Cape Arundel Golf Club
A historic Walter Travis golf course in Kennebunkport, known for its challenging greens and presidential legacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace
Cape Arundel Golf Club
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Walter Travis golf course in Kennebunkport, known for its challenging greens and presidential legacy.
"This place is wonderful. I had such a great time playing this one. "
🎯 Book 3 Days Out
Non-members can reserve tee times starting three days in advance. Plan ahead! :ticket:
👟 Creative Shot-Making Needed
Don't rely on brute force; this course rewards strategic play and finesse around the greens. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Walter Travis Design
Entire Course
Experience a classic golf layout known for its strategic design and engaging play, a favorite of presidents.
Challenging Undulating Greens
Greens
Test your putting skills on postage-stamp sized greens with significant slopes that demand precision.
Presidential Connections
Clubhouse & Course
Play where Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush honed their game, adding a unique historical layer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time in Advance
Understand the Course's Unique Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Golf - Coastal Maine
🎯 Book 3 Days Out
Non-members can reserve tee times starting three days in advance. Plan ahead! :ticket:
👟 Creative Shot-Making Needed
Don't rely on brute force; this course rewards strategic play and finesse around the greens. :athletic_shoe:
eastern maine golf recs?
POrtland, Maine area course recs please
💰 Value for Money?
Some find the green fees high for the amenities. Consider playing during off-peak times if budget is a concern.
📍 Kennebunkport Location
Enjoy a round in the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport after your game.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book 3 Days Out
Non-members can reserve tee times starting three days in advance. Plan ahead! :ticket:
👟 Creative Shot-Making Needed
Don't rely on brute force; this course rewards strategic play and finesse around the greens. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Value for Money?
Some find the green fees high for the amenities. Consider playing during off-peak times if budget is a concern.
📍 Kennebunkport Location
Enjoy a round in the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport after your game.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cape Arundel Golf Club is lauded for its historic Walter Travis design and challenging, undulating greens, offering a unique strategic test. Many appreciate its presidential connections and enjoyable, albeit shorter, layout. However, some visitors find the green fees to be excessively high for the amenities offered, particularly the absence of food and beverage services, and occasionally experience slow pace of play.
"I’ve played a lot of golf all across the country. And I’ve played a lot of golf “Top 100” golf courses. Let me tell you…this place is wonderful. I had such a great time playing this one. The fairways were generous, greens were probably about average size, but they had plenty of undulation and they rolled great. This is a place I could play every day."
Travis Turner
"Had the unexpected opportunity to play this wonderful, historic course that doesn't worry about whether or not it's "long enough". It simply provides one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf anyone will ever experience. Although short by modern standards, the greens are an experience in and of themselves. You won't need to be a big hitter, but you WILL need to be able to be creative.
Throw in the fact that it's the "Golf Course of Presidents", and you'll never regret teeing it up at Cape Arundel."
Mark Doebler
"So happy I scored my hubby a tee time here. This is the course that George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush always play(ed). They accept non-members three days out. Hubby said it was a challenging and beautiful course."
Dani D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cape Arundel Golf Club is located in Kennebunkport, Maine. If driving from Boston, it's a scenic route along I-95. The club is easily accessible by car.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for golfers at the clubhouse.
Absolutely, using a GPS or navigation app with the club's address will guide you directly to the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can be on the higher side, with some reviews mentioning prices over $250, though others suggest $185 is also common. A fair price is debated, with some suggesting $75-$85.
Yes, non-members can book tee times, but typically only three days in advance.
It is highly recommended to book a tee time in advance, especially for non-members, as the course can get busy.
The course typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the season. It's best to check their official website or call for exact hours.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
This Walter Travis design is known for its strategic layout, featuring challenging, undulating greens and shorter fairways that reward creative shot-making rather than brute force.
While specific details on extensive practice facilities are scarce, the focus is on the course itself. Inquire directly with the club for current offerings.
Standard golf attire is generally expected. Collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or pants are usually required.
While enjoyable for all, beginners might find the challenging greens and strategic layout a bit demanding. It's a course that requires some golf experience to fully appreciate.
Some reviews mention a slower pace of play, with rounds taking up to 5 hours, particularly during peak times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, the course does not feature an on-site bar or restaurant, which is a point of contention for some visitors given the green fees.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to check with the club regarding their policy on outside food and beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic coastal views and the historic charm of the course. The greens themselves, with their unique contours, make for interesting shots.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but always be mindful of other players and the pace of play.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys a round of golf that requires thought and precision, this course offers a unique historical experience. However, be aware that there are no on-site dining facilities, so plan accordingly for snacks and meals.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're on a tighter budget, consider looking for off-peak tee times or exploring other golf courses in the wider Maine area that might offer a more budget-friendly experience.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a tee time for a late afternoon round to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery as the sun begins to set. Afterwards, explore the quaint shops and restaurants Kennebunkport has to offer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walter Travis Legacy
Unlike many modern courses that prioritize length, Travis's designs often focused on the artistry of the short game and approach shots. This philosophy is perfectly embodied at Cape Arundel, where the "postage stamp" greens, though small, are fiercely guarded by strategic bunkering and subtle, yet significant, undulations. Mastering these greens requires a delicate touch and a keen eye for reading putts, making every hole a unique puzzle to solve.
Playing Cape Arundel is an opportunity to step back in time and experience a style of golf design that emphasizes strategy, creativity, and a deep understanding of the game's fundamentals. It's a course that rewards thoughtful play and offers a refreshing departure from the bomber-friendly layouts that dominate much of contemporary golf.
Navigating the Greens
Golfers will find that approach shots must be precise. Overshooting the green can lead to difficult chips or putts from off the surface, while coming up short might leave a long, treacherous putt. The contours are subtle enough to be deceptive, meaning even a seemingly straightforward putt can break in unexpected ways.
Success on these greens often comes down to a combination of good course management, precise iron play, and exceptional putting skills. Players who can accurately judge distance and spin, and who possess a good feel for reading subtle breaks, will find themselves rewarded. It's a test of finesse and touch, making the short game the true determinant of success at Cape Arundel.
The Presidential Connection
For many visitors, the opportunity to play a course with such a distinguished presidential pedigree is a major draw. It evokes a sense of playing on hallowed ground, where important decisions may have been contemplated and where generations of a prominent American family have enjoyed the sport. This historical resonance elevates the round beyond just a game of golf.
While the course itself is a compelling reason to visit, the knowledge that it's a place where presidents have teed off adds an undeniable allure. It's a chance to connect with a piece of American history while enjoying a challenging and enjoyable round of golf in a beautiful setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit