MASHPEE, Massachusetts – While playing the front nine holes of the Ocean Course at The Club at New Seabury, golf almost becomes secondary to the scenic views.
The par-5 opening hole provides a breath-taking sight of Nantucket Sound, which is located only a pitching wedge behind the first green. The view is surpassed only by the one from the majestic clubhouse which sits behind the first tee.
If you get too hot by three-putting the first green, you can cool off at the sandy beach a few steps between the first green and the second tee.
The par-4 second and par-4 third holes, which run along the coast, might blow you away and not just because they are impressive. The ocean breeze was howling in our faces on the day we played so reaching the green in regulation was challenging. No wonder the 437-yard third hole is the No. 1 handicap hole on the course. No one seemed to mind the challenge because we were having too much fun playing the links style gem.
The par-4 sixth hole provides another gorgeous view of the ocean behind the green.
The back nine on the Ocean Course is completely different from the front and not just because the fairways are lined with trees. It’s far enough away from the ocean so that the wind wasn’t anywhere near as much of a factor when we played and the temperature appeared about 10 degrees warmer.
New Seabury also has the shorter, hillier and more narrow Dunes Course, a par-70, 6,041-yard layout which presents its own challenges. The Ocean Course is a 72 and plays 7,105 yards from the back tees. Both courses were designed by William Mitchell and renovated by Bruce Hepner.
So why should someone become a member at New Seabury on Cape Cod?
“Obviously, the views,” said assistant golf pro Frank Leja, “and the conditions are absolutely phenomenal.”
Leja, however, feels the membership could be the biggest drawing card.
“A lot of the aura here,” he said, “is that it’s not stuffy. It’s very down to earth.”
Many of the more than 500 members have homes surrounding the golf courses.
In addition to two golf courses, New Seabury has a 12-acre practice facility, five restaurants, two beach clubs and beach bars, a fitness facility, 16 tennis courts, pools and walking trails. This fall, four tennis courts will be covered so they can be used year-round.
The Club at New Seabury is private, but the public can play with members, in an outing or by renting one of the 24 recently renovated cottages as a resort guest. For more information, visit newseabury.com. The nearby water-front Popponesset Inn is open to the public and highly rated.
“We have it all,” director of golf Jim Clay said. “Between 36 holes, beach, restaurants, athletic center, pools. Whatever you’re looking to do on your vacation with the whole family, this is the spot. You can do it all right here on property.”
Clay said New Seabury has boosted the number of players in its ladies league from less than 100 to 145 this year.
Last summer, many golfers turned to New Seabury to escape from the pandemic.
“We were absolutely slammed,” Leja said. “We were up 50-some-odd percent from years past. A lot of our members weren’t traveling back and forth to their homes in Boston. They were staying here so they were playing most of their golf here.”
Leja said the club is on a pace to post another busy golf season this year.
New Seabury is also popular for weddings, at least prior to the pandemic. Clay said the club usually books 90-95 each year, but hosted only three last year. That number figures to skyrocket this year now that restrictions due to the pandemic are being eased.
(PHOTO CREDITS: Club at New Seabury)
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