Best golf courses near Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth Country Club is one of the best courses in New Hampshire. Discover our experts reviews and where it ranks in our rankings

Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer in 2002, the Golf Club of New England sits on 450 acres of reclaimed farmland and is said to be one of the staunchest tests of golf in the area. The course is devoid of residential developments and is routed through natural landscape, showcasing stone walls, oak tree-lined fairways and running brooks, creating an aura of tranquility. While the environment provides ample relaxation, the brutish 7,600-yard golf course re-focuses the golfer’s attention with fescue and wetland areas protecting fairways and putting surfaces throughout. The challenge at the Golf Club of New England culminates with the signature par-3 17th, played over a hazard to a Y-shaped green protected by deep bunkers behind it.

The Ledges is a thoroughly physical test: From the dramatic ups and downs on hillsides to the tight landing areas, you’ll want to bring fresh legs and a couple fresh sleeves of balls. The course holds up well when some of the region’s best amateurs tee it up at the annual U.S. Amateur qualifier, as often just a few under par makes it through. The course has hosted the Monday qualifier for Maine’s Korn Ferry Tour event as well. The Ledges traverses the Maine woods, just over the border from Portsmouth, N.H., and features bold rock outcroppings, dramatically downhill tee shots and large multi-tiered greens.

Breakfast Hill is a Brian Silva design conveniently located just off I-95 a few miles south of Portsmouth. Like many New England layouts, the course is not long but it demands accuracy off the tee, with thick stands of trees lining most fairways. Large rock outcroppings on several holes give the course a distinctly New England feel and are penal hazards as well.