
Bass River Golf Course
Historic Donald Ross design on Cape Cod with beautiful water views and a challenging par 3 finish.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace

Bass River Golf Course
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Donald Ross design on Cape Cod with beautiful water views and a challenging par 3 finish.
"A classic Donald Ross masterpiece offering great value and scenic beauty on Cape Cod."

🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular public course, book ahead to guarantee your spot!
🏃♂️ Keep Pace of Play
Rangers enforce pace; be ready to move to avoid delays.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Donald Ross Design
Entire Course
Experience a classic Donald Ross masterpiece, a testament to timeless golf course architecture.

Stunning Water Views
Various Holes
Enjoy picturesque water views, a rare and beautiful feature for a public course on Cape Cod.

Epic Par 3 Finish
Holes 17 & 18
Conclude your round with two challenging par 3s, offering a memorable and demanding finish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time in Advance
Pace of Play is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular public course, book ahead to guarantee your spot!
🏃♂️ Keep Pace of Play
Rangers enforce pace; be ready to move to avoid delays.
💧 Enjoy Water Views
Appreciate the scenic water vistas, a highlight of the course.
📸 Capture the Finish
The par 3 finish is iconic; don't miss a photo op!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular public course, book ahead to guarantee your spot!
🏃♂️ Keep Pace of Play
Rangers enforce pace; be ready to move to avoid delays.
💧 Enjoy Water Views
Appreciate the scenic water vistas, a highlight of the course.
📸 Capture the Finish
The par 3 finish is iconic; don't miss a photo op!
🚗 Carts Available
New carts are available, but check policies for non-players.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bass River Golf Course is praised for its beautiful Donald Ross design, well-maintained greens, and scenic water views, offering great value as a public course. However, some visitors have experienced issues with the starter and pace of play enforcement, and there are mixed reviews regarding amenities like cart girls. The course's policy on non-playing cart riders has also been a point of dissatisfaction for some.
"One of my favorite courses on the Cape. The Rangers are so nice and helpful. They enforce pace of play but in the right way. They know golf is supposed to be fun and embrace the combination of golf traditions and that goal to have fun.
Beautiful course"
OJ
"Brand new carts, greens were in good shape, unfortunately no cart girl for refreshments and couldn't really stop to grab anything due to a fear the ranger would ask us to keep up pace of play..
I'm not sure why but their signature hole isn't the one over the bay anymore.. Tough to end on 2 par 3s...
Ill come back in hopes of a redesign."
Matthew Mellace
"Course was pretty and in great shape! But what would I know, just a female? Was spoken to by the starter (2 older women we were paired with who are avid golfers and my fiancé and myself). Was spoken to by the starter to keep up with the group in-front of us who were then upset when I (don’t play ever) almost hit them on the green 3 times, I understand golf etiquette and what not being a part of camps as a child but this place was nothing more than a pretty golf course. If you go on a weekend (even off season for cape) play fast and play loose, that’s preferred."
Kay M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bass River Golf Course is located in Yarmouth, MA on Cape Cod. It's easily accessible by car via Route 6. GPS navigation is recommended. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, the course is well-signposted in Yarmouth. Follow signs for the golf course once you're in the vicinity.
From Boston, take I-93 South to MA-3 South, then merge onto MA-6 East towards Cape Cod. Take the appropriate exit for Yarmouth. The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Public transportation options directly to the golf course are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for convenient access to Cape Cod golf courses.
From Hyannis, take MA-28 East towards Yarmouth. Turn left onto MA-134 North, and then take a right onto Great Western Road, which leads to the golf course.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bass River Golf Course rates vary depending on residency and time of play. It's recommended to check their official website or call for the most current pricing for green fees and cart rentals.
Yes, online booking for tee times is typically available through the Bass River Golf Course website or affiliated booking platforms. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
The course generally opens early in the morning and closes at dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
No, Bass River Golf Course is a public town-owned course, meaning anyone can play. Tee times are available to the general public.
Discounts may be available for residents of Yarmouth, seniors, or juniors. Check the course's website or inquire when booking your tee time for potential savings.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Bass River Golf Course features a classic Donald Ross design with tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards. It offers a good mix of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Yes, the course is known for its beautiful water views and several holes incorporate water hazards, adding to the strategic challenge.
Reviews generally indicate that the greens are well-maintained and in good shape, providing a good putting surface.
The course is generally considered walkable, though some holes may have moderate distances between them. Many golfers opt for carts.
While historically known for a signature hole over the bay, the course now features an epic par 3 finish with holes 17 and 18.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is typically a clubhouse with food and beverage options available. However, some reviews mention a lack of a cart girl for refreshments during play.
The clubhouse usually offers standard golf course fare, including sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. It's a good place to grab a bite before or after your round.
Policies on outside food and beverages can vary. It's advisable to check with the course management or clubhouse staff regarding their specific rules.
Yarmouth and the surrounding Cape Cod area offer a wide variety of restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale dining. You'll find plenty of options nearby.
The clubhouse typically includes a bar area where golfers can relax and enjoy a drink after their game.
📸 📸 Photography
The holes with water views offer excellent photographic opportunities. The finishing par 3s are also visually striking.
Drone usage policies can be strict at golf courses. It's essential to check with Bass River Golf Course management beforehand to inquire about their drone regulations.
With its water views and classic design, Bass River Golf Course provides a scenic backdrop for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions for photography, with softer light and fewer shadows.
Holes offering water views and the dramatic par 3s at the end of the course are often highlighted for their photographic appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For non-golfing family members, the policy on allowing non-players to ride along in carts has been a point of contention for some. While some courses are accommodating, Bass River has been less flexible in this regard. If you're planning to accompany golfers without playing yourself, it's best to inquire about their specific cart policy beforehand. The clubhouse offers a place to relax, and the surrounding Yarmouth area has other family-friendly attractions.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the course offers good value, be aware that there might not be a cart girl for refreshments, so come prepared with your own drinks and snacks. The focus on pace of play means you'll likely get through your round efficiently, maximizing the value of your green fee. For a memorable round that won't break the bank, Bass River is a solid choice.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Donald Ross Gem on Cape Cod
The course measures around 6,100 yards, making it accessible for a wide range of players. While not excessively long by modern standards, its strategic design ensures that accuracy and course management are rewarded. The presence of water hazards on several holes adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful consideration of club selection and trajectory. The course has seen recent improvements, including a new bridge, enhancing the player experience and preserving its historical charm.
Golfers often praise Bass River for its excellent conditions, particularly the greens, which are generally reported to be well-maintained. The combination of its historical significance, scenic beauty, and challenging layout makes Bass River Golf Course a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting Cape Cod.
Navigating Pace of Play and Etiquette
Some visitors have noted that the rangers are firm but fair, aiming to balance tradition with the goal of having fun. This means golfers should be ready to hit when it's their turn and avoid unnecessary delays. For those who prefer a more leisurely round without pressure, it might be advisable to play during less busy times, such as weekday mornings.
It's also worth noting that while the course is beautiful, the focus on pace can sometimes overshadow other aspects for some players. Understanding and respecting the course's commitment to timely play will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience at Bass River Golf Course.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit