Course 135: Hyannisport Club

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Hyannisport Club

Hyannisport Club begins inland for the first two holes, then heads out into and around the marsh, then back inland before the routing crescendos on holes 15-18.

The round kicks into gear on the third tee when players face their first shot over the marsh on the dogleg left cape-style hole. The green juts out into the water and then the fourth once again wraps around the marsh on another dogleg left.

While you can see the water from nearly every hole, the routing heads inland for the majority of hole Nos. 5-14. The par-3 8th being the exception, a visually tricky par 3.

The middle of the round didn't quite pass the car test. Recalling the inland holes, which run adjacent to each other, blend together a little bit.

Hole No. 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 all felt somewhat similar and it was tough to untie them in my memory.

The course is built for its surroundings. It's wide enough off the tee, and the greens all sit in the ground. These features make playing in the wind manageable. No false fronts at Hyannisport aside from the turtle back 10th.

Walking from the 14th green to the 15th tee returns players to the marsh. The backdrop is stunning on the downhill par 3 and then players head home on the signature par-5 16th, a wild hole that rides a steep slope up and around the marsh, daring players to take a chance at hitting the green in two.

17 is a charmer of a par 3. A short iron might be the club, but the wind absolutely plays a factor on this tee box on the edge of the marsh.

18 heads home up the hill to a green sitting underneath the clubhouse. The tee shot gives players one last chance to hit a shot from the marsh. A lovely setting to finish a round of golf.

While Ross only visited the course twice, his design fingerprints are there - challenging greens, an easy walk, and par 4s of various distances (including two drivable par 4s). Alex Findlay and John Reid are also credited with design at HC.

It's always thrilling to play near the water, especialy on Cape Cod. Hyannisport is a beautiful setting and a golf course that will leave an impression.

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