Golf Course Review: Cape Arundel Golf Club, Kennebunkport, ME

It's a good thing I title my posts with the name of the golf course because I'm not sure how I would title this one.  My reason for blogging about courses is to give my honest opinion so you as a golfer can decide if you'll spend your money and time to play a certain course.  Welcome to Cape Arundel Golf Club, home of Presidential Golf.  

 

(The sign at the entrance to Cape Arundel Golf Club)

Cape Arundel Golf Club: The Course

I have to write this post with mixed emotions.  The course itself is nothing great and if you were to put this in a less picturesque town without its history, it would not be memorable.  The club is most famous because former United States President George H.W. Bush is a member here and lives within miles of the course.  When you enter the clubhouse you see pictures of him at the facility, one of them he's on a satellite phone presumably doing his presidential duty.  It's really cool to see and the small old clubhouse fits in with the local old New England charm. 

 

(The Clubhouse at Cape Arundel Golf Club)

The course itself is nothing to write home about.  A par 69 playing 5,881 yards from the tips, it provides occasional views and charm with less than well maintained golf course.  A river runs through the course and you're required to hit over it several times throughout the round. 

 

(The 2nd tee box sits on the river)

The course has only one par 5 which plays at 480 from the tips.  You'll find only one other hole (the 12th) which plays over 400 yards.  Some of the holes are well kept.  The par 3's for the most part are in good shape.  The back side of the course was in worse shape than the front.  The picture below is of me chipping just short of the 15th green...

 

(My chip shot to the green with a very unique house in the background)

As you can tell from the picture above, the grounds are not well kept and several holes have spots like this.  You can play it as ground under repair and survive but it can get a little frustrating. 

The Par 3's

I can't offer too many complaints on the par 3's.  The course offers two on the front and two on the back.  The 16th is the longest playing at 220 yards but it's straight away.  Water can come into play on 3 of the 4 and on two of them (6th hole & 13th hole) you'll need to carry water in order to hit the green.

 

(The 13th hole is a 165 yard par 3 requiring a tee shot over the river)

What Else

As I mentioned, the history of the club is pretty cool and it does offer some scenery.  When I go on a golf trip I always get something from one of the courses I play.  I had no doubt this course would be the place I got something.

 

(The golf shirt I got from the course... thanks to JY for sponsoring this purchase)

 

(Much cheaper than a shirt, a golf ball displaying the Presidential seal)

The facility does not having a driving range but has a small putting green by the clubhouse.  There is no snackbar but they do have soda machines out on the course and at the clubhouse.  I think a soda was $1.50 and a Powerade was $2.00.  Make sure you have singles or change! 

 

(The picturesque putting green sitting along the side of the river)

 

(Your tee shot on the 18th is intimidating with the river just below you)

What WAM Thinks

If you like history, this course is worth playing just to say you did it.  The people were very friendly and would answer any questions we had about The President playing a the course and what it was like for the Secret Service to be their while he played.  They gave us directions to the Bush compound located just a couple of miles away.  I wouldn't play this course again but I'm happy to say I played it once. 

Location: Kennebunkport, ME

Cost: I paid $45 to walk for the preseason rate.  Regular rate is $65 and carts are an additional $20

Slope/Rating: 67.2/121

Proshop: Yes but bring what you need.

Range:  No but their is a small putting green. 

My Score:  86 (44-42)

Play Again:  No but happy I did once because of the history and charm.

Website: http://www.capearundelgolfclub.com/

Notes:  They were working on the course and it looked like improving it as fast as they can.  I truly hope they do because it's in a great location and has a great history.  It's worth making this a day trip to see Kennebunkport, ME.  It's a beautiful town on the water and worth sticking around for dinner or lunch. 

 

(The home of our 41st President in Kennebunkport, ME)

Comments

[mac]

Excellent review of the course. I also played this course along with the Golf Nomad and I can say his opinion of the course is spot on. I am thrilled to have played it but would not rush back there again. Anyone vacationing in the area should play it for sure just to say you have. Also, there is some great Phil Mickelson memorabilia in the pro shop. He has played there a few times and hold the course record.

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[wwgolf]

This post is not a very fair review of the course to be honest. During the winter of 09-10 the course went though major renovations, and the entire facility was essentially torn up. Honestly, it is a miracle that the course was even playable at the time of the review's writing because of the extent of the renovations. So many of the rough spots have since healed.

[WAMGolf.com]

Hi wwgolf, Thanks for the follow up on this. I'm happy to hear the course is improved and it's good that the readers hear it too. Unfortunately, I can only write about what I see at the present time but if I can make it back up to NH or Maine this year, I'll happily play it again an update the review.

Thanks again for posting to let everyone know it's Cape Arundel is improving!

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