Top Rhode Island Public Golf Courses

🏌️‍♂️ Top Rhode Island Public Golf Courses (Based on Wikipedia, Google Reviews & Course Profiles)

Though the smallest U.S. state by land area, Rhode Island punches well above its weight in golf quality. With coastal beauty, rolling inland hills, and a surprising number of historic layouts, it’s a haven for golfers who appreciate charm, value, and shot-making strategy. Public play here includes Donald Ross classics and newer designs that emphasize variety and scenic views.

1. Triggs Memorial Golf Course – Donald Ross
   📍 Providence, RI
   🏛️ Historic Ross layout from the 1930s
   🎯 Demands precision with small greens and smart bunkering
   🌳 Classic parkland setting with walkable design
   💲 Affordable muni with private-club feel
   🗒️ Course site

2. Newport National Golf Club – Arthur Hills
   📍 Middletown, RI
   🌊 Links-style layout near the coast
   🌾 Wide fairways, firm and fast, with ocean breezes
   🏆 Regularly ranked as the best public course in RI
   💲 Premium public/daily fee course
   🗒️ Course site

3. Meadow Brook Golf Course – Unknown designer (renovated)
   📍 Richmond, RI
   🌲 Routed through dense forest with rolling elevation
   🔥 Reputation for excellent conditions and smooth greens
   ⛳ Long course with championship feel
   💲 Public course with country-club vibes
   🗒️ Course site

4. Exeter Country Club – Geoffrey Cornish
   📍 Exeter, RI
   🌿 Mature tree-lined course, peaceful atmosphere
   🎯 Emphasis on accuracy over power
   👟 Easy to walk, player-friendly
   💲 Great value and friendly staff
   🗒️ Course site

5. Montaup Country Club – William Mitchell
   📍 Portsmouth, RI
   🌅 Overlooks Mount Hope Bay with water views on back nine
   ⚓ Strategic bunkering, small greens
   🏌️‍♂️ Fun, fast rounds with local flavor
   💲 Open to public, affordable
   🗒️ Course site

6. North Kingstown Golf Course – Walter Johnson
   📍 North Kingstown, RI
   🌲 Rolling layout with mix of open and wooded holes
   🎯 Built on old farmland with New England charm
   🏛️ Old-school layout, easy to walk
   💲 Excellent muni option
   🗒️ Course site

7. Laurel Lane Country Club – Local design
   📍 West Kingston, RI
   🍂 Quiet setting with casual vibe
   🎯 Shorter course, great for beginners and casual play
   👟 Friendly staff and family-run atmosphere
   💲 Budget-friendly public play
   🗒️ Course site

8. Valley Country Club – Geoffrey Cornish (semi-private)
   📍 Warwick, RI
   🌳 Lush fairways and challenging greens
   🏌️‍♂️ Allows limited public access during off-peak times
   🎯 Designed for solid ball-striking
   💲 Semi-private with a resort-style clubhouse
   🗒️ Course site

9. Midville Golf Club – Geoffrey Cornish
   📍 West Warwick, RI
   🕒 Quick 9-hole course, great for after work
   🎯 Walkable and well-maintained
   💲 Affordable and beginner-friendly
   🗒️ Course site

10. Jamestown Golf Course – Local Design
    📍 Jamestown, RI
    🌊 Scenic 9-hole course on Conanicut Island
    🎯 Small greens, ocean breezes
    👪 Great for families or relaxed rounds
    💲 Public, inexpensive, and charming
    🗒️ Course site

🏌️‍♀️ Why Golf in Rhode Island?

• 🌊 Coastal layouts with ocean views

• 🏛️ Classic Golden Age architecture

• 💲 Excellent value for public golf

• 🌿 A quiet golf culture with walkable designs

• 🎯 Great mix of challenge and fun for all levels