Course 142: Ould Newbury Golf Club

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Ould Newbury Golf Club is a nine-hole course on some rollicking land. At 6,200 yards for 18 holes, one would think it could be overpowered; that would be foolish. With challenging elevation changes, tight driving holes, and wild greens, Ould Newbury is quite exacting.

Most notably, the green sites require accurate shots because misses on the wrong side can end up 20-30 yards down a steep slope.

The opening hole, which measures 429 yards with Route 1 running down the entire right side, is intimidating and sets the stage for the round.

Overall, the six par fours will force players to hit a variety of iron shots. The third hole offers an enticing option to cut the corner; however, hit it too far, and trees will block the approach shot into the tiny green cut into a corner of the property.

The fifth is stunning. From the second tee box, players can see the fifth green across the marsh, sitting high above the rest of the course. The raised green has a sharp false front and a steep falloff on the right side. The tee shot is a long iron, and then players will need a short iron into the green.

Walking off the 8th green, which is a semi-volcano, players are likely reeling from the shots they've had to hit only to be welcomed to an insane 211-yard uphill par 3. It's not a good hole. The clubhouse and parking lot are in play, and the club has plans to move the green down the steep slope in its Long Range Master Plan, it also plans to reroute the course and make it the 7th hole. I hit 3-wood both times due to wind and the uphill nature of the hole. Both shots were VERY close to the clubhouse (one might have pinged off the basement wall back into play...)

Ould Newbury will force you to hit all the clubs in your bag over 18 holes. Long irons will be featured, and wedges will be required around the greens.

Ould Newbury is a semi-private course; in 2025, the public can play Monday - Wednesday after noon. Playing it on a dry day highlighted the course features. It seems like it might be soggy in the summer considering the nearby marsh.

Ould Newbury is a must-visit for its quirk and challenge, which never feels out of balance.

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