Falmouth’s six golf courses have something for everyone. “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” This witty quip is often attributed to Mark Twain. If so, he probably never teed off in Falmouth, which boasts six excellent courses offering variety and challenges to suit every player.
Four of the courses are open to the public—Paul Harney, Falmouth Country Club, The Cape Club and Cape Cod Country Club. The two private golf clubs—Sacconnesset and Woods Hole—host charitable events or may be played if invited by a member.
Keeping in mind it’s called playing golf, not working golf, let’s tour the town for a week.
Woods Hole Golf Club, 130 Quissett Avenue, Falmouth. 508-540-1899
Woods Hole Golf Club
Its origins date to the late 19th century, and the course, with a stately clubhouse overlooking Quissett Harbor, has aged gracefully as one of the classics of Cape Cod golf.
Founded in 1899, WHCC was expanded to 18 holes in 1919. The honorary opening round was played by Massachusetts native son Francis Ouimet, the celebrated champion of the 1913 U.S. Open, and he returned frequently for friendly matches.
Sacconnesset Golf Club, 132 Falmouth Woods Road, Falmouth. 508-457-7200
Sacconnesset Golf Club
The Golf Club of Cape Cod opened in 2007 and underwent some ownership and name changes. According to club research, Falmouth’s first known settlers were the Native American Wampanoag Tribe and called the land Sukinesset. Various phonetic spellings through generations led to Sacconnesset.
By any name, this private golf club is a gem. The course was designed by renowned course architect Rees Jones, and his artistry is on full display. The holes sit in solitude, while the manicured fairways are wooded corridors following the land’s natural contours. The only distraction, perhaps, is a soaring hawk, the club’s logo.
The Cape Club, 125 Falmouth Woods Road, East Falmouth. 508-540-4005
capeclubresort.com
It’s been seven years since this course was transformed from the original Ballymeade and established its own identity as a terrific golfing experience. Director of golf Ryan Payne says the focus of the club is to treat daily-fee players as “members for a day.”
The clubhouse high on a bluff gives way to a strong test. Among the distinctive features are white-sand bunkers similar to Augusta National (think Masters). Five tee boxes on each provide options for all abilities. Carts are necessary as it’s hilly with long distances between greens and tees.
Cape Cod Country Club, 48 Theater Drive, East Falmouth.508-563-9842
There is a rich history here, but the future is uncertain as there are plans to sell the property and convert it to a solar farm. Until the process works its way through bureaucracy, club owner Friel Golf Management says play will continue in 2023. Now would be a good time to sample CCCC’s many charms.
Originally Coonamessett Country Club, the course was designed in the 1920s by noted course architects Devereux Emmet and Alfred Tull. There’s a variety of interesting holes, including three par 4s less than 300 yards.
Paul Harney Golf Club, 74 Club Valley Drive, East Falmouth. 508-563-3454
paulharneygolfcourse.com
A seven-time PGA Tour winner, Paul Harney was a champion in every sense, and this course, which he designed in 1967, is his legacy to the game he loved.
A wonderful course for families, youngsters or anyone new to the game, and it takes only about three hours to play. The tree-lined layout is undulating—the second hole is downhill, the third uphill—and many of the tee shots are elevated. Several greens feature tilts and slopes.
