Top 5 beach courses – East Coast
The eastern coast of the USA, from the South Carolina/Georgia border, up to the northern tip of Maine, stretches long and diverse. Loaded with fantastic beaches and even better golf, the task of narrowing down this piece to five spots was arduous, but you are worth it! If we found one of your favorites, great minds think alike. If these are new to you, put your developer hat down and put on your explorer cap. Here’s a glance at five great golf courses with bomb beaches nearby, along America’s east coast.
Jones Beach, Long Island, NY and Bethpage Five Courses
I call them The Crayons, because you have the Black, Red, Yellow, Green and Blue courses at Bethpage State Park. Each of them is reminiscent of another era of golf course design, yet each has its own character.For New York State residents, Bethpage is a great deal; for the rest of us, it’s still quite affordable. Due south is Jones Beach, about 20 miles away. Land of concerts, over 6 miles of beaches, and even some fishing piers, this barrier island is actually man-made, or at least man-enhanced; it was built in the 1920s.
Food near Jones Beach: Crazy Oyster
Food near Bethpage State Park: Whiskey Down Diner
Airbnb near Jones Beach: Mid July 2020 for 4 adults
Airbnb near Bethpage State Park: Mid July 2020 for 4 adults
Myrtle Beach and Caledonia/True Blue
Myrtle Beach is so many places, to so many people. The Grand Strand peaked at 105 courses or so in the 1990s, but has receded to “only” 80 courses. Our focus is on the southern end, away from the traffic, on Pawley’s Island. Speaking of traffic, get to know Route 31, running inland from Little River up north, to Socastee down south. It will save you oodles of traffic lights and times as you move from one course to another. The late Mike Strantz designed less than 10 golf courses before passing at age 50. Two of them are located on Pawley’s Island: Caledonia and True Blue. Don’t miss them. You won’t forget them.
Food in Myrtle Beach: Simply Southern Smokehouse
Food on Pawley’s Island: Chive Blossom Cafe
Airbnb in Myrtle Beach: Mid May 2020 for 4 adults
Airbnb on Pawley’s Island: Mid May 2020 for 4 adults
Kennebunkport beaches and Cape Arundel/Webhannet
The Bush family compound in Kennebunkport announced the area to the world in the 1980s, but this corner of Maine has been a favorite of New England’s visitors for decades. The family favors Cape Arundel, but Webhannet is closer to the water and the sand. Undecided? Play both. Cape Arundel is the toughest, short course you’ll ever play, highlighted by its undulating, Walter-Travis greens.
Food near Kennebunkport beaches: Salt and Honey
Food near Cape Arundel: Bandaloop
Airbnb in Kennebunkport: Mid August 2020 for 4 adults
Airbnb near Cape Arundel: Mid August 2020 for 4 adults
Atlantic City CC and Atlantic City
There are two faces to Atlantic City. The casino and boardwalk part, made famous by the Monopoly board game, is the glitzy attraction, sitting hard against the Atlantic Ocean. Off the spit are smaller, interesting communities. One of them is Northfield, where the term birdie was coined at Atlantic City country club. Restored by Tom Doak and Renaissance Golf over a decade ago, the old dame is a treat to play. And as boardwalks and beaches go, it’s hard to top AC.
Food near Atlantic City boardwalk: World Famous Boardwalk Fish and Chips
Food near Atlantic City country club: Carluccio’s Coal Fired Pizza
Airbnb near Atlantic City boardwalk: Mid June 2020 for 4 adults
Airbnb near Athlantic City country club: Mid June 2020 for 4 adults
Provincetown and Cape Cod National/Highland Links
Cape Cod has its own vibe and, sometimes, its own language. Even if you don’t start every sentence with Era, or if you don’t identify as sound-side or bay-side, you can’t miss out on the hook. One of the most special links golf courses sits amid the dunes in North Truro, on the way to Provincetown. The national seashore is loaded with protected sand but, somehow, this little 9-holer exists. At the bend lies Cape Cod National, a more traditional, American-style course. Stay in Provincetown, and you’ll have a whaling experience and see the entirety of Da Cape.
Food in Provincetown: Squealing Pig
Food near Highland Links: Blackfish
Airbnb in Provincetown, MA: Mid July 2020 for 4 adults
Airbnb near Cape Cod National golf club: Mid July 2020 for 4 adults
