Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Hyannisport Club
Hyannisport Club
2 Irving Avenue
Hyannisport, MA 02601
United States
Overview
According to Ted Kennedy Jr., Hyannisport Club’s golf course was what convinced his grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy, to establish his family’s summer getaway in the seaside town on the southern tip of Cape Cod. Less than a mile away from the Kennedy Compound, the course was originally designed by Alex Findlay and later redesigned by Donald Ross in 1936. Hyannisport has been the home course of the Kennedys, including President John F. Kennedy, who was photographed playing the course during his presidency. Tipping out at under 6,300 yards, Hyannisport is quite short by modern standards, but the coastal breeze can play a significant factor. Many holes play along the marshlands on the Nantucket Sound, presenting both scenic and strategic value. The club maintains a small membership by invite only, but if you’re fortunate enough to get a tee time, enjoy the charming stroll around JFK’s summer escape.
About
Awards
ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked ninth, 2021-'22. Ranked inside the top 10, 1993, 1997-'99, 2003-'05. Ranked 11th, 2011-'12, 2017-'18. Ranked 12th, 2019-'20. Ranked 13th, 2023-'24. Ranked 15th, 2015-'16. Ranked 17th, 2013-'14. Ranked 18th, 2025-'26. Ranked inside the top 20, 2007.
Previous ranking: 13th.
2025-'26 ranking: 18th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Wind makes all the difference here. If played on different days and wind from different direction would experience an entirely different course. Large greens with lots of movement."
Read More2026
Review
“Wonderful mix of inland holes and coastal holes that incorporate the marsh and ocean. It's an extremely pleasant walk and routing. Very inviting and playable, with lots of open run ups on to green complexes. The conditioning is excellent. In particular the short par 13th is extremely fun and gives a nice set of options off the tee. And the par 5 16th is a standout with a very neat risk/reward approach over an OB marshy area. Lovely golf course with strong character and flow throughout."
Read More2025
Review
“Nantucket Sound has the gravity at Hyannis Port Club. The first hole plays away from the water but you have already seen it and look forward to getting close. The first hole is somewhat a bellwether for the course .....wide open, straight ahead with subtle movements on the green. The second hole brings the player back towards the water, though still away, and now has a new green moved up and to the left into the hillside inspired by an old found photograph. By the 3rd hole you would not be crazy to think you may have been transported to the low country of South Carolina as the marsh that you now play over and around is reminiscent of the best of the low country. While the course may seem flattish compared to the not too distant Eastward Ho! it is anything but. The land is not severe but there is significant play both uphill and downhill. When a body of water is a main feature of a course the holes away from that prominent feature are often unfairly maligned due to the lack of the natural form of the water. But while much of the back 9 here is far from the water, getting back to it by the 16th green, the holes do not lack for challenge or interest. The 16th, 17th and 18th are a little jammed into the space afforded them compared with the general generosity of land provided for most of the course. But to their credit these last holes provide challenge and do bring the player back to the water and finally up the hill to the clubhouse. I am sure not a few rounds have been ruined by the challenge of the 18th green"
Read More2025
Review
“Beautiful Donald Ross course with ocean views from all points. Terrific conditioning throughout. Windy conditions dictate how each hole is played. Course has plenty of history with the Kennedy family. Staff is cordial and accommodating. If invited, don't pass up the opportunity to play here."
Read More2025
Review
“The layout itself isn't particularly challenging, but the green complexes and speeds make the course. Probably the slickest greens in Cape Cod and the wind is ALWAYS a factor"
Read More2024
Review
“Might be the best course on the Cape"
Read More2024
Review
“Hyannisport provides significantly more variety than expected. The clubhouse sits at the top of the hill beneath a church and holes 1 and 16 play down that hill while hole 18 climbs back up. The halfway house between holes 9 and 10 sits atop a smaller hill that provides more elevation change on those holes. Most of the remaining holes are flat and seaside, brimming with charm."
Read More2024
Review
“Truly unique experience - club is situated on the top of a hill overlooking Cape Cod sound. Very unique course with holes that feel completely unparalleled - 3, 4, 8, 16, 17, 18. Some of the holes in the middle feel very homogenous away from the ocean. Very fun layout to play, especially with fast greens and wind blowing. Club has an amazing ambiance to it - old school but not pretentious. Definitely a course you could play every day."
Read More2023
Review
“High end private club with tremendous views. Not terribly long, but can be difficult and different each day due to coastal winds. Definitely worth playing at least once, if you can get invited."
Read More2022
Review
“Donald Ross designed current layout in 1936. "Minor" recent restoration (according to member) by Ron Forse + team. The wind is a MAJOR factor on 14 holes, blowing inland from Nantucket Sound. 6,443 yards from the back tees but plays much longer. Holes are well linked and walking is encouraged! All greens had subtle and obvious slope. Several (especially #17 and # 8) had severe penalties for being out of position or above the hole; I estimate green speed ~ 11. Perhaps the most scenic ocean-side course on Cape Cod. 6 holes along the water. High tide is very different from low tide if you happen to misjudge the wind and miss into the marsh during high tide."
Read More2022
