Newport National Golf Club, Newport, Rhode Island, Usa

http://www.newportnational.com

While spring has already sprung in Rome, winter was still alive in Boston at the end of March.

March 2013 has been one of the snowiest and coldest March of the last years in the Massachusetts's Capital, and all golf courses of the area were still closed. Some of them were supposed to be opened by March 22nd, but a new storm delayed the official opening to the Easter weekend.

I had a couple of days off in Boston, and of course an occasion not to be missed to play new courses. 

After some research it turned out Rhode Island had several courses already opened for the season.

I decided then to head south to Newport, RI, a little more then one hour from downtown Boston. A short drive to discover a new golfing destination, a spectacular historic town and two marvelous golf courses: Newport National Golf Club and The Carnegie Abbey. 

Newport National Golf Club is a semi-private club that opened in 2002 located in Middletown, just a few miles form Newport. It is home to a links-style championship course (The Orchard Course) designed by Arthur Hills (Journey at Pechanga and Black Golf GC) and Drew Rogers.

The original project included two 18 holes courses, a private course (The Orchard) and a resort course (The Vineyard) but for several issues up to today only the fist one has been completed and I think the original project has been suspended.

The Orchard course is a fun course to play, with several challenging holes, and stunning views of the Sakonnet Passage, Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay.

Due to the season and the cold temperature the grass of the fairways and greens were still dormant, but conditions were immaculate (Played on 3/26).

After a short Par 5 and a Par 4, holes 3 and 4 are two unique par 3s that play in opposite directions.

I really loved the back 9, more challenging with some impressive holes.

From the black tees it is 7,244 yds long, with 74.4/138 rating.

In just a little more then 10 years it received several accolades. A must play considered the #1 public golf course in Rhode Island:

“Best Courses You Can Play” by Golfweek

 #4 overall course in Rhode Island by Golf Digest

#1 public access course in Rhode Island by Golf Digest

top twenty public courses in the US by Golf Digest

Top 10 Links-Style Course in the US by PGA.com, 2011

Ranked Best Public Course in New England by New England Golf Monthly in '09, '10, '11 and '12

Best Course You Can Play in Rhode Island by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golfweek and New England Golf Monthly

Putting Green

The temporary clubhouse

#1 Hole 522 yds Par 5

#2 Hole 440 yds Par 4

#8 Hole 567 yds Par 5

#8 Hole 567 yds Par 5 and its square shaped green

#9 Hole 391 yds Par 4

#11 Hole 550 yds Par 5

#11 Hole 550 yds Par 5

#12 Hole 366 yds Par 4

#12 Hole 366 yds Par 4

#13 Hole 170 yds Par 3

#17 Hole 489 yds Par 4

#17 Hole 489 yds Par 4

#18 Hole 415 yds Par 4

#18 Hole 415 yds Par 4