Centuries-old stick and ball games are generally thought to have preceded the game of golf as we know it today. The modern game of golf has its origins in 15th-century Scotland, and golf played over 18 holes first made its appearance in 1764 at Scotland's Old Course at St. Andrews.  

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the National Golf Association estimates that "nearly 25 million people played golf on a golf course in the United States in 2020." 

Dozens of golf courses are sprinkled throughout New Hampshire, including the Waumbek in Jefferson, which is considered the state's oldest golf course, dating to 1895. From the Lakes Region north, the Granite State features several Donald Ross-designed courses, the only Nicklaus Design golf course, and other courses designed by a number of well-regarded architects. 

Along with fresh air, exercise, and the camaraderie of friends, a day of golfing offers a heaping dose of natural beauty. Most courses in northern New Hampshire include amazing views of the peaks of the White Mountains and other mountain ranges.  

Golf clubs offer a variety of amenities like access to a golf pro for lessons, driving ranges, putting and chipping courses, pro shops, clinics, scrambles, tournaments, and a clubhouse or restaurant for après golf enjoyment. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your clubs, book your tee time, and test your skills at the nearest course for a friendly or competitive round of golf.  

White Mountains 

The stunning peaks of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains are an added bonus for golfers tackling either of the two courses at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods. The 18-hole Mount Washington course was designed by famed golf course designer Donald Ross in 1915. The resort's historic 9-hole Mount Pleasant golf course, situated along the scenic Ammonoosuc River, first opened in 1895 and was restored and updated in 1989. Following a round of golf, find refreshments in the Club House or opt for a cool drink on the hotel's wide veranda.  

Jefferson has the distinction of being home to the oldest golf course in New Hampshire. The 18-hole Waumbek course was designed in 1895 and boasts "breathtaking views" of the magnificent Presidential Range from every hole, as well as from the new Fenn's Way Restaurant, open year-round. 

First opened in 1922, the 18-hole golf course at the Androscoggin Valley Country Club in Gorham was redesigned beginning in 2002. Improvements include increasing the course by an additional 600 yards and updating and adding hazards to make it more challenging. The burbling Androscoggin River and scenic views, along with the AVCC lounge and snack bar add enjoyment to a day on the links.

You know you're near The Maplewood in Bethlehem when you spot the distinctive red-roofed casino building and rounded stone tower on Route 302. The building is all that remains of the Maplewood Hotel, which drew visitors to this White Mountains town from the late 19th century into the 1960s, when the hotel was destroyed in a fire. Designed by Donald Ross in 1914, the 18-hole course includes a rare par 6that is over 650 yards long. The fully stocked pro shop carries all the essentials, and the Grill Room restaurant and bar hit the spot after a round of golf.

The Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield is aptly named for the breathtaking views of the White Mountains that have beckoned visitors to the hotel for 160 years. The 9-hole course, originally built in 1908, takes advantage of the property's scenic location with a challenging course and eye-popping views. Opt for refreshments après golf in the clubhouse or on the Mountain View's front porch with those amazing mountain views. 

The Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill is another White Mountains golf course with spectacular mountain vistas. Golfers have been drawn to this 9-hole course since 1897. Relish the highpoints of your game with your friends afterwards over a cold drink on the outdoor terrace. 

In 1996, the Blackmount Country Club in North Haverhill was created from the former hilltop pasture of the Blackmount Dairy Farm. Cows no longer roam the beautiful location, but today's golfers can appreciate the land's rich history as they tee off or land a putt on the 9-hole course. Blackmount includes a driving range, putting green, rental clubs and a snack bar in the pro shop.    

Mount Washington Valley 

The 18-hole Indian Mound Golf Club in Center Ossipee was designed by architect Phil Wogan and is distinguished by its "relatively level front 9" and "gentle rolling terrain" on its back 9. Grab their popular BBQ on Friday nights in the River's Edge Grille & Tavern. 

The historic Eagle Mountain House in Jackson includes a 9-hole golf course that until 1932 was pastureland where the hotel's livestock grazed. The course is renowned for its mountain vistas and its proximity to the burbling Wildcat River. Amenities include a pro shop, driving range and electric and pull carts. End a day out with friends with food and libations at the Eagle Landing Restaurant & Tavern. www.eaglemt.com/golf   

Want a head-start on playing the 18-hole course at the Wentworth Golf Club in Jackson? The golf club offers a Hole by Hole Tour on its website, including pro tips to help you navigate each hole to make your best shot. You just might get distracted, though, by the picturesque peaks of the Presidentials, along with "the Wildcat and Ellis Rivers as they meander through the course." The fully stocked golf shop includes everything from equipment to apparel. As you work up an appetite, the Red Fox Bar & Grille and Madeline's Deli ensure you won't go hungry.

Golf Magazine called Hales' Location Golf Course in North Conway "One of the most unique and singularly beautiful golf developments in the country." The 9-hole course, designed by Albert Zikorus is both challenging and appealing to all skill levels, and the panoramic mountain vistas add to the pleasure of a morning or afternoon on the links. A chipping and putting area and a driving net help golfers improve their game. On-site dining is available at the Tullamore Tavern or Ledges Restaurant. 

The North Conway Country Club in North Conway is an 18-hole challenging course nestled into former farmland below North Conway Village and along the banks of the Saco River. Golf Advisor named it one of the Top Courses in New Hampshire (2020 #5) (2019 #2) (2018 #1). Spectacular views of Mount Washington and the Presidential and Moat Mountain ranges, add to the course's allure, while the Clubhouse boasts views of Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges. Several levels of golf instruction include group clinics, and private lessons and Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Assessments with the club pro. www. northconwaycountryclub.com 

Central & Lakes Region 

First opened in 1915, the Kingswood Golf Club in Wolfeboro is a classic 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross in 1926 and updated in 1991 by Tom Clark. Golfers can expect "plush, well-maintained fairways, greens that roll fast and true, and an engaging course layout." Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the Sand Trap's dining room, lounge or three-season porch or a cool drink on the Club's patio.  

The Waukewan Golf Club in Center Harbor, like several other New Hampshire courses, was built on former farmland. The 18-hole course is described as a "classic" by GolfNow. Stunning views of the Sandwich Range and its proximity to multiple attractions in the Lakes Region draws golfers of all skill levels every year. Golf Advisor named it #10 among the top courses in the state in 2023. Golfers seeking to improve their game can take advantage of the Club's driving range, practice green, and practice sand trap area.

The Lochmere Golf & Country Club in Tilton holds a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest, and for the past three years was voted "top public golf course in New Hampshire." The 18-hole course with bent grass fairways and impressive views is owned and operated by the Chaille family. Both the 19th Hole Pub and the Greenside Restaurant welcome golfers before or after a round. www.lochmeregolf.com 

A 15-minute drive separates the two Owl's Nest properties in central New Hampshire. Both courses offer excellent golfing for the serious swinger or the recreational golfer. The 18-hole Owl's Nest Resort course in Thornton is the only Nicklaus Design golf course in New Hampshire. NBC Golf Pass named it the #6 best Nicklaus-Designed course by value worldwide. It's 18-hole sister course, the Owl's Nest Vineyard in Ashland, has undergone a complete renovation, along with its clubhouse and Pemi Burger Bar.

First opened in 1898, the Waterville Valley Golf Club in Waterville Valley is a 9-hole course with four par 4s and five par 3s. Fairways challenge golfers with mountain elevations and valley floors. Four 4,000-foot mountains make for a spectacular backdrop.

See this article and more in the summer edition of Journey Home, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty's magazine focusing on New Hampshire real estate and local living.