Highland Golf Links
Experience one of America's oldest public golf courses, a true links challenge with breathtaking ocean and lighthouse views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunrise & fewer crowds
Highland Golf Links
Best Time
Sunrise & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience one of America's oldest public golf courses, a true links challenge with breathtaking ocean and lighthouse views.
"A true gem—a fun and challenging links design that never disappoints with unreal views."
Book Tee Times in Advance
Popular for its unique links style and views, booking ahead is recommended, especially in peak season. :ticket:
Embrace the Wind
This is a true links course; expect wind to be a significant factor in your game. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean & Lighthouse Vistas
Throughout the course
Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Highland Lighthouse from nearly every hole.
Historic Links Design
Entire course
Experience one of the oldest public golf courses in the US, a true links-style challenge.
Highland Lighthouse
Adjacent to the golf course
Climb this historic lighthouse for panoramic views of Cape Cod and the surrounding waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Links Challenge
Combine Golf with Iconic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Popular for its unique links style and views, booking ahead is recommended, especially in peak season. :ticket:
Embrace the Wind
This is a true links course; expect wind to be a significant factor in your game. :windblowingface:
Strategic Play is Key
Undulating fairways and blind shots reward smart course management over brute force. :golf_ball:
Walk the Course
Consider walking to fully appreciate the terrain and preserve the course's natural state. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tee Times in Advance
Popular for its unique links style and views, booking ahead is recommended, especially in peak season. :ticket:
Embrace the Wind
This is a true links course; expect wind to be a significant factor in your game. :windblowingface:
Strategic Play is Key
Undulating fairways and blind shots reward smart course management over brute force. :golf_ball:
Walk the Course
Consider walking to fully appreciate the terrain and preserve the course's natural state. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Lighthouse Visit
Don't miss the chance to tour the adjacent Highland Lighthouse for incredible views. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Highland Links for its authentic links-style challenge, stunning ocean and lighthouse views, and historic charm. It's praised as a unique and affordable Cape Cod golf experience. Some note that the course conditions, particularly greens, can be inconsistent, and pace of play can be slow due to beginner golfers and cart usage.
"Our family has been coming to Cape Cod for summers since the late 80s, and a trip to Highland Light and a round at Highland Links Golf Course have always been essential parts of our tradition. The golf course is a true gem—a fun and challenging links design that never disappoints.
The links-style layout offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the iconic Highland Lighthouse from nearly every hole. It's a unique and special experience that you just can't get anywhere else. It’s important to know that due to the nature of a true links course, you won't find pristine, manicured fairways or lightning-fast greens. The rough isn't thick and punishing; instead, it's a course that rewards strategic play and an appreciation for the natural landscape. It's a fun and unique experience every time we play.
After our round, a walk to Highland Light and a tour of the lighthouse museum are always well worth it. The history and the views are incredible. While the walk down to the observation deck is nice, it’s worth noting that much of the overgrowth has impacted the view, so you can’t see as much as you once could. Despite this, the combination of the historic lighthouse and the classic golf course makes for an unforgettable day. Highland Links and Highland Light are a must-visit for anyone who loves golf, history, and stunning ocean views."
George DeVita
"Highland Links is truly one of a kind — a historic seaside course that feels like stepping back in time. The views of the Atlantic and Highland Light are absolutely stunning, and the natural terrain makes every shot a real adventure. It’s classic Cape Cod golf at its best — raw, windy, and beautiful. The staff is friendly, and the course is well cared for given its age and location. A must-play for anyone who loves the game and New England golf history."
Nicholas Bridle
"Beautiful links course (the oldest in the U.S.) Fun and challenging with great sight lines to ocean and light house. Early morning round gave amazing sunrise and deer. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful, will be back each summer."
Chris Gagnon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highland Links is located in North Truro, MA, on the Outer Cape. Driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available on-site. If coming from other parts of the Cape, be prepared for potential traffic, especially during summer months.
Public transportation options to North Truro are limited. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) offers bus services, but direct routes to the golf course might require additional local transport or a walk. It's best to check their current schedules.
The course is walkable, and many visitors prefer to walk to fully experience the links terrain. Golf carts are available for rent, but some reviews suggest walking might be preferred to preserve the course.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees at Highland Links are considered accessible for a seaside course, often around $38 for 9 holes. Prices can vary by season and time of day, so it's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most current rates.
Yes, booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (summer and fall). This ensures you get your preferred time and avoids disappointment.
Highland Links typically opens early in the morning and closes around sunset. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
While specific package deals aren't heavily advertised, the course is known for its affordable rates compared to other seaside courses. Keep an eye on their website for any seasonal promotions or special offers.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Highland Links is a true links-style course, one of the oldest in the US. Expect challenging, undulating fairways, blind shots, and smaller greens. The natural terrain and wind are key features. +1
The course offers a unique challenge due to its links design, wind, and natural contours. It rewards strategic play and course management. While not overly long, the conditions can make it demanding.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Highland Links and can even ride in the golf cart, making it a pet-friendly destination for golfers.
The views are spectacular! You'll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Highland Lighthouse from many holes. It's a photographer's dream.
While carts are available for rent, many visitors and reviewers suggest walking the course to fully appreciate its character and preserve the land. Some reviews mention concerns about cart usage.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire course offers incredible photo opportunities with the ocean and lighthouse as backdrops. Holes near the lighthouse and along the coastline are particularly scenic. Early morning and late afternoon light are magical. +1
Early mornings often provide stunning sunrises and a chance to see deer, while late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light. The dramatic coastal scenery is captivating at any time.
Absolutely! The lighthouse is visible from many points on the course, offering fantastic photographic compositions. You can also visit the lighthouse itself for closer shots and panoramic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider playing a shorter round or focusing on the views if younger children aren't avid golfers. The open spaces and coastal scenery are engaging. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities might be more limited than at larger resorts. The historic nature of both the course and lighthouse can also be an educational element for family trips.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when rates might be even lower, or look for twilight rates. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help keep costs down. The experience itself—playing a historic course with ocean views—is priceless and offers a memorable day out without a hefty price tag.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
Appreciate the history of the course, dating back to 1892, and the strategic design that rewards thoughtful play. Be prepared for conditions that differ significantly from manicured courses; embrace the challenge of the natural landscape. Playing Highland Links is not just a round of golf; it's an immersion into golf history and a unique challenge that will be discussed long after you've left the course.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of True Links Golf
Unlike courses with thick rough, Highland Links often features natural grasses that can be penal but also playable. The emphasis is on strategic shot-making and adapting to the elements. Blind shots are common, requiring trust in your yardages and a bit of local knowledge or good luck. This style of golf is a test of adaptability and rewards players who can keep the ball low and control their trajectory. It's an experience that many golfers seek out for its historical significance and unique challenge.
History and Heritage: More Than Just Golf
Many visitors combine a round of golf with a tour of the lighthouse, creating a full day of exploration. The lighthouse museum offers insights into the lives of lighthouse keepers and the importance of these structures to seafaring history. While the course itself is a historical artifact, the surrounding landscape and the lighthouse cement Highland Links as a destination steeped in New England heritage. It’s a place where you can feel the echoes of the past while enjoying a classic round of golf.
Navigating the Course: Carts vs. Walking
However, golf carts are available for rent, offering convenience for those who prefer or need them. It's worth noting that some visitors have observed less-than-ideal cart usage, leading to suggestions for stricter enforcement or even age restrictions for cart rentals. If you choose to rent a cart, be mindful of designated paths and the course's natural landscape. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preference and physical ability, but understanding the course's character might sway you towards walking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit