Oh, the decisions we golfers face. Waterside or mountainside golf round? Modern amenities or dollops of history? Links or fairway style?
Here’s a tip: There’s a lesser known, somewhat quirky and absolutely delightful course in Parsonsfield, Maine that has a touch of it all. Called Province Lake Golf Club (https://www.provincelakegolf.com/), this fun and funky course has been helping golfers make those decisions for 108 years.
We took a ride over to Province Lake during a recent Mount Washington Valley stay to try it out. Verdict: Fun was had, views were seen, hot dogs were savored and, overall, Province Lake won us over with its pretty looks and perfect personality.
We arrived early for a pre-round lunch and right away felt at home. Our server claimed they’ve mastered the Rueben; I can confirm her claim. But my husband ordered a hot dog and it was a sight to behold and to bite; a soft, fluffy (but not too bready; if you know what I mean) bun served as a perfect vessel to a snappy dog.
And that server? “It’s hot out there,” she told us as we finished our lunch. “I’m going to fill some cups with ice for you to start you out there right.” We didn’t ask, she just did.
The course itself isn’t what you may be used to. Fairway grass can feel long at times and their rough is, well, rough. But that’s intentional: the club likes to hold onto some of the feel that made it a popular spot when it opened back in 1918 when the front nine, a links-like course tucked up next to that beautiful lake, debuted.
While that front nine is relatively flat and playable for most levels (six tee boxes mean just about every level golf pal you have can keep up that pace of play there), it tosses out some challenges.
In some ways, that front nine reminds me a little of “Little Marion,” (https://www.mariongolfclub.com/), the Massachusetts course that’s like playing in a golf museum. You’ll come across super old stone walls (sometimes in the fairway area), interesting tree settings and, yes, some old school sand traps like the ominous ones guarding the green on the long par 5 second hole.
Even though Province Lake Golf Club is located in Maine, one of its holes goes into New Hampshire. (Moira McCarthy photo)
The back nine – added to the club in 1988 – is a wooded parkland course setting, tucking you deep into the thick forestry of the Northeast. You’ll feel the shade of maple, birch and oak trees, while at the same time soaking in views of Province Mountain and Wiggin Mountain.
It’s lovely.
The 18-holes offer a lot of variety, from the long, semi-open first hole and its water views to the tight, woodsy holes later along when your target golf skills come into play.
And then there are the special holes; the ones you carry in your memory forever.
First up has to be the course’s famed sixth hole, a long but not super wide par 5 that takes you, in one hole, from New Hampshire to Maine and back. Two states, one hole; that’s cool. Be sure to take time to snap a photo at each state’s welcome sign right on the edge of the fairway.
The par 3 11th hole won my love as well. You tee off to a major downhill, calling on your precision to drop the ball on the green that’s backed up by breathtaking views of the lake. Hole 15 brings on the challenge demanding your best uphill shots.
And then there’s No. 17, a super dogleg hole that gives you a possibly glorious risk-reward moment toward the end of your round. I chose risk and it paid off. What a great way to begin to wrap up your round.
Province Lake has long won accolades for being an excellent spot for women, but I’ll up that ante: The friendly and caring staff, helpful locals who don’t mind pointing out smart strategies for holes ahead and beautiful setting wins my high five not just for women, but for all level golfers, male or female.
Some of the holes at Province Lake Golf Club offer narrow fairways. (Moira McCarthy photo)
Province Lake Golf Club is about 25 miles outside of North Conway, a drive along Route 153 that winds you past the beautiful lakes and grounds of Purity Springs Resort and through some quaint, smalltown spots. None of their rounds (even weekends) go over $100, and that includes a cart. Play midweek and you get peak time for $75. And the twilight rates come in around $45 with a cart.
You’ll want to linger. There’s live music in the restaurant most nights.
Province Lake won’t take you over fairways groomed to perfection, and that’s by design. For a fun and unique day – and a chance to play two states in one round – check it out.
A little history in your round is just the right spice to add.