New Hampshire’s rolling terrain, sparkling lakes, and high mountain backdrops create a captivating canvas for golf. From the forested corners of the Monadnock Region to breezy coastal fairways, each town on this list pairs small-town charm with satisfying tee boxes.
Our countdown moves from rustic countryside settings to iconic mountain vistas, proving that a Granite State golf trip can feel fresh every time the clubs come out. Let’s start the swing in Tamworth and end amid the White Mountains’ grandest peaks.
16. Tamworth: Rustic Charm and Golfing Bliss
Tamworth wins hearts with an unhurried pace and thick pine forests that hug every fairway. White Mountain Country Club, a semi-private course just over the town line, mixes generous landing areas with tricky greens that reward a deft short game.
After the final putt, golfers often cool off with a swim in nearby Lake Chocorua or sample small-batch spirits at Tamworth Distilling, whose backyard herb garden supplies unusual infusions.
Summer weekends bring outdoor Shakespeare at the Barnstormers Theatre, the nation’s oldest professional summer playhouse, adding artsy variety to a golf getaway. Leaf-peepers love an October round when fiery maples frame each tee box like stained glass.
In every season, Tamworth’s raw White Mountain foothill beauty turns a simple round into an unplugged retreat. The average price for a 3-4 bedroom home in Tamworth ranges from $350,000 to $500,000, offering a perfect balance of rural charm and access to premier golf courses.
Where is Tamworth?
Tamworth sits on NH Route 16 between North Conway and Ossipee, straddling the line where the Lakes Region meets the southern White Mountains. Mount Chocorua towers to the north, its granite summit reflecting perfectly in the namesake lake on calm mornings.
Travelers reach town in about two hours from Boston via I-95 and NH Spaulding Turnpike, then a scenic cruise through farm country. That blend of easy access and wild setting makes Tamworth an appealing first stop on a New Hampshire golf circuit.
15. Amherst: Family-Friendly Courses in Nature’s Embrace
Amherst anchors the southern tier with courses that invite every skill level, from juniors gripping their first 7-iron to veterans chasing personal bests. Souhegan Woods Golf Club headlines the scene, weaving through oak groves and wetlands with generous fairways that still demand solid approach shots.
Nearby Buckmeadow Golf Club focuses on nine casual holes and a driving range, perfect for a relaxed loop with kids or newcomers. Off the links, the town green hosts summer concerts while the Joe English Reservation offers mellow hikes shaded by towering white pines.
Local favorite Moulton’s Market keeps golfers fueled with homemade pastries and grab-and-go sandwiches ideal for an early tee time. With friendly starters and approachable layouts, Amherst quietly proves that great golf isn’t limited to resort destinations.
3-4 bedroom homes in Amherst are priced between $500,000 and $750,000, making it an ideal town for those who enjoy golf and a picturesque New England setting.
Where is Amherst?
The town lies just west of Nashua along Route 101A, an hour from Boston and thirty minutes from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Set in the Merrimack Valley’s gentle hills, Amherst benefits from sandy, well-drained soil that keeps fairways playable soon after spring thaws.
Visitors can arrive via I-495 to the south or I-93 to the east, both feeding into NH Route 101. Once settled, everything—courses, restaurants, and trailheads—sits within a ten-minute drive, so clubs rarely leave the trunk.
14. Portsmouth: Ocean Views and Perfect Greens
History and salt air mingle on Portsmouth’s tee boxes, where colonial redbrick downtown is minutes from manicured seaside fairways. Portsmouth Country Club in neighboring Greenland dishes out sweeping Great Bay vistas on holes 3 and 16, often accompanied by harbor seals bobbing near the marsh.
Serious players test themselves at Breakfast Hill Golf Club, famous for granite outcrops that guard several greens like natural bunkers. Afterward, Market Square’s cobblestone streets lure golfers to celebrate birdies with a lobster roll at Old Ferry Landing or an IPA at Earth Eagle Brewings.
A lesser-known gem, Sagamore Creek’s nine-hole Pease Par 3, serves as the ideal warm-up loop before tackling 18 elsewhere. From sunrise drives to sunset schooner sails, Portsmouth wraps every round in coastal flair.
3-4 bedroom homes in Portsmouth range from $600,000 to $900,000, offering options for those who seek an upscale golfing lifestyle with easy access to the coast.
Where is Portsmouth?
Perched on New Hampshire’s short seacoast, Portsmouth is accessible via I-95, just 55 miles north of Boston. The Piscataqua River separates town from Maine, and incoming tides deliver cooling breezes that tame midsummer heat on the fairways.
Pease International Tradeport, five minutes from downtown, welcomes private flights and houses the Pease Golf Course complex. Once in town, a compact road network lets golfers park once and reach courses, restaurants, and the harbor on two wheels or on foot.
13. Dover: Coastal Golf with a Historic Twist
Dover blends mill-town heritage with a growing golf reputation anchored by Cochecho Country Club, a Donald Ross design dating to 1923. Undulating greens here demand a confident stroke, and the par-3 sixth drops steeply toward the Cochecho River, a postcard in late afternoon light.
Public players gravitate to nearby The Links at Outlook, a Scottish-style layout over the Maine line that pairs pot bunkers with sweeping marsh views. Downtown brick warehouses now house cafés like Flight Coffee and small-batch ice-cream shop Dover Delite, perfect for post-round refueling.
Railroad history buffs can visit the Woodman Museum’s steam engine exhibit before an evening nine under golden skies. Dover’s mix of venerable design and modern comforts keeps golfers returning from spring through fall.
3-4 bedroom homes in Dover typically cost between $350,000 and $600,000, providing an attractive option for golf lovers looking for a vibrant town with recreational opportunities.
Where is Dover?
The city lies 12 miles inland from the Atlantic along NH Route 16, roughly 70 minutes north of Boston. Its location on the Cochecho River once powered textile mills and now provides scenic water views from several holes.
Amtrak’s Downeaster stops downtown, offering a car-free route for Boston-based golfers hauling Sunday bags. Local roads fan out to Portsmouth and Rochester, placing four additional courses within a 20-minute drive.
12. Lebanon: Diverse Courses in the Upper Valley
Lebanon serves as a gateway to New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, where golf options range from classic hilltop tracks to wooded resort rounds. Carter Country Club, designed in 1923 by George Sargent, charms with tiny greens that reward precision over power.
A short drive south, Eastman Golf Links offers a four-star Golf Digest layout winding through a lake community—don’t miss the downhill par-3 twelfth framed by white birches. After golf, the Northern Rail Trail entices cyclists, while Salt Hill Pub pours hometown brews with live folk music on weekends.
Hidden in plain sight, Fore-U Golf Center stays open under lights until 9 p.m., letting night-owl golfers sharpen wedges beneath starry skies. Lebanon’s variety means every handicap finds a comfortable tee box without repeating holes day to day.
3-4 bedroom homes in Lebanon are priced between $350,000 and $550,000, offering a peaceful environment with a range of nearby golf courses to enjoy.
Where is Lebanon?
Positioned at the junction of I-89 and I-91 on the Vermont border, Lebanon is two hours from both Boston and Montreal. The Connecticut River valley funnels cool evening air that often lifts late-day approach shots.
Visitors can fly into Lebanon Municipal Airport, a five-minute ride from downtown hotels and Carter CC. With Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center anchoring the region, road signage and services are plentiful, easing navigation between courses.
11. Claremont: Discover Golf’s Hidden Gem
Claremont slips under most radar yet delights golfers seeking crowd-free fairways and wallet-friendly greens fees. Crown Point Country Club, perched high in neighboring Springfield, Vermont, treats players to Green Mountain panoramas on nearly every tee box while maintaining a New Hampshire-friendly commute.
In town, Claremont Country Club’s nine holes play fast, allowing a walking loop before breakfast at nearby Reed Optical Diner—yes, an optometrist-turned-retro-café. Moody Park’s trail network sits five minutes from the clubhouse, tempting golfers with a post-round summit walk and distant views of Mount Ascutney.
Summer Thursdays bring a lively farmers market on Broad Street, complete with live bluegrass, rounding out the small-town vibe. Low-key, scenic, and affordable, Claremont rewards explorers who venture off the main golf circuit.
3-4 bedroom homes in Claremont range from $250,000 to $400,000, making it an affordable destination for families who appreciate golf and outdoor activities.
Where is Claremont?
Claremont nestles along the Connecticut River in southwestern New Hampshire, reachable via NH Route 103 between I-89 and I-91. The river valley shields the area from harsh northern winds, extending the shoulder season for optimistic spring golfers.
Closest commercial flights land at Lebanon, 35 minutes north, though many visitors drive in from Boston in about two hours. Once in town, Routes 11 and 12 present effortless access to four courses within a 25-minute radius.
10. Laconia: Lakeside Golfing Adventures
Laconia anchors the Lakes Region’s summer buzz, where tee boxes often double as viewing decks for Winnipesaukee’s shimmering expanse. Pheasant Ridge Golf Club zigzags across high ground, and its par-5 fourth delivers a panoramic water vista worth a brief photo stop.
Laconia Country Club, a private Donald Ross gem, occasionally opens limited public tee times that feel like golden tickets—watch for early-June charity scrambles.
Away from the course, Weirs Beach’s boardwalk offers quick bites between rounds, while a sunset cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington pairs nicely with post-round relaxation.
Motor-sports fans take time trips to Bike Week in June, transforming the town into a rolling museum of chrome and leather. With boat rentals, hiking at Mount Major, and plenty of golf, Laconia stages a choose-your-own-adventure getaway.
3-4 bedroom homes in Laconia typically cost between $350,000 and $550,000, offering a blend of lakeside beauty and proximity to golf courses.
Where is Laconia?
The city rests between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam along NH Route 106, about 90 minutes north of Boston and 45 minutes from Concord. Water on three sides moderates summer heat, keeping bent-grass greens lush through August.
Visitors can sail into Laconia Municipal Airport or dock boats at public marinas, then reach courses in under ten minutes. Scenic Route 11 circles the big lake, linking Laconia with Wolfeboro and Alton for an easy multi-town golf loop.
9. Keene: Serene Fairways Under Majestic Oaks
Keene’s broad main street and arching oak trees mirror the calm found on its fairways. Bretwood Golf Course, with two distinct 18-hole tracks along the Ashuelot River, routinely tops statewide rankings—many locals swear the North Course’s 600-yard finisher is New Hampshire’s stoutest closing hole.
A mile away, Keene Country Club honors a 1920s layout where stone walls slice through rough and test directional commitment off the tee.
Downtown, life revolves around four bookstores, an indie cinema, and an annual pumpkin festival that once held a world record for jack-o-lanterns—plan a fall golf trip to catch orange orbs glowing beside autumn fairways. Beer enthusiasts refuel at Branch and Blade Brewing, whose hazy IPAs have cult followings.
With culture, cuisine, and quality golf in one tidy package, Keene excels at laid-back sophistication. 3-4 bedroom homes in Keene are priced between $350,000 and $550,000, offering a charming town with easy access to excellent golfing facilities.
Where is Keene?
Keene occupies the southwest corner of the state near the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, accessible via NH Route 9 from I-91 or MA Route 2. The surrounding Monadnock foothills channel mild breezes, so summer mornings often start with mist hanging over river holes at Bretwood.
Boston and Hartford golfers reach town in under two hours, making Keene a practical weekend base. Once settled, most courses sit within a 15-minute radius, minimizing windshield time and maximizing swing count.
8. Exeter: Historic Town Meets Modern Golfing
Founded in 1638, Exeter pairs classic New England streetscapes with a progressive golf scene anchored by Exeter Country Club, America’s second-oldest nine-hole layout in continuous play.
Renovations keep the course fresh while preserving original stonework, and the par-3 third drops sharply toward the tidal Squamscott River. Kings Crossing Golf Club, set to the west, spices things up with a Toptracer-equipped range for high-tech practice sessions.
Away from golf, the American Independence Museum displays one of the original Dunlap broadsides of the Declaration, offering a quick history lesson between nines. Locals tip visitors to Stillwells Riverwalk Ice Cream for a Maple Bacon sundae that tastes better than it sounds.
Exeter proves you can walk 18th-century brick sidewalks in the morning and track ball flight data in the afternoon. 3-4 bedroom homes in Exeter range from $500,000 to $750,000, perfect for those who enjoy golf amidst the beauty of this historic New England town.
Where is Exeter?
The town lies ten miles inland from the Atlantic along NH Route 101, about an hour north of Boston and 20 minutes from Portsmouth. Flanked by tidal rivers and salt marshes, Exeter enjoys cooler summer evenings than interior towns, ideal for twilight rates.
The Amtrak station downtown makes rail travel feasible for those who prefer clubs over car keys. From the depot, a quick rideshare trip reaches both local courses in minutes.
7. Hanover: Ivy League Greens Await You
Home to Dartmouth College, Hanover melds academic energy with pastoral fairways framed by the Connecticut River.
While Dartmouth’s historic course is under renovation, golfers head to Hanover Country Club’s temporary nine or cross the bridge to Montague Golf Club in Vermont, where 100-year-old maples guard narrow fairways.
Rich academic life spills over through the Hood Museum of Art and Baker-Berry Library’s iconic tower, giving golf trips a cultured edge. Post-round, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery serves legendary crullers that vanish as quickly as an errant slice.
An often-missed gem, the nine-hole Carter Golf Course at nearby Dartmouth Skiway offers affordable mountain golf with slopes doubling as fairways in summer. Hanover ensures brains and birdies share top billing.
3-4 bedroom homes in Hanover are priced between $700,000 and $1,000,000, reflecting the area’s appeal to golf enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious lifestyle.
Where is Hanover?
Hanover perches on the Connecticut River’s east bank, just off I-91 at Exit 13, roughly 140 miles from Boston and 100 miles from Burlington. The river valley features dramatic elevation changes within minutes of downtown, making mountain and parkland golf styles equally accessible.
Dartmouth Coach provides direct bus service from Logan Airport straight to the Green, sparing visitors the drive. Once on foot, Hanover’s compact center lets golfers dine, shop, and stroll without starting the engine.
6. Peterborough: Experience Golf in Monadnock’s Tranquil Setting
Peterborough exudes small-town charm, immortalized as “Our Town” in Thornton Wilder’s play, and its golf lives up to the poetic setting. Crotched Mountain Golf Club, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr., features sweeping vistas of Mount Monadnock from the elevated seventh tee—bring the camera.
For a quieter loop, nine-hole Shattuck Links sneaks through deep hardwood forest with wooden footbridges connecting greens and cart paths. Downtown’s Toadstool Bookshop and Peterborough Diner make leisurely post-round stops, while the Contoocook Riverwalk offers an easy leg stretch as dragonflies skim the water.
A hidden perk: Mariposa Museum’s global folk art exhibits add cultural depth seldom found in towns of 6,000. Golfers leave Peterborough refreshed and a little more reflective. 3-4 bedroom homes in Peterborough range from $350,000 to $500,000, offering an inviting town for those who enjoy golfing and outdoor recreation.
Where is Peterborough?
The town lies along US Route 202 in southern New Hampshire, about 90 minutes from both Boston and Hartford. Granite-strewn hills surrounding Mount Monadnock shape dramatic uphill and downhill shots on local courses.
Drivers like NH Route 101 deliver winding approaches with glimpses of stone walls and farm ponds hinting at the landscape waiting on the tee box. With Manchester-Boston Regional Airport under an hour away, Peterborough balances accessibility with a true countryside feel.
5. Wolfeboro: Tee Off by the Shores of Lake Winnipesaukee
Wolfeboro claims the title “Oldest Summer Resort in America,” and its golf scene honors that legacy with lakeside elegance. Kingswood Golf Club’s refurbished greens roll fast toward Winnipesaukee’s glittering waters, especially on the signature par-4 twelfth, where loons occasionally call mid-swing.
Ten minutes south, Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club offers a private Tom Fazio design; limited stay-and-play packages grant access to sprawling white-sand bunkers and elevation swings rarely found in New England.
After golf, downtown’s Main Street beckons with boutique shopping and Shibley’s on the Pier for fresh-caught rainbow trout. Don’t skip a late afternoon paddleboard session from Brewster Beach—the calm water works wonders on tired shoulders. Wolfeboro effortlessly marries refined resort vibes with laid-back lake life.
3-4 bedroom homes in Wolfeboro are priced between $500,000 and $750,000, making it a great choice for golf lovers seeking a lakeside retreat with nearby golf courses.
Where is Wolfeboro?
Set on Winnipesaukee’s eastern shore, Wolfeboro is reachable via NH Route 28, an hour north of Portsmouth and two hours from Boston. The lake’s 72 square miles moderate summer temperatures, ensuring bent-grass fairways remain emerald well into August.
Scenic Route 109 skirts the shoreline and delivers postcard views on the approach to the first tee. Seasonal Winnipesaukee ferries also connect Wolfeboro with Alton Bay and Center Harbor, letting visitors arrive by water in true resort style.
4. Bethlehem: Elevate Your Game in New Hampshire’s North Country
Perched at 1,460 feet, Bethlehem enjoys the state’s highest downtown, translating to cool breezes and longer drives on its two classic courses. Bethlehem Country Club, a 1915 Donald Ross creation, features crowned greens that can make a three-putt feel like success.
The Maplewood Golf Club, once part of a grand hotel, pairs stately white-columned clubhouse architecture with mountain vistas stretching to the Presidential Range.
Off the links, golfers explore the town’s burgeoning arts scene at WREN Gallery or sample small-batch chocolate at Chutters, home to the world’s longest candy counter. Twilight rounds often end under fiery sunsets that linger a bit longer thanks to the higher elevation horizon.
Bethlehem turns every swing into an alpine memory without the long Rocky Mountain flight. 3-4 bedroom homes in Bethlehem typically cost between $300,000 and $500,000, offering options for those who enjoy golf with a small-town atmosphere.
Where is Bethlehem?
Located on US Route 302 between Franconia and Twin Mountain, Bethlehem sits just 15 minutes from I-93’s Exit 40. The White Mountain ridgelines funnel cool, dry air that keeps fairways firm and fast, enhancing high-altitude carry.
Travelers from Boston cover the 140-mile drive in roughly two and a half hours, often pairing golf with a Franconia Notch hike. Local shuttle services connect Bethlehem with nearby trailheads and hotels, making car-free weekends plausible.
3. Jackson: Picturesque Golfing in a Storybook Village
Jackson feels plucked from a postcard, complete with covered bridge, white-steepled church, and two inviting riverside courses. Wentworth Golf Club runs through the village center, where the Ellis River’s gentle bends create natural water hazards that glisten in morning light.
A mile uphill, Eagle Mountain House Golf Club offers nine historic holes whose elevated third tee frames Mount Washington like a painting. After finishing, golfers often stroll to J-Town Deli for homemade Whoopie Pies or soak in views from the Jackson Falls swimming hole.
The village hosts weekly croquet on the common, and many players trade clubs for mallets before dinner at the Thompson House Eatery. Jackson’s intimate scale lets visitors golf, dine, and explore without ever starting the car.
3-4 bedroom homes in Jackson range from $400,000 to $600,000, perfect for those who appreciate a quaint village setting and access to scenic golf courses.
Where is Jackson?
The village sits on NH Route 16B, 15 minutes north of North Conway and 2.5 hours from Portland International Jetport. Hemmed in by the Presidential and Carter-Moriah ranges, Jackson enjoys dramatic vistas in every direction, making even short par-3s feel grand.
Access is simple: follow NH Route 16 through Pinkham Notch until the iconic red-roofed covered bridge signals arrival. A network of shuttle vans in summer links Jackson with neighboring trailheads and Story Land, handy for families splitting time between swings and rides.
2. Bretton Woods: Golf at the Historic Mount Washington Resort
Bretton Woods epitomizes Golden Age mountain golf, with the Omni Mount Washington Resort’s red-rooed grandeur reflecting off manicured fairways. Donald Ross shaped the 1915 course to showcase Mount Washington’s snowy summit; hole 11 offers the purest postcard angle.
Its sister layout, the Mount Pleasant Course, runs along the Ammonoosuc River and tempts risk-reward players with reachable par-5s under prevailing tailwinds.
Off the greens, guests tackle New England’s longest zipline tour or sunset cocktails on the famous hotel veranda where the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference once took place.
In autumn, the Cog Railway’s steam whistle provides background music for late-day putts, underscoring the area’s unique blend of history and adventure. Bretton Woods turns a round into a time-traveling alpine escape.
3-4 bedroom homes in Bretton Woods are priced between $500,000 and $750,000, ideal for golf enthusiasts who want to live near one of the region’s top golf resorts.
Where is Bretton Woods?
The resort lies on US Route 302, 30 minutes northwest of North Conway and 160 miles from Boston via I-93 and the scenic Franconia Notch Parkway. Sitting at 1,600 feet, the valley delivers cool summer temperatures ideal for midday tee times.
Park once, and a complimentary shuttle moves guests between courses, the hotel, and the trailheads. Those arriving by air often fly into Manchester or Portland, then enjoy a mountain-lined drive that builds anticipation with every bend.
1. North Conway: Swing Away in the Heart of the White Mountains
North Conway crowns the list by marrying vibrant village life with jaw-dropping mountain golf. North Conway Country Club’s riverside holes present uninterrupted views of Cathedral Ledge and Moat Mountain, especially the par-5 ninth, where trains from the Conway Scenic Railroad whistle past behind the green.
Hales Location Golf Course, tucked beneath sheer granite cliffs, boasts one of the state’s shortest yet most scenic par-3s at just 128 yards over a glacial pond. After golf, the village’s outlet shops, craft breweries like Moat Mountain Smoke House, and the cliff-side hiking routes of White Horse Ledge provide endless diversions.
Hidden gem Cathedral Ledge Distillery offers organic spirits distilled with local spring water—a perfect souvenir after a low round. With first-rate golf, lively après-golf options, and the White Mountains framing every fairway, North Conway sets a high bar for New Hampshire golf towns.
3-4 bedroom homes in North Conway typically cost between $400,000 and $600,000, offering easy access to world-class golf courses surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Where is North Conway?
Situated on NH Route 16 in the Mount Washington Valley, North Conway is 130 miles from Boston and 75 miles from Portland, Maine. The Saco River wraps around town, shaping risk-reward holes and giving rise to tubing adventures post-round.
Drivers enjoy a scenic ascent through the Kancamagus Highway if approaching from the west, while rail fans can step off an Amtrak Thruway bus at the historic station right beside North Conway CC’s first tee.
Once here, most attractions lie within a three-mile radius, letting golfers swap spikes for sandals and explore car-free under the mountain skyline.
