The Captains Golf Course in Brewster, MA is home to two championship level courses in the heart of Cape Cod. The Port and The Starboard courses are 18-hole layouts that provide fantastic golf and beautiful scenery for golfers of all skill levels. The courses were designed by the iconic Cornish, Silva & Mungeam team, and the layouts on each showcase their creativity and ability to shape the holes around the natural habitat. I had the pleasure of playing The Port course and it was a great experience.
The Port course is a par 72 that plays at 6154 yards from the white tees. The course has five sets of tees so every golfer can play at a distance they are comfortable with. This includes a Family tee box on each hole, which is significantly shorter than the red tees and provides a great opportunity for beginners or young golfers to start enjoying the game.
I loved the layout of the course, and the quality of each hole was immaculate. The course is lined with trees and has sand bunkers throughout. There isn’t much water so losing your ball shouldn’t be a problem.
The course is tough for first time players because the fairways are sloped and there are hidden bunkers you can’t see from the tee box. It is crucial to have a map or GPS to help navigate the subtle hazards the designers incorporated. The hilly fairways have gullies that will leave you with an up- or downhill lie, and sometimes you can’t see the green. Even with these challenges it is still a lot of fun because you get tested throughout the round. You must play smart and make good shot selections, not just let it rip each time. The layout is designed to make you use every club you have, and laying up is always a safe play.
My favorite hole was the 8th, which is a bear of a par 5. This was the toughest hole by far, but fun because it was the most strategic hole for me. It is 500 yards with a sand trap on the left around 250 yards. From here you still have a long shot to the small green that has a pond on the front right side protecting it. If you choose to go for it, then you must be on the right side of the fairway because it is a slight dogleg left up to the green. I hit a good tee shot then tried to get it close with a 3-wood, but I dunked it in the pond and finished with a double bogey. I could have played it smart and laid up, but I went for the glory, and it cost me!
Hole 8. 150 marker
Besides having two championship level courses, The Captains has two large putting greens and a grass driving range. The range is located at their practice center where PGA-certified professionals offer lessons.
Another cool aspect of this golf facility is that they cater to young golfers by offering classes and clinics throughout the summer. When I played there was a group of kids with the club Pro going down the fairway next to me. The kids were running, laughing, and having a great time. Reminded me of the phrase: “trying to herd a bunch of cats!” But they were on the course, learning the game, and just being kids so I had to laugh as I saw the instructor following them down the fairway in his cart.
The Captains is a for sure destination golf spot on the Cape. Two championship level courses, practice facility, and fully stocked Pro Shop will keep you entertained for days. There is plenty of lodging nearby to make a vacation out of it. And the town of Brewster has other great attractions to keep the whole family busy.
FOOD
Conveniently located right next to the clubhouse is the restaurant, Freemans Grill. This is your one-stop shop for drinks and food before or after your round. It is a modern pub with exceptional food, drinks, and service. The newly renovated interior has high top tables, multiple large flat screen tvs, and a fully stocked bar with great beers on tap. Right outside the door is a large patio with tables for full service, and you overlook the 1st holes for each course.
Freemans opens early so you can get a cup of coffee and bite to eat before your round. I had a breakfast sandwich from their to-go menu which gave me the right amount of energy to get through the first nine holes. On the 9th hole I called in an order for me and my playing partner for a chicken salad wrap, tuna wrap, and a couple of adult beverages. When I went in to pick it up the food was ready to go with everything included in a plastic bag, and the drinks were in a mini-cooler stuffed with ice to bring with us in the cart. This was so easy and convenient, and the food was fresh and delicious and easy to eat before teeing off on the 10th hole.
After the round we stopped in for a few cold beers and a snack. Freemans has a variety of local brews on tap and in cans. They have Hog Island, Progression, Devil’s Purse, Jack’s Abby, Stormalong, and Whalers just to name a few. The lunch/dinner menu includes appetizers, salads, handhelds, and seafood specials. We had the fried pickles which come with a zesty ranch dressing to dip them in. They were crispy, flavorful, and the dip was outrageous.
Freemans uses a lot of local ingredients, and all the juices are made fresh in-house, and are also used in their margaritas. They work with two local businesses – Breakwater Fish for all their seafood needs, and Beanstalk for their coffee. During the summer they run a ‘9 and Dine’ special on Sundays where you get 9 holes of golf and then get to eat lunch afterwards.
When you combine the quality golf of The Captains with the authentic, fresh tastes of Freemans you are in for a great day on the Cape.
But, if you want to explore Brewster, there are other food options to check out:
Heart of the Sea is your destination for all things seafood in the area. The menu has fish, lobster, scallops, shrimp, calamari, and shellfish prepared in every way possible. They use fresh ingredients to make ceviche, rolls, chowder, fried platters, tacos, and entrees. My wife and I went there on a day trip and had a lobster roll and fish and chips. Both were large servings, priced right, and full of flavor. This is the quintessential spot for a Cape Cod meal in a relaxed atmosphere with great service.
The Hangar B Eatery is a great food spot located at a tiny airport in Chatham. Relax and watch small planes take off as you enjoy the fresh ingredients of their breakfast and lunch menu. They have seating inside and out so you can enjoy the unique experience of eating at a café next to a runway.
I would recommend going for breakfast because the menu is ridiculous. They put their own spin on all the classics, make them with fresh ingredients, and create delicious food. They have breakfast sandwiches, omelets, hash, pancakes and French toast. I inhaled my eggs benedict while my wife put a dent in her stack of lemon ricotta pancakes. Make sure you save room or order their amazing potato buttermilk doughnuts to take home.
