The Pine Tree State of Maine lies in the northeast corner of United States and, as the vast majority of its landscape is heavily forested, it’s one of the least densely populated states in the country. Tourism and outdoor pursuits play a large part in Maine’s economy and it promotes itself as a major destination for those who want to get away from it all – hunting, fishing, skiing and camping are all popular activities along the rugged Atlantic coastline or within the state’s wooded interior.

On the golfing front, eight clubs founded the Maine State Golf Association back in 1917 and it’s grown down the years to a position where it now oversees the golfing activities of amateur golfers in 130 clubs throughout the state. There are also a couple of women’s associations that provide a corresponding service for female golfers in Maine.

Founded in 1895, Portland Country Club is one of the oldest clubs in the country and its seaside course is an attractive, if rather short, Donald Ross layout that dates back to 1923. A couple of spectacular Robert Trent Jones Jnr courses – Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley and Sunday River in Newry – are recognised as two of the best public access courses in New England. Don’t expect an easy game at either location though because both resort courses are demanding layouts.

Our Maine Best In State Rankings were last updated in December 2020. Click the link to read the story.