The restrictive issue is simple: Cities typically do not have enough open space to accommodate the needs of a golf course.
Surprisingly, though, Portland does have its own golf course (which is actually two courses)—and if you enjoy passing your free time traversing the links with your trusty golf caddy in tow, there are more than enough options in neighboring towns for you to scratch that particular itch (distances from downtown Portland are noted below in each listing).
All of the courses detailed here are public, but there is a list at the bottom of the article of private clubs; if you happen to be buddies with a member, you’re golden.
Map of Portland Maine Golf Courses
Ready to find the venue for your next foursome? The map below shows the location of every Portland-area golf course mentioned in this post.
Riverside Golf Course
Run by the city and located along the banks of the Presumpscot River, Riverside opened its gates back in 1932 as a public course.
This popular spot is home to two traditional courses—the North and South. The former is an 18-hole course featuring three 3-par holes, four 12-par holes, and three 5-par holes, while the South course offers 9 holes (two par 3, five par 4, and two par 5 holes).
The fairways are tree-lined and well-tended, and there is also a 3-hole practice course.
Location: 1158 Riverside St, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Riverside Golf Course
Nonesuch River Golf Club
Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Portland, this 18-hole championship course is one of Tom Walker’s (Golf Design Studios in Palm Beach, FL) designs and meets USGA requirements.
Offering 203 acres of meandering greens and fairways, a full-size practice course, two putting greens, and a 2,500-square-foot clubhouse, Nonesuch is a true, full-service facility—and notably, the owners maintained a focus on limiting the course’s environmental impact on the surrounding environs of the Nonesuch River and its wildlife habitat.
Location: 304 Gorham Road, Scarborough, ME 04074 (14 minutes)
Website: Nonesuch River Golf Club
Willowdale Golf Club
Providing “classic golf at affordable prices,” Willowdale is a regulation, 18-hole course and a mere 14-minute drive from the city. This 70-par, 6,086-yard facility also features a putting green, a pro shop, and a pub.
Satisfied, oft-returning customers use phrases like “diamond-in-the-rough,” “most underrated course in the area,” and “you’re missing out” when describing the Willowdale golf experience.
Location: 52 Willowdale Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 (14 minutes)
Website: Willowdale Golf Club
Sunset Ridge Golf Links
This par 70 course is less than 20 minutes to the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland—but once you’re standing on one of the well-tended greens at Sunset Ridge, you’ll feel a world away.
And this facility features both a beautiful 18-hole traditional and a 9-hole disc golf course, the smart folks behind the scenes here know how long those winter months can be for golf fans in Maine—so you’ll also have access to their state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators to get you through until the snow melts.
Location: 771 Cumberland St, Westbrook, ME 04092 (18 minutes)
Website: Sunset Ridge Golf Links
Maine Golf Center Freeport
Just 20 minutes north of downtown Portland, you’ll find this pedestrian-friendly, 9-hole public course. Featuring a beautiful practice facility and budget-friendly rates, the Maine Golf Center (formerly the Freeport Country Club) also offers player development courses for all ages sponsored by the Maine State Golf Association, with an eye for furthering the popularity of family and junior golf in the state.
Location: 2 Old County Rd, Freeport, ME 04032 (20 minutes)
Website: Maine Golf Center Freeport
Biddeford-Saco Country Club
Staking claim to “one of the best driving ranges and practice facilities in the state,” the Biddeford-Saco Country Club is only 20 minutes from downtown Portland and has been operating since the early 1920s.
Featuring an 18-hole Donald Ross/Brian Silva course and reasonable rates, this much-accoladed facility is a very popular Maine golf destination due in part to its proximity to Old Orchard Beach. The pro shop is fully stocked, and both pull and ride-on carts are available for rent.
Location: 101 Old Orchard Rd, Saco, ME 04072 (20 minutes)
Website: Biddeford-Saco Country Club
Deep Brook Golf Course
Another 9-hole facility located less than a twenty-five-minute drive from Portland’s busy city streets, Deep Brook is a 36-par, 3,078-yard rolling course designed by William Bradley Booth in 2002.
Touted as “one of Maine’s most challenging 9-hole courses for any level,” Deep Brook features scenic, well-tended fairways and greens, and is open seven days a week from April (or when the snow melts) until November (until the snow flies).
Location: 36 New County Rd, Saco, ME 04072 (22 minutes)
Website: Deep Brook Golf Course
Val Halla Golf & Recreation
This semi-private (a “park and play” pass is available to non-members) course features 18 holes located on rolling, meticulous greens and links nestled among gorgeous hardwoods and evergreens.
Designed by Philip A. Wogan, the course opened in 1965 and offers 6,567 yards and a par of 72 as well as a driving range, putting green, and golf pro instruction.
Location: 60 Val Halla Rd, Cumberland Center, ME 04021 (22 minutes)
Website: Val Halla Golf & Recreation
Toddy Brook Golf Course
This “must play” course is consistently well-groomed and claims to be among the first facilities north of Portland to open and the last to close each year.
Toddy Brook opened in 2002 and offers a 71-par, 18-hole course as well as a driving range with a grass tee and putting green. There is also a full-service, on-site café open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and professional golf instruction is available.
Location: 925 Sligo Rd, North Yarmouth, ME 04097 (22 minutes)
Website: Toddy Brook Golf Course
Dunegrass Golf Club
Designed by world-renowned course architect Dan Maples, Dunegrass is just around the corner from Old Orchard Beach and less than 25 minutes from downtown Portland.
This breathtakingly gorgeous, par 72 course offers 6,644 yards and is uniquely situated in and among coastal elements like dunes, granite outcroppings, and other natural features.
And while the Maine golf season may be shorter than in many other states, you can enjoy the other facilities here all year, such as the top-of-the-line golf simulators, the clubhouse, and the Grill 65 restaurant.
Location: 200 Wild Dunes Way, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 (22 minutes)
Website: Dunegrass Golf Club
Highland Green Golf Club
Located at the Highland Green 55+ residential community, this club is open to the public and features a tricky 9-hole course. Designed to integrate organically with the natural layout of the landscape, players will enjoy both the beauty and challenge of this Scottish-style course.
Highland Green also offers both 9- and 18-hole Footgolf courses—a lively version of golf that uses soccer balls and 21-inch-diameter holes.
Location: 114 Village Dr, Topsham, ME 04086 (30 minutes)
Website: Highland Green Golf Club
Private Golf Courses Near Portland
Thinking of looking into a private club in the great Portland area? Here are a few that are worth a visit.
Portland Country Club (12 minutes)
Purpoodock Club (13 minutes)
Brunswick Golf Club (29 minutes)
Webhannet Golf Club (38 minutes)
Great Chebeague Golf Club (75-minute ferry ride)
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