ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Shelter Harbor Golf Club was the first new private golf course in Washington County, Rhode Island, in over 100 years when it opened.
About
Shelter Harbor Golf Club is a private course set on 400 acres of protected land in Rhode Island, designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry in 2004. The routing wanders through native woodland and glacial boulders, offering players strategic challenges and scenic tranquility in a natural, preserved environment.
Caddie Tip
With fairways bordered by glacial boulders and stone walls, careful club selection off the tee is essential. Approach shots require precision to elevated and undulating greens. The often breezy conditions, especially in the afternoon, can impact club choice, so take an extra club when in doubt, and avoid missing greens on the short side.
The Main Challenge
The course’s greatest challenge comes from its strategic bunkering, tall native fescue, and the natural stone-wall-lined fairways. Elevation changes add complexity to club selections, and the greens are both quick and undulating, demanding precise approach shots and putting. Wind is often a factor, making distance control paramount.
The Good
Golfers rave about the tranquil setting, with protected open space and minimal development allowing pure focus on the game. The natural features—rock outcrops, native grasses, stone walls—and quiet isolation provide a rare sense of privacy and calm, making each round feel special and separate from the outside world.
The Not So Good
Some players suggest the course’s challenge can border on punitive, with thick native grass and firm greens making recovery shots difficult. Others wish for more on-course restroom access and expanded food offerings at the turn, especially during off-peak times.
Signature Hole:
#
7
The 7th hole at Shelter Harbor Golf Club is a thrilling 342-yard downhill par 4. Strategic bunkers split the fairway, forcing tough decisions off the tee. A small, multi-tiered green guarded by bunkers demands precision, embodying the course’s blend of challenge and natural beauty.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features elegant locker rooms, fine and casual dining areas, a bar, member lounges, and a large outdoor patio. Additional amenities include event spaces, fitness facilities, and attentive service throughout. The facilities are praised for comfort, hospitality, and scenic vistas of the course and surrounding countryside.
Practice Facilities
Shelter Harbor offers a comprehensive practice area with an expansive driving range, short game area, multiple target greens, and dedicated putting green. These facilities are regularly praised for their conditioning and ample space, supporting warming up, game improvement, and instructional clinics for members.
Dress Code:
Strict
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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