Samoset Resort (Rockport, ME)

When it comes to Maine golf, Samoset is regarded as one of the state’s jewels. It has long views across Penobscot Bay, and a rocky coastline that is simply stunning. Eleven of its holes either play along the ocean or have ocean views, making it a must play for visiting golfers.

Samoset started out as a nine hole course in 1902 and was expanded to eighteen holes in 1974 by Robert Elder. Geoffrey Cornish renovated it in the 1990s, and local architect William Booth renovated it again in 2000, touching up holes 4,5,14,18. While not possessing championship length, it can play long depending on the strength of the wind. 

(As the player emerges from the first tee, this view starts to take shape at the green. It’s a beautiful downland vista of several holes and the bay. It’s at this moment you’ll get that tingling of being somewhere special.) 

The front nine at Samoset is as beautiful as they come. It puts its best foot forward, and shows its cards right away. The par three third and par five fourth are the showstoppers, and rightfully take their place as two of the best holes in America. 

(The 227/190 yard par three third tees off on the ocean and plays over a cove to an elevated green…
…from the back tees, it’s an all out carry. Note how much of the putting surface is not viewable. Besides being uphill, the bunkers hide the front. This is actually a double green, and far right bunker is left of the putting surface for the par four sixth…
…thankfully the tees were moved up the day we played it. From the tips, this is an incredibly difficult shot, and if into a headwind, can be downright brutal.) 

(The 503/481 yard par five fourth hugs the shoreline and curves like a reverse C. The green is behind the golfer in the picture…
…if one can draw the ball down the left, then this par five becomes reachable in two, however, the second is across the corner of bay and has three bunkers guarding the green…
…the view from behind the green is mesmerizing. The breakwall extends out to the lighthouse. Note how small the people walking on it look! Hopefully a birdie or par (even eagle!) will make this view even more glorious.) 

The original holes are easy to identify by the clean unobstructed views found at the greens. They’re raised pads with bunkers cut into the sides. The golf is simple with mild elevation change. The entire goal it seems is not to compete with scenery. Fun, enjoyable, and inspirational best describes it. 

(The 395/330 yard par four eighth is a perfect example of the architecture originally here. The clean backdrop behind and to the sides makes the green look natural in its location.) 

The new holes unfortunately don’t abide by this rule, and the architecture is noticeably inferior. Mounded greens, dug out ponds, and overall lack of space brings the course down. At the par five fourteenth, the golfer actually drives back two hundred yards to hit his tee shot past where he was just standing. It’s painful. The truth be told, very few good nine hole courses are able to add another nine holes comparable to it. And that is the problem with Samoset. 

(At the 535/494 yard par five twelfth, the hole doglegs at this rock and sprints between a very narrow passageway through the trees. With all the beautiful open views on the front, what a disappointment to see this.) 

Samoset does get back to the shoreline starting at the fourteenth green and for the entire fifteenth hole. Both fifteen and seventeen are terrific par fours. These two holes salvage any ill will towards the back and reminds the golfer of the quality holes on the front. 

(The green on the 545/500 yard par five fourteenth almost makes up for the silly backtracking one does on the drive. That is North Haven Island out in the distance.)

(The 375/355 yard par four fifteenth plays directly against the shoreline on the left. At one time the resort was planning to build condominiums on this land, and there is an alternative fifteenth hole on the other side of the right tree line…
…I’m glad they reconsidered because this is a beautiful green site. Everything that makes this resort beloved is in full view here.) 

(The 440/400 yard par four seventeenth is a long two shotter with two large rocks in the center of the fairway. The green is downhill (one can see the putting surface just left of the right rock) and the golfer gets one more sublime view before the round is finished. Both the drive and the approach are full of fun, and yes the rocks are in play.)

Samoset has a spectacular setting and it is understandable why the locals are so proud of it. I would describe it this way, Samoset is a great place to take your wife or girlfriend. She’ll love the views and the course won’t beat her up. I give it a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play). 

(The 520/478 yard par five eighteenth has a pond guarding the green. It’s reachable in two shots but there’s plenty of trouble waiting. It used to be a par four but was extended when they last renovated it. The wind is the biggest decider on whether it plays easy or hard.) 

(The clubhouse oozes classic New England charm. Adirondack chairs sit outside so one can watch folks teeing off or finishing up.) 

(Lobster rolls, margaritas, Captain n Coke and great views like this make summer in Maine unforgettable!)