Fall River, MA, is a congested city full of old mills, housing, and businesses, but tucked into the north end is a golf escape. The Fall River Country Club runs along the Taunton River and offers a course with views and a creative layout.
The course is private, but they host outings and charity events, so there is always a chance to play if you look in the right places. It was opened in 1895, and this date is part of their logo and found throughout signage and flagsticks on the course. It is historic but has the modern amenities and layout that rival any modern track.
After you cross the railroad tracks and drive along the 9th fairway to the parking lot, you see the magnificent clubhouse. The bottom floor has the pro shop for check-in and all of your golf essentials. The second floor has the locker rooms, and the top floor has the restaurant and bar. They also have an outdoor seating area with fire pits and amazing views of the water and a prime spot for sunsets.
Right outside the clubhouse is a large putting green, and there are hitting nets to help you warm up. They also have a mini driving range where you can dial in your irons. There is a small putting green next to the 1st tee, which can be convenient if you have to wait. The grounds are in great shape and manicured from tee to green. The carts have big, comfortable cushions, and there is a snack/beverage spot on the course that you pass several times during your round.
Along with the quality of the course and the amenities, there are picturesque views and creative hole layouts. The water views come into sight on most of the holes and provide a true New England feel when playing. The course is crammed into a plot of land that would seem tight, but they did a great job of creating a layout that doesn’t feel quirky or congested. There are some steep hills and long walks from greens to tees, so walking might be tough.
The signature hole on the front is #3, which is a downhill par 3 with an inlet on the left and the flowing river in the background. The hole is tough because of the elevated tee, but also the green slopes hard from back to front with two distinct tiers. You start the back 9 with their other signature hole. #10 has an unforgettable layout. You have bushes and shoreline running up the entire left side with the river next to it calling for your errant tee shot. The right side is no better because it runs parallel to hole 16, but this is OB, so your only option is to hit it straight.
The rest of the course is a combination of target golf and strategy. There are doglegs, bunkers, trees, and narrow landing zones. The quality of the entire course and the location on the water make it a must-play for New England golfers.
