In the 1800’s the coastal town of New Bedford, MA, was the whaling capital of the world. It was only fitting that they named the local municipal course to honor that tradition. The Whaling City Golf Course, known by locals as The Whale, pays homage to the city and also features legendary designs by Donald Ross. The course is right off the highway but hides the true beauty of its green landscapes.
The course was opened in 1947 and has been upgraded to stay current with modern golfing standards. You can see some of the influence Ross had, but it is more about the quality and variety of each hole. Being from the area, I love their logo, which is an old-school whaler with a harpoon in his hands, which is how golfers should attack the course. The clubhouse is your standard stop with a stocked pro shop attached to the restaurant and bar. The housemade pizzas are a fantastic way to fill your appetite after a round.
The golf amenities include a full-length grass driving range, an oversized putting green, and a dedicated chipping area. All of this is conveniently near the 1st tee box. The course is a local favorite because it is challenging but also fun and budget-friendly.
The layout is long, playing at over 6400 yards from the white tees, but most fairways are wide and inviting for tee shots. The greens are fast and have breaks, but if you can read them right, the ball will roll true. You can see the influence Ross had on the greens because of the subtle breaks and false fronts. Being short on your approach is almost a guaranteed chip-and-putt coming back up a hill.
My favorite golf holes are the ones that make me think and use some strategy off the tee. The Whale has three of these that pack a punch to your confidence. On holes 6, 7, and 14, you have distinct landing areas that split the fairway into separate areas. You have to decide if you try to cover the pond/waste area or lay up. The risk vs reward is a fun part of golf that can make or break your scorecard. If you feel comfortable hitting a shot over 200 yards straight, then take the chance on each of these holes. If you choose to lay up, keep in mind that you will then have to go uphill over 200 yards to reach the green.
The par 3s also pack a punch as they are 140, 160, 180, and 190. The shortest one has a long, narrow green with a bunker short right and false front left, so it’s not even a relief from the other ones. Hole 13 has a large tree in the bunker on the left, which is the most unique hazard I have ever seen. If you get into the sand on the course, don’t worry though, as it is very well maintained and is consistent throughout.
The Whale is a great spot for golfers of all skill levels because you can choose your tee box and pick your adventure. The greens are large, conditions are excellent, and the price is a steal. Paying $80 for 18 with a cart and getting the old-school vibes with modern landscaping is well worth it.
