PORTSMOUTH, R.I. -- Laid out on what was once the Chase Peach Orchard, Montaup Country Club has a unique history. It opened as a three-hole course in 1923 and eventually expanded to 18 holes before being reduced to nine holes right before World War II.
Years later, the back nine was restored thanks in large part to the members, who used to hold rock-picking parties and even mow the greens themselves to get the golf course ready to play. Without a formal architect, the layout went through some changes over the years, and today the semi-private club with 600 members remains a favorite in Rhode Island.
With four sets of tees, the par 71 course can be stretched to 6,375 yards. With a combination of short and long par 4s, Montaup Country Club is anything but a pushover. The par 5s are on the shorter side, so for good players, they're an opportunity to score.
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The opening hole at Montaup Country Club isn't easy with water in front of the green and out of bounds left. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Despite not having a name designer, semi-private Montaup Country Club has been a Rhode Island favorite for decades. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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A couple of bunkers guard the green on the short par-4 fourth at Montaup Country Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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A pond left of the fairway adds difficulty to the par-5 fifth at Montaup Country Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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One of the prettier holes at Montaup Country Club is the par-3 eighth. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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One of the best water views at Montaup Country Club comes on the difficult and long par-4 11th. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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The par-3 14th at Montaup Country Club plays over water. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Certainly one of the signature holes at Montaup Country Club is the par-4 16th, with water in play on the approach shot. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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A large rectangular bunker can catch wayward shots on the short par-4 18th at Montaup Country Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
