwestern.com/aiden/west-yarmouth) for more information.

If you’re looking to spend quality time with the family after your round give Ryan’s Family Amusement Center a visit. Located nearby in South Yarmouth, they offer an arcade, axe throwing, candlepin and ten pin bowling and video games, all at affordable pricing. This is a family owned business with 10 locations to choose from.

Want lunch or dinner at a true Cape Cod local landmark? Try Captain Parker’s Pub (www.captainparkers.com) in West Yarmouth. They are known for their creamy New England style clam chowder and fish sandwiches. The fish and chips were outstanding as well. They offer a full bar menu and local craft beers for the thirsty traveler.

Thanks to Golfing Magazine’s comprehensive Course Play Stimulus Program, our subscribers can try out a number of courses on Cape Cod. Check out the details of this can’t miss offer in this issue. Call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to sign up.

The mild days and cool nights on Cape Cod during autumn keep golf course turf green and lush, even after the hot summer we had. There is perhaps not a better place to play the game we love at this time of year than on this peninsula on the southeastern tip of the Bay State. So, put the sticks in the car and head to Cape Cod this fall for a truly spectacular visit.