Samoset Golf Course - no. 4
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 4
More than half the holes on Samoset Resort's golf course have ocean views, including the par-5 fourth. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 1
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 1
The first hole at Samoset Golf Course is a medium-length par 4 with water right and in front of the green on the approach. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 3
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 3
The third hole at Samoset Golf Course is a par 3 that shares a green with the sixth hole. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 4
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 4
One of the signature holes on Samoset Golf Course is certainly the par-4 fifth, which ends with a peninsula green. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 5
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 5
Here's looking back on the par-3 fifth on Samoset Golf Course, with the ocean behind the tee. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 8
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 8
This memorial rock is a good aiming point off the tee for the short par-4 eighth on Samoset Golf Course in Rockport, Maine. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 9
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 9
The ninth on Samoset Golf Course is a shortish par-4 that leads back to the clubhouse. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 10
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 10
Water off the tee and the approach loom on the par-4 10th hole of the golf course at Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 13
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 13
The 13th at Samoset Resort is a difficult par 3 that requires a precise and long tee shot. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 14
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 14
Along with the par-4 fourth, the par-5 14th is also a signature hole at Samoset Resort as it reveals the ocean on the approach. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 15
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 15
Here's a side view of the par-4 15th at Samoset G.C. with Atlantic Ocean on its left. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 17
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 17
Three bunkers loom in front of the green on the par-4 17th hole of the golf course at Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Golf Course - no. 18
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Samoset Golf Course - no. 18
The finishing hole on the Samoset Golf Course is a good risk-reward par 5 that was modified in recent years. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Samoset Resort's circular clubhouse fits in with the nautical setting. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Maine golf perched on the Atlantic: Samoset is one of New England's most beautiful courses

ROCKPORT, Maine -- On one of the most beautiful spots in America, Samoset Golf Course at Samoset Resort has ocean views, challenging holes and peak conditions on a course that has evolved since it began as a nine-holer back in 1902.

It wasn't until 1974 that the course, which has hosted numerous regional high level amateur and professional events, became 18 holes as architect Robert Elder came in and not only added the new nine but modified the existing course as well.

In the early 1990s, architect Geoffrey Cornish improved many of the holes, including the 10th, 11th and 18th. In recent years there have been more changes, this time by architect Bradley Booth. Among them was a rerouting of the 18th, which used to be a long par 4, into a good risk-reward par 5. The change on 18 also made room for improved practice facilities.

Signature holes on the course, which has ocean views on more than half the holes, includes two par 5s -- the dogleg-left fourth hole that bends toward the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, and the 14th, which opens up to the Atlantic on the downhill approach shot.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
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Maine golf perched on the Atlantic: Samoset is one of New England's most beautiful courses