YARMOUTH, Massachusetts – Golf is not just another game on Cape Cod. It’s a major industry and one of the largest revenue producing businesses from its loyal customer base of locals and tourists.
In 2023 the Cape Cod tourism industry generated more than $251 million in total revenues, with the golf component claiming about $170 million, roughly 65 percent of the tourism pie.
That’s a lot of golf balls, hotel/motel room nights, meals and green fees.
With 42 golf courses routed up, down and across the 65-mile-long peninsula, some golf aficionados affectionately call this Cape Cod neighborhood the “Golf Coast.”
Among the 15 towns stretching from Bourne to Provincetown, Yarmouth is centrally located with the population of about 27,000 home to many retired Baby Boomers and vacationers.
Settled in 1639, Yarmouth opened Bass River Golf Course in 1900, which on July 2 celebrated its 125th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a day filled with fun, festivities and golf including a two-person Scramble tournament, prizes, 125th anniversary merchandise, best dressed contest, food, drinks and putting contest.
“This is a special day and special year for the Town of Yarmouth and Bass River Golf Course,” said Head Golf Professional Dennis Hoye, host of the celebration. “2025 marks the 125th anniversary of Bass River Golf Course, which was redesigned in 1914 by world-renowned golf architect Donald Ross. The town is exceptionally proud of the success that Bass River has had in bringing tourists coming to Cape Cod wanting to play golf here year after year. And we expect that tradition to continue since the course is in great shape.”
In 1914, Donald Ross redesigned and expanded the original Bass River layout that features wide fairways, small greens and scenic views of Bass River. The course offers multiple sets of tees stretching out to 6,138 yards from the tips. The signature hole is No. 15, a 169-yard par 3 that plays across a slightly elevated green.
The Town of Yarmouth also owns Bayberry Hills and The Links and according to Hoye, last year over 92,000 rounds were played among the three town-owned and managed properties. This year another record will be set since the tee sheet sends out over 300 golfers almost every day.
When Bass River opened in 1900 the green fess were only 25 cents. In 1914, after the town hired Ross to redesign and add nine more holes, the green fees were raised to $1.25. The rates today are $60 weekdays and $70 weekends with discounts after 2 p.m.
For the past 8 years Scott Gilmore has played an important role as Director of Golf, tackling all types of problems from turf maintenance, equipment, budgets, unexpected weather-related issues, and much more that goes on behind the scenes that make daily golfers happy and want to return.
“Bass River appeals to all types of golfers,” Gilmore said after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “All our course’s are in great shape. This is not your usual 18-hole course since the front nine features five par4s, three par 5s and one par 3 while the back side has five par 4s, three par 3s and one par 5.”
After an invigorating rendition of the national anthem by PIXY 103 radio DJ legend Lori Lori, two local legends from Yarmouth hit the ceremonial first drive off Hole No. 1. Former PGA Tour player Jim Hallet and legendary golf instructor Bob Quirk enthusiastically pounded drives before the audience of dignitaries, visitors and 60 golfers playing in the Scramble event. Yarmouth Golf Enterprise Chairwoman Ellen Chapman had the honor of cutting the ribbon.
Celebrating 125 years and going strong, Bass River Golf Course is one of New England’s oldest public courses and a favorite of native Cape Codders and vacationers.
