Potential Move to New Hampshire - Private Clubs

[cubuffs]

A potential opportunity in New Hampshire has our family contemplating a move from Tennessee. I would be working in the Exeter area and wanted to get a view of what private clubs fellow WRXers would recommend. I was in the area yesterday and drove by a few yesterday (Golf Club of NE, Portsmouth CC, Reniassance). I have a junior golfer who is a freshman in HS and is ranked in the top 250 within his class nationally, so a great practice area and challenging course is something that we would be looking to find (we currently belong to a course here in the Nashville area that hosts a KornFerry event and stretches to 7600 yards. Outside of tourney prep where it could be shorter, he plays from 7000 with a rating of 74.5). Golf is a big part of our life, so this is big contributing factor.

[sodak77]

I don't know much about Golf Club of NE but I have played both PCC and Reniassance a good number of times and both are excellent courses. Personally I like PCC more since it is such a fun course to play (2nd shot course with great views) and easily walk-able but Reniassance will most likely challenge your game more. I think there are a few members from each course on here who can speak to the membership side of things.

[cubuffs]

Thanks for the insight, as I understand Portsmouth is very "competitive" and may take a few years to gain membership. Seems like it is a fun course to play from what I have seen, but as Father with a Son who loves to practice (we both do), seems like we would be wanting in that area.

[Chris_NH]

I lived in Exeter for 10 years. I’ve played all the courses you’re considering (plus Abenaqui and Wentworth By The Sea in Rye). I was a member-for-a-year (trial membership) at GCNE.

 

First, PCC just isn’t feasible. I don’t think you can even get on the wait list, much less get into the club. It’s s very nice track, though, and you can play it after 11am on weekends (if I recall correctly). Not the greatest practice area as I recall.

 

Renaissance is great - I have a good friend who belongs. I’ve played it a few times; it’s always in good shape. I can’t recall about the practice area. It’s fairly pricey but, if it fits your budget, this would be one you should look hard at IMO.

 

GCNE is the best course in the area by a wide margin IMO, but it’s pricey. When I was looking at it, the initiation was $50k and annual dues $7500. I’m not sure if that’s individual or family. Good news is if you can do that, you’re in (at least that was the case in the past). The practice area is one of the best I’ve ever seen. No pool or tennis. I found it to not be a very sociable club, but that could be due to the fact that I was a “temp member” rather than a real member. But if you get a chance to play it, jump at it - it’s an amazing track.

 

Wentworth by the Sea is quirky, with some great holes right on the ocean. No real driving range (limited flight balls, no drivers, iirc).

 

I’ve only played Abenaqui once. I seem to recall it’s short (maybe 6500 yards from the tips? But I could be wrong about that). Well-conditioned, old layout (some back/forth parallel holes) but I liked the course when I played it.

 

There also Coccheco (never played it).

 

Good luck.

 

Chris

 

[cubuffs]

Thanks Chris, Great write up. Truthfully, after seeing the little bit I did from just one day I kind of knew GCNE what is the most logical choice. They have a very small member pool, only about 120 from what I’ve been told so that can be a positive as well. Will have to see if it’s in the cards financially, but is definitely the leading candidate based on the location that we would be potentially looking at living

[Chris_NH]

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[Hoodman22]

Have played Renaissance; have a friend who is a member.

Nice club- low key, challenging track, decent range, clubhouse, and amenities.

Has a family friendly feel that I find comfortable.

Good luck with your decision, and hope this helps.

[cubuffs]

> @Hoodman22 said:

> Have played Renaissance; have a friend who is a member.

> Nice club- low key, challenging track, decent range, clubhouse, and amenities.

> Has a family friendly feel that I find comfortable.

> Good luck with your decision, and hope this helps.

 

Thanks so much for the reply, heading up to that area with the family this week and will have a chance to view all the clubs in the area.

 

 

[MyShortGameSucks]

I am a member at Renaissance if you want to ask me any specific questions. Shoot me a PM.