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.