Jamestown Golf Course (Jamestown, RI)

Jamestown is a nine hole golf course just outside Newport Rhode Island. It was designed in 1901 in a field with a modest slope but beautiful views of the countryside and Narragansett Bay. The holes gently meander over the terrain, accommodating all skill levels with an openness off the tee, while cunningly defending par with a set of intricate greens. 
(A splendid view of Pell Bridge starts your day at Jamestown. A slight breeze, great conditions, and playful atmosphere remind one of golf’s true spirit.) 

Jamestown has a rich history which unfortunately is incomplete. The original course was established in 1895 before moving to the present location in 1901. There is no architect of record. I wish there was because this little course has some really cool greens. There are some sunken front sections where one must judge the bounce and rollout of the approach. A couple have a “whale back” in the middle and demand a very precise shot to get close. And others have a good deal of slope. 

(This short par four exhibits a simple golf philosophy. Challenge the OB and have a pitch shot to a green sloped towards you. It’s easy enough but a downhill putt can prove treacherous.) 

(Look at this wonderful putting surface! A crease in the middle defines the test. Note left side of pic where the green is sunken. The proper shot hits several yards short and bounces onto the green. Par is a very good score.) 

Newport is an odd city for golf. There’s only one public eighteen hole golf course, and there’s Jamestown. All the others are private clubs. It’s disappointing. Several of them are the best in the US with Newport CC being the premier club. 
(The bunker is on the direct line from the back tee. It hides the front part of the green and causes a bit of doubt even with a short iron in hand.) 

(The pin is on the “whale back” in this pic. It takes a well struck shot to get close, otherwise the surrounding slopes will funnel the ball away to the sides or the back of the green.) 

Jamestown does a wonderful job providing a good golf experience. It’s playable, very difficult to lose a ball, and challenging where it needs to be. And since it’s only nine holes, a couple hours is all one needs to play it. Add in the terrific views of the bridge, and Jamestown is a winner. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes). 

Sidebar:

Five miles away from Jamestown is one of America’s best urban hikes. Newport’s Cliffwalk is an experience that surpasses many expectations. It blends natural beauty with 1900 mansions. Most of it is paved but there are several sections where one is walking over huge boulders or going through tunnels. I highly recommend a trip here.