As a nearly lifelong fan and gal who dreams of calling it a permanent second home, I like to think I know every nook and side trail of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley.
After all, I’ve been a regular there since my parents first brought me in the late 1960s.
But like most every aspect of my life, being newer to golf has offered me a glimpse at a vital, beautiful and totally amazing part of the valley I’d barely experienced before: the wealth of diverse, interesting and lovely golf tracks that sit tucked into beautiful spots of the valley.
I’d played a couple of them before when I was a “non-player player.” I always loved Hale’s Location, and as a small child, watched my mother tee off from the first tee (right across from the verandah) of the Eagle Mountain House.
But now, as a true and dedicated golfer, I can go back and discover both those and many more. Because the Valley truly is a golf paradise. With the variety and charm, I’d argue it’s a top spot for a golf escape no matter what distance you travel from.
Here are a few superlatives I personally award courses in the area.
Best Second Chance Stop: Hale’s Location Golf Course (https://www.haleslocationgolf.com) with its challenging and interesting nine holes, “only here” views (like the hole up against White Horse Ledge where it’s totally the norm to have hang gliders soaring just above you and the holes that look out toward historic Cranmore Mountain) and the easy-to-access setting (literally a five minute drive at most from the center of North Conway), Hale’s is super fun. And since it’s a 9 hole, I like to do 18, offering me another chance to score well with my newly-acquired course knowledge
Apres golf here can be course side – the White Mountain Hotel offers “Nine and Wine” specials regularly, or head into North Conway and grab just about any kind of bite you desire.
Best Anchor Course: For a full 18-hole “in the middle of it all” golf vibe, head to the North Conway Country Club (https://northconwaycountryclub.com), right next to the village’s classic train station. NCCC is open to the public but treats you like a private club member. You’ll find well maintained fairways and greens, friendly staff, award-winning pros and of course, the thrill of the mountain views, chugging train passing by and just plain knowing you’re in the heart of the valley.
Both breakfast and lunch get rave reviews on site, so you can trust a 19th hole experience there.
Best Under-the-Radar Club: It’s not smack in the middle of North Conway, but Indian Mound Golf Club (https://www.indianmoundgc.com) open to both private and public play, is worth a little drive south of town.
Indian Mound got extra love when a new owner came in about 15 years ago. Today, you’ll find a great set up; the front nine is shorter – like a great warm up – and features lots of streams and ponds. The second nine gets a little more aggressive and challenges you with rolling terrain.
Signature hole? It’s not called that, but on the fourth if you look out over the pond, you almost always see fish jumping
The Club’s River Edge Tavern is good enough to warrant a dining experience for even non-golfers. Or make it a day and night and book a dinner – or dinner and a room! – at the beautiful Snow Village Inn (https://www.snowvillageinn.com).
Valedictorian: The two courses of the Mount Washington Hotel, one an 18-hole Ross Championship course and the other a lovely and challenging nine-hole, are life experience worthy and a must for any visiting golfer. Tee Thursday will be sharing a visit there in full soon so stay tuned.
For now just know they offer white glove level service, sweeping views, challenging holes and a magnificent location.
Dining there is a must, whether you choose the elegant main dining room, the more quaint but just as incredible Bretton Arms, the casual vibe of Stickneys, drinks in the prohibition throwback “Cave,” or just a sip and a snack on the hotel verandah.
Honorable Mention: The nine-hole Eagle Mountain House course (https://www.eaglemt.com/golf) has seen better times. Recent deluge storms have brought it a little damage along the edges (it’s being worked on). But it’s still a lovely nine-hole course worth a visit.
The views make it worthy on their own. Starting up above Jackson village and winding along the Wildcat River, you’ll look up at beautiful Tyrol and Black Mountains and wind down past iconic Jackson Falls.
Post round, pop right into the Eagle Mountain House for amazing food and inspired cocktails.
There are more, too. You can find a full rundown of area courses at https://www.visitmwv.com
