You might have the urge to play a round of golf or two while vacationing in South County, and, fortunately, multiple courses are sprinkled throughout the area.
However, if you book your vacation rental in the Westerly area, including communities like Misquamicut, Winnapaug, and Weekapaug, most nearby courses are private. You’ll need a member to bring you to these facilities if you wish to play.
The lone exception is the Winnapaug Country Club, a 100% public course nestled in a scenic area between Winnapaug Pond, Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, and the Westerly State Airport.
This course is ideally located for those with a vacation rental near Misquamicut State Beach and is challenging enough for every level of golfer.
The Winnapaug Country Club might just become your favorite South County golf course once you give it a try.
The Course’s History
One of the most appealing aspects of this golf course is its history, as it opened in 1922 and was designed by world-famous architect and World Golf Hall of Fame member Donald J. Ross.
Ross is also known for designing legendary courses like Pinehurst No. 2, the Oak Hill Country Club, the Oakland Hills Country Club, Glen View Club, and East Lake Golf Club.
Most Ross-designed courses are private, so the Winnapaug Country Club offers the rare opportunity to experience one of his designs without becoming a member.
A Look at the Layout and Design
Like most courses designed by Donald Ross, the Winnapaug Country Club uses the natural environment to create challenges for golfers. Ross was known for letting the lay of the land assist in the design process and building each hole with unique obstacles for players.
The Winnapaug Country Club is 6,391 yards from the blue tees and utilizes the area’s tree cover and waterfront to create a one-of-a-kind golf experience.
It features four par 5s, including the 525-yard ninth, and four par 3s that are reachable in one shot. The rest of the course is made up of par 4s of varying distances, with perhaps the most challenging being the 356-yard seventh hole that takes you through a blind dog leg with forest on both sides.
Hole ten through 13 wind you along the shores of Winnapaug Pond, as well, and the massive Misquamicut State Beach is visible from some spots as you play through the area.
On-Site Dining
You’re sure to work up an appetite while playing this course, and, luckily, there’s an on-site restaurant in the clubhouse serving lunch and dinner.
The clubhouse restaurant closed for the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the hope is that it will reopen in 2022. Upon reopening, you can expect a menu with pub-style favorites, but don’t be surprised if a prix fixe menu and a raw bar appear as they did during the 2019 season.
In addition to the restaurant, the clubhouse has a full bar and a pro shop where you can pick out a new golf wardrobe or upgrade your clubs. There’s a beverage cart, too, should you want a drink as you play through the course.
Booking a Tee Time
You can book your tee time for the Winnapaug Country Club by calling the pro shop or through their online booking portal. Booking online takes a matter of minutes and provides you with up-to-date availability.
A round of golf at the Winnapaug Country Club is surprisingly affordable for a course designed by Donald Ross. Monday through Friday, you can play nine holes for $25 or 18 holes for $40 without a cart. With a cart, those rates are $30 for nine holes and $50 for 18.
On weekends and holidays, the walking rates are $30 for nine holes and $45 for 18, while with a cart, it’s $35 for nine holes and $60 for the whole course.
Club rentals are available through the pro shop, as well, and you can take lessons from head-pro Lou Toscano if you’re looking to improve your game.
A Scenic Course Near Misquamicut State Beach
Westerly can be a little frustrating if you’re looking to play a round of golf because so many courses are private. The Winnapaug Country Club is your only option in this area, but it’s a scenic and challenging course that provides the opportunity to play a Donald J. Ross design in a picturesque location.
Other courses throughout South County are worth checking out, too, but if you book a vacation rental near Misquamicut State Beach, none are more convenient than this hidden gem on the shores of Winnapaug Pond in Westerly, Rhode Island.