Penobscot Valley

Located in Orono, Maine, Penobscot Valley Country Club has hosted numerous important tournaments since the club was established in 1924. Peter nominated Penobscot Valley as a gem in November 2015 and his comments follow:

“Penobscot Valley Country Club is a Donald Ross design and was built in 1924. It is a par 72 at 6,445 yards and feels as if it’s longer. In 2008 it was restored with over thirty bunkers and two greens rebuilt.

There is not a weak hole on the course that has hosted the Maine State Amateur ten times. What I like most about Penobscot Valley is the outstanding variety of its holes. Ross fitted it into its terrain beautifully and aside from the shaping of the greens, it is as natural a layout as you’ll find.”

Donald Ross’s brother Aenas was the construction supervisor when Penobscot Valley was built and Ross was paid $20,000 as a design fee. The old clubhouse was replaced at the start of the new millennium and the new building features a ballroom that overlooks the course.

Small sized greens that are well protected by bunkers are much admired here on a naturally rolling property where players are often hitting from an uneven lie. The course is well-maintained, aided by a state of the art irrigation system which provides first-class playing conditions.