Rhode Island Public Course Tiers...

[RhodyGolf]

I saw some of the Massachusetts threads for opinions on public courses there and I figured I'd start one for RI. I'll rank all of the RI courses I've played to start. Add some info/feedback and we'll keep it updated...

 

Tier 1 - The Best...

Meadow Brook

Newport National (although I'm depressed the new owners raised it to $125)

 

Tier 2 - Really good courses to play...

Richmond

Triggs

Exeter

Fenner Hill

Cranston CC

Crystal Lake

 

Tier 3 - OK with the right deal...

North Kingstown

Beaver River

Laurel Lane

 

Tier 4 - TLC needed/Goat Tracks...

Winnapaug

Wood River

 

Yet to play...Montaup, Green Valley, Foster CC

[Ri_Redneck]

Thanks for the List!!!

 

Meadow Brook is one of the few RI courses I haven't played. Gotta get down there soon!

 

BT

[Imp]

I'd put GV and Montaup in Tier 2 and Foster in 3 (more or less for the very hokey layout... like the par 5 double dogleg and the par 4 over the quarry).

 

Tier 3: Jamestown (9 hole).

 

Personally, I think that Triggs should be in Tier 3... every time I go there I swear it's the last time because of the people and many times, conditions. And they will *never* tell you if/when the plugged/aerated. You will only find out on the course... EVEN IF YOU ASK IN THE PROSHOP BEFORE PLAYING THAT SAME DAY.

 

 

--kC

[daverain1]

I'd push Jamestown CC to Tier 2. Even though there's no challenging hazards, the views are spectacular, course is well maintained, and less than $20 for 9 holes. Wind and fog add to the challenge. Big boost for value and atmosphere, less so for shot value and strategery.

 

I wasn't impressed with Richmond, I'd call it tier 3. Course doesn't play true to yardages on scorecards because they pushed all the tees up. Very tight and short.

[mainvillian]

Richmond's typically in great condition. And for $35 walking early mornings is a good value. Yes the layout is funky. Lot of repeatable holes. But greens roll nice. Gotta be accurate with driver or be ready to use wood or hybrid off tee. Not try to fix driver swing on the course. I like how the tall pine trees give off a Carolina golf feel.

[jimb6golf]

Only down side to Meadow Brook is the less than ideal clubhouse (looks more like someone's shed). The course is really nice though.

[jdl]

Only down side to Meadow Brook is the less than ideal clubhouse (looks more like someone's shed). The course is really nice though.

 

Usually have to park across the road in a field, too.

[Imp]

Reason why I suggested Jamestown as a 3, is because it's easy. Like, wide open easy. You have to try hard to get into trouble, or have a bad slice as your predominant shot shape (1 Woods, 2, pond/woods, 3 OB, 4 fescue, 6 island of trees and fescue, 9 Pond). If you have a straight or a draw shot, you will be safe around almost the whole course (except 1 and 9 where a draw can land you in trouble)

[mainvillian]

I like Meadowbrook a lot. Not sure why they haven't made #2 opening hole permanently. Take out that ridiculous trek to the first tee. They use #2 as opening hole when there's no starter.

[RhodyGolf]

I like Meadowbrook a lot. Not sure why they haven't made #2 opening hole permanently. Take out that ridiculous trek to the first tee. They use #2 as opening hole when there's no starter.

 

I guess they're still holding out on that open area to the left of the first tee and the practice green to build the new clubhouse as originally planned. I heard they ran into legal/property issues with accessing that area from the main road through a right of way.

[allparz]

9 hole public courses worth playing....in the T2-T3 catagory

 

Midville

East Greenwich

[Sean2]

This is just outside RI, but I have to give props to Connecticut National. Great course and reasonably priced.

[Ri_Redneck]

This is just outside RI, but I have to give props to Connecticut National. Great course and reasonably priced.

 

Agreed. I've played CN a few times and it's always in good shape with great deals to be had.

 

BT

[vjtexp]

RICC is private but is a lot of fun.

[ShortStick]

This is the perfect thread for me. I'm moving to Saunderstown/North Kingstown in the off season. I'm excited about the opportunity to play new courses and meet new friends. I do have a couple of questions for now that hopefully you can hep out with.

 

1. Are there any experiences with the season pass at Meadow Brook? I'm leaning that way based on this forum but am wondering if the course will frequently be closed for outings or otherwise be difficult to play 3-4 times per week.

 

2. I'd love to think of Point Judith, but it looks like they wouldn't love me. But I did notice some RI PGA packages where I could try out some private tracks next summer (http://www.rigalinks.org/club/scripts/library/view_document.asp?NS=TOURN&DN=INVIT). Has anyone does this? Do i pay for an entire package and get paired up or pay as I go? Was curious how it worked out if someone tried it.

 

Thanks guys. Entering the very best tie of year for golf in New England. hit 'em good!

[leerob3]

Thanks for the list, headed to Rhody in a couple weeks for vacation.

[pingfool]

RI public very weak overall - considering the great selection of privates

 

Green Valley & Montaup lot better than some of your 2's

 

Triggs layout deserves better management

[Imp]

 

Tier 3: Jamestown (9 hole).

Bump Jamestown down to 4. I play it every friday by the way. The greens have gone from "great" to "something drasticly wrong". Something has started killing the greens, they aerated them recently trying to revive them, and ... not going well.

 

I love the course, but I can't recommend playing there right now.

 

--kC

[daverain1]

That sucks. I've been playing every summer for 25 years - my mother is an Islander. Didn't get there this summer due to relo - hopefully get them fixed for next season. They should prolly take the spring off and reseed the greens with some of that salt-air hardy grass.