Golf in Maine
Overview
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This page explains golf in Maine. The sorter handles the local question by city or ZIP.
Golf in Maine
Maine's coastal geography and short summer season concentrate golfing into roughly May through October, though the state has more than 140 courses including many affordable public layouts along the mid-coast and in the greater Portland area. Coastal courses around Kennebunk and Bar Harbor are known for scenic ocean-adjacent terrain.
Published local price
South Portland Municipal Golf Course (9-hole par 33 public municipal course); 18-hole equivalent fee weekdays $18, weekends/holidays $20; Riverside Golf Course (Portland area) 2026 weekday rate $48 for 18 holes; rates vary by season and tee time
Published range: $18 to $53.
South Portland Municipal Golf Course · as of 2026Where to go
Golf score
43rd of 51 states for retirement golf
Golf score blends year-round playability (34%), playable access (16%), affordability (16%), course pedigree (12%), and statewide course density (22%).
Courses
A sample of marquee courses across Maine, with where to play and how to book.
Granite outcrops and panoramic lake views across a mountainside routing · Clive Clark
A mountainside course above the Belgrade Lakes, with granite ledges and big water views the whole way around. It plays tough and rewards a thoughtful round.
Opened 1998 · $$$$ · Slope 146
Mountain holes through the gorge along the Carrabassett River · Robert Trent Jones Jr.
A dramatic mountain course in Carrabassett Valley where the back nine drops into a river gorge. The scenery is unmatched and the cart comes with your round.
Opened 1986 · $$$$ · Slope 151
Seven oceanside holes along the seawall on Penobscot Bay · Geoffrey Cornish
Often called the Pebble Beach of the East, with seven holes hugging Penobscot Bay. The ocean views from Rockport keep this one on every Maine golfer's list.
$$$$ · Slope 133
A short links shotmaker with small, undulating greens and water views · Walter Travis
A historic Walter Travis links in Kennebunkport that favors placement over power. The public can play by calling the shop, and the small greens test every part of your game.
Opened 1921 · $$$ · Slope 123
Wide fairways through white birch forest near Sebago Lake · George Sargent
A roomy championship layout set in 500 acres of white birch forest by Sebago Lake. Five tee boxes mean you can pick a length that fits your game on any given day.
Opened 1994 · $$$ · Slope 135
Big elevation changes and mountain vistas in Newry · Robert Trent Jones Jr.
A modern mountain course with sweeping elevation changes and wide, forgiving fairways. The views over the western Maine peaks are worth the trip on their own.
Opened 2005 · $$$$ · Slope 150
A walkable parkland layout right in the city of Bangor · Geoffrey Cornish
A friendly city-owned course in the heart of Bangor where walking is included in the green fee and a cart is just an option. Rates stay easy, especially early in the week.
Opened 1964 · $ · Slope 115
A renovated coastal layout with rock outcrops and harbor air · Bruce Hepner
A fully rebuilt course on the Boothbay peninsula in beautiful condition, with caddies available if you want to walk. The coastal setting makes for a memorable day out.
Opened 2014 · $$$$ · Slope 139
We've mapped 8 courses across Maine so far.
What Maine costs
Cost of living
97
BEA index, U.S. = 100
State income tax
~4.5% state income-tax planning rate
Social Security
Not taxed
How people start
Most metros list city-run courses with published fee schedules. Those set the affordable floor before any private club enters the picture.
Many courses post a reduced weekday senior rate and a season pass. The difference between pay-per-round and a pass is the number that usually drives the yearly cost.
In warm states the season runs most of the year; in cold ones it is a few months. The yearly cost is rounds-per-year times rate, plus cart and equipment.
Common questions
Maine's coastal geography and short summer season concentrate golfing into roughly May through October, though the state has more than 140 courses including many affordable public layouts along the mid-coast and in the greater Portland area. Coastal courses around Kennebunk and Bar Harbor are known for scenic ocean-adjacent terrain.
Maine has a cost-of-living index near 97 (U.S. = 100), about a 4.5% state income-tax planning rate, and does not tax Social Security. The full state guide breaks down property tax, sales tax, and long-term-care costs, each sourced.
Sources