Located just off exit 3A on 95, Pease Golf Course sits just minutes outside of Portsmouth, NH. If you have trouble finding the course, just follow signs for the Airfield and you'll eventually run into it, that's what we did. This was the first round we played on our New Hampshire Golf Trip.
Pease Golf Course
The 27 hole facility doesn't look like much when you pull up. The small clubhouse and and gravel parking lot don't lend much to the eyes. The airfield located a lob wedge away makes you think this will be a less than memorable round.
The course is divided in tow parts, an 18 holes course (we played the back 9 of the 18 holes) and the Blue Course. We didn't get to play it but I did some asking around and the Blue Course comes with a free cart because it's so spread out.
The course itself is in good condition and offers reasonable challenges on most holes. You can navigate your way through and avoid OB and woods for the most part. A creek does run through a few of the holes on the back 9 which can cause some havoc on a misplaced shot.
(The 15th hole from green to tee. A straight away par 5 with a creek and OB right playing 508 from the tips)
The Par 3's
The back 9 offered us the chance to play 3 par 3's. This is exactly what you want after driving for 5+ hours, being locked out of your condo, and not warming up. The 11th hole is a downhill par 3 playing 236 yards.... fortunately we were playing the white tees and it was only 185. Club selection is key and OB sits just to the left. I came within a putter-head of it.
The 14th and 16th holes were par 3's which required carry. The 14th over water and the 16th over one of the largest bunkers I have ever seen. Their relatively short distance, 157 & 182 from the tips, makes it slightly easier to cope with. I hit the green on the 14th and was left with 60+ft for my putt.
What Else
We didn't stick around for a drink or food after but they did have a cart out on the course. Beer was reasonably priced and Snickers were $1. The clubhouse seemed to be a popular spot after but I think it was because of a league going on. I didn't confirm it but the clubhouse looked pretty new.
(The Clubhouse and Practice facility)
When we arrived the range was a popular place. The grass driving range with putting green looked like a good enough place to warm up as any. I didn't see bunkers or chipping but if you're hitting off grass, that's pretty good.
(The sun sets over the 17th green)
What WAM Thinks?
I would have liked to play 18 or at least played the Blue Course here. If I'm in the area, I would play it again. It's not a country club but if you're looking for a good public course in the area, it's worth playing. The people were friendly and able to accommodate us despite not having a tee time and leagues heading out.
One of the coolest things about this place is the airfield next door. I posted this picture in my previous post but it's worth showing again:
(A view of my cousin teeing off on 18 with a USAF cargo plane landing)
We saw no less than 5 planes come in for a landing. Most of them small but the two USAF cargo planes were really something to see. Check out the Pease Golf Course website for the history of the course and it will make sense. It was once owned by the United States Airforce. Interesting stuff.
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Cost: We paid $33 each with a cart but it was after 5 and only played 9 holes. Check the site for pricing
Rating/Slope: 70.3/126 (From the tips) or 68.8/120 (from the White tees)
Proshop: Yes and it has everything you would need if you forget something.
Range: Grass driving range and putting green
My Score: 41 (Played the back 9 only from the whites)
Play
Again: Yes, I would play here again.
Website:
Pease Golf Course
Notes: If you're in the area, it's a good place to get a round in at a reasonable price. The airfield adds something unique to it and it's located one exit from THE Portsmouth Circle. The cargo plane is below:
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