York Golf & Tennis Club

I had heard a lot about York for years and finally got to play it. You immediately upon arrival have a feeling about everything being a bit small and cramped. The course design features all of the usual elevation extremes, false fronts and depth perception illusions that Ross is known for. There are a few too many blind shots, the primary example being the 3rd hole, and unusual doglegs by today's standards. The greens were freshly aerated, so we missed out on some of the speed that would have made being above the hole impossible. The rest of the conditions were excellent and the natural beauty along the York River was captivating. Some of the better holes include the short, uphill par 5 8th, with its tee built out into the river. There is a hidden hazard about 300 yards out and the approach shot is straight up a severe hill. The 12th hole, a dogleg right, mandates a layup off the tee and then your second shot is over water, to a sloped green carved out of a hill with a large gully in front of it. You cannot be even a foot short on this approach. This course clearly requires several rounds to start to gain the requisite local knowledge as to where you need to hit certain shots and more importantly where you CANNOT hit a ball. I was in the wrong place seemingly most of the round and faced impossible recovery shots due to severe slopes and agitating angles. I would guess many first timers have this same experience. The loyal, long standing members love this lesser known and less acclaimed Ross course. It will never host the major tournaments that his other courses do, but that does not diminish his fine work at this seaside location. If you ever get invited to play York, do not pass it up, as those opportunities are quite rare.

This is the best golf course in the state of Maine and the most underrated Donald Ross design in the country. While only 6,200 yards, the YG&TC offers plenty of challenge for even the most experienced players. The beautiful York river plays as the backdrop for holes 5-9 and the remaining holes can be characterized as interesting, charming and full of character. The YG&TC always presents a different challenge based on the season and varying weather conditions. Usually in good shape, if given the opportunity to play, it's a must.