Newport National Golf Club
Newport National Golf Club delivers an authentic links-style challenge along Rhode Island’s coast, with 18 holes that test precision against coastal winds. Its accessible layout and well-kept conditions make it a solid destination for players seeking a public championship-style experience.
Course Overview
Situated along the rugged coastline of Middletown, Rhode Island, Newport National Golf Club offers a demanding links-style experience that tests strategic shot-making amid Atlantic breezes. This 18-hole public course lays out a challenging routing on gently rolling terrain with natural dune-like mounding, fescue grasses, and wide-open fairways that invite the bold while punishing errant shots. The course plays to a par of 71, stretching over 6,900 yards from the back tees, with several long par 4s that remain engaging and approachable from forward tees, making it suitable for a wide range of skill levels.
Throughout the round, golfers confront a varied landscape where wind becomes a crucial player. Bunkers are positioned with purpose, guarding greens and complicating approaches, while the course’s fescue-lined edges add a coastal flavor that demands precision. The layout is straightforward in its design but layered with subtle challenges requiring solid course management.
Play at Newport National is a test of patience and adaptability, underscored by well-maintained turf conditions that reflect rigorous upkeep despite occasional weather-driven challenges. The expansive greens provide true and firm surfaces, rewarding players who strike the ball cleanly.
Though the clubhouse facilities show signs of age, the course itself holds up remarkably well considering its coastal location. Players should take note that restrooms are limited midway through the front nine, an important consideration for planning your round. The club encourages walking where possible to fully engage with the course’s natural flow, but golf carts are available upon request.
Newport National’s setting may lack dramatic elevation changes or estate grounds common to other classic venues, yet its relentless exposure to ocean winds and links-like terrain offers a rare combination of accessibility and challenge. It is a venue where focused golfers can sharpen all aspects of their game, from tee shots to delicate putts shaped by wind and slope. Ideal for players seeking a public course that stretches the game without feeling forbidding, Newport National stands as a solid choice for those visiting or residing in the region.
Course Highlights
The course’s defining feature is its exposed, wind-swept routing that embraces classic links golf elements such as fescue grasses, strategically placed bunkers, and large undulating greens. Several long par 4s demand thoughtful club selection and course management. Unlike many New England courses, Newport National offers a true links feel, with coastal winds and open landscapes shaping the round’s challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Brendan Wimberly
Beautiful golf course. Terribly inhospitable to public players and wouldn’t recommend. I played with a large group first thing in the morning. We stayed on pace of play the whole time and finished in four hours. As we were the first group, the ranger was on us, aggressively and demeaningly, throughout the round - sitting at our tee boxes, continually warning us to speed up. Conditions were terrible and there was NO backup on the course. That we played in 4 hours when we couldn’t see the fairway in front of us through the fog on the front 9 is actually impressive. If this is how you treat public players, just don’t offer public tee times. The ranger’s behavior really impacted my group’s ability to enjoy the day.
Rob G
Place was in fantastic condition
Mikail Turan
Hunter Shinn
I’ve never heard of a public golf course where you are not allowed to use the practice facilities unless you have a tee time. I’ve lived on the island for a long time and never received this information nor is it posted anywhere on their website. The place is way overpriced to begin with and now you won’t even let people use the practice green unless you pay a ridiculous $150 greens fee. Do better Newport National.
Brendan Wimberly
Beautiful golf course. Terribly inhospitable to public players and wouldn’t recommend. I played with a large group first thing in the morning. We stayed on pace of play the whole time and finished in four hours. As we were the first group, the ranger was on us, aggressively and demeaningly, throughout the round - sitting at our tee boxes, continually warning us to speed up. Conditions were terrible and there was NO backup on the course. That we played in 4 hours when we couldn’t see the fairway in front of us through the fog on the front 9 is actually impressive. If this is how you treat public players, just don’t offer public tee times. The ranger’s behavior really impacted my group’s ability to enjoy the day.
Zach Sonnenberg
Course was in great shape, and staff was friendly. Not the most scenic course or exciting design, so it's overpriced for what it is.
NP 48
Hunter Shinn
I’ve never heard of a public golf course where you are not allowed to use the practice facilities unless you have a tee time. I’ve lived on the island for a long time and never received this information nor is it posted anywhere on their website. The place is way overpriced to begin with and now you won’t even let people use the practice green unless you pay a ridiculous $150 greens fee. Do better Newport National.
Stella Lee
A fun challenging (eg several long par 4s from the forward tee) link style course. The course conditions were outstanding. We (3) were the second group to tee off and finished within 4 hours (thanks to the foursome in front of us who asked us to pass through after the front nine). The clubhouse, on the other hand, was pretty outdated. Also there is no flush restrooms after the front nine. I will have to keep that in mind the next time I come ;)
Bill Chen
Top 5 public golf courses in New England perfect conditions during early Nov must be nice during peak season, a little pricy but it’s worth it
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Course Details
Access & Location
324 Mitchell's Ln, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop and dining facilities
Course is walking friendly but carts available on request; firm footing recommended given links-style terrain
Tee times available to the general public; booking recommended during peak season
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