Maine Golf Travel

A Classic On The Maine Coast

By Wayne Mills, Contributing Writer. Photos: Jason Kennedy, Baystate Images

The coast of Maine with it’s craggy, rockbound shoreline, quaint villages and abundant lobster and other seafood has an almost mythical reputation. The Samoset Resort offers all of that and oceanfront golf too.

Set on 230 acres overlooking Penobscot Bay in Rockland, The Samoset has been welcoming guests since the 1880’s in this location. The original hotel burned to the ground in 1972 but the new Samoset opened its doors on September 9, 1974, constructed almost entirely from the beautiful old timbers of a deserted granary, which was once a Portland, Maine landmark.

Today, the Samoset Resort is once again an award-winning year-round resort and conference center. They have been honored with the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award, ranked among the best golf resorts in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, and named one of the best family vacation destinations in the world by Travel + Leisure. The Samoset Resort is also a certified “Environmental Leader” for their commitment to eco-friendly practices including water conservation, composting, and resort-wide recycling programs.

While the coast of Maine boasts many miles of shoreline, precious little of it is utilized for golf. The Samoset boasts seven direct oceanfront holes, more than any course in New England and views of the Atlantic from 14 of the 18 holes.

Originally designed as a nine-hole course in 1902, Samoset Resort Golf Course celebrated its centennial year in 2002 and was also a qualifying event on the former Nike Tour. In 1974, the course was rebuilt as an 18-hole course by notable architect Robert Elder and the early 1990s, Geoffrey Cornish improved many of the holes including 10, 11 and 18.

In 2000, Maine based Bradley Booth was instrumental in redesigning and rebuilding holes 4, 5, 14, 18 as well as the introduction of the practice area.

The Samoset’s signature hole, the parfive 4th, plays alongside Penobscot Bay. The hole boasts an impressive stone seawall that encompasses the contoured green with added bunkers and elevation. The 185-yard par-three 5th hole (formerly a par-four), features a demanding uphill slope and a tee box located directly above the seawall on Penobscot Bay, playing to a heavily bunkered bank and front sloping green. With the 520 yard, par-five 18th hole being as strong a finishing hole as you could ever ask for, it’s easy to see why the Samoset is ranked as among the best golf courses in New England.

The Samoset Resort is truly a family destination. There is literally something that will appeal to everyone. Soak up the sun from the spectacular 200,000-gallon “zero entry” pool and multi-tiered deck. Indulge in a little personalized pampering at the seaside Spa and salon. Families planning a vacation in Maine will love the tennis, basketball, disc golf and lawn games at our Ultimate Backyard, along with the fun-filled children’s activities at the Samoset Kids Club.

The Samoset has it all in a spectacular Maine seaside setting. GRD

Samoset Hole #5 Samoset Hole #4 Samoset Hole #2

For more information: SAMOSETRESORT.COM 800.341.1650