🏌️‍♂️ Tee Off in Paradise: The Ultimate Guide to Golfing the Maine Highlands (2025 Edition)

Writer: Gerry Caron | May 19, 2025 | 7 min read

🌲 Elevate Your Game: Why the Maine Highlands is New England’s Premier Golf Sanctuary

Are you ready to swap the suburban country club for a high-energy “wilderness golf” odyssey? The Maine Highlands is officially the 2025 headquarters for golfers seeking more than just a scorecard. From the legendary 800-foot flint cliffs of Mount Kineo to the technical masterclasses designed by Donald Ross, this region offers a rare fusion of elite play and staggering natural beauty.

Whether you’re chasing the sun over the Appalachian Trail or aiming for a birdie with a view of Mount Katahdin, these courses deliver a “bucket list” experience that is as rugged as it is refined. Grab your clubs and prepare to launch your ball into the heart of Maine’s wild soul.

🏌️‍♂️ Elite 18-Hole Championship Rounds

1. Penobscot Valley Country Club (Orono)

• The Draw: A crown jewel designed by the legendary Donald Ross.

• Vibe: This historic course has challenged pros for nearly a century. Expect rolling terrain and technical greens that demand absolute precision.

• 📍 Address: 366 Main St, Orono, ME 04473 | Visit Website

2. Bangor Municipal Golf Course (“The Muni”)

• The Draw: A massive 27-hole complex designed by Geoffrey Cornish.

• Pro Tip: Tackle the “Kelly Nine” for a high-intensity round featuring tight fairways and punishing bunkers.

• 📍 Address: 278 Webster Ave, Bangor, ME 04401 | Visit Website

3. JaTo Highlands Golf Course (Lincoln)

• The Draw: Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Penobscot Valley and Mount Katahdin.

• Vibe: Serene, elevated, and technical. JaTo is widely considered the most scenic 18-hole round in the northern Highlands.

• 📍 Address: 175 Town Farm Rd, Lincoln, ME 04457 | Visit Website

⛳ Scenic 9-Hole Gems: Quick Rounds with Big Views

1. Mount Kineo Golf Course (Rockwood)

• The Legend: Accessible only by a scenic shuttle boat across Moosehead Lake.

• The Signature: Hole #4 is a par-3 shot directly across the water to a green tucked at the base of the Kineo cliffs.

• 📍 Address: 62 Village Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478 | Visit Website

2. Squaw Village Golf Course (Greenville)

• The History: A classic 1922 layout nestled in the mountains of Greenville Junction.

• Vibe: Short but deceptive. Small, tiered greens make this a technical gem for tactical golfers.

• 📍 Address: 60 Squaw Village Rd, Greenville Junction, ME 04442 | Visit Website

3. Hillcrest Golf Club (Millinocket)

• The Backdrop: Hilly terrain offering the most iconic views of Mount Katahdin in the region.

• History: A legacy course established in 1930 that captures the true grit and beauty of northern Maine.

• 📍 Address: 1 Golf Course Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462 | Visit Website

🧭 Plan Your 2025 High-Energy Golf Getaway

• Diverse Play: Mix and match historic 9-hole classics with modern 18-hole championship layouts.

• Wildlife Gallery: Don’t be surprised to see moose, bald eagles, or loons as your gallery.

• Stay Informed: themainehighlands.com | Phone: (207) 564-7116

🏨 The Ultimate Sanctuary: Moose River Lookout

Maximize your golf trip by staying at the premier sanctuary of the Highlands. Moose River Lookout in Rockwood offers an idyllic riverside escape at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Elite Access: Just a short walk or paddle to the Mount Kineo Shuttle for a legendary round on the water.

• Riverside Luxury: Enjoy a private dock on the Moose River—the perfect place to relax after a day on the links.

• Adventure HQ: Direct access to ITS66 for hiking, ATVing, and wildlife spotting.

Book Your Stay:

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout