Just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunegrass Country Club features superb conditions from tee box to green, and has been constantly ranked as one of the finest courses in New England. For 2010, Dunegrass was ranked in the top ten for all of New England. With a full restaurant and bar, banquet facilities able to accommodate up to 400 people, a driving range and practice green, the course has all the amenities to satisfy the single golfer looking to work on his game or a wedding party filled with a plethora of avid golfers.
Those familiar with Dunegrass are always willing to sing its praises and leading that charge is Colin Wormwood, the club’s first-ever member. Wormwood’s love affair with the course commenced approximately 12 years ago. After teeing off for the firs time, he immediately became awestruck with the pine tree-lined fairways and elevation changes that shape the 6,900-yard Par-72 course. “It’s just a beautiful course, you have to play it,’’ says Wormwood. He’s not alone in those sentiments. The Boston Globe has gushed, “If you are a traveling golfer, Dunegrass is a must destination.” And, just as impressive, the course has garnered four stars in Zagat’s Golf Guide.
Dunegrass opened in 1998 and Wormwood keeps coming back for more. The 68-year-old still plays the Dan Maples-designed course four to five times a week during the season. The challenge never leaves; nor does his love for the game. “Every game’s a challenge if you’re not hitting down the middle,’’ he explains.
The owner of Dunegrass, Domenic Pugliares, does not just manage the course. He literally eats, drinks and sleeps it, residing in one of the many properties that are interspersed throughout the 300-acre swath. Under his stewardship, the club’s membership has exploded from around 25 to more than 250, which is not surprising given the fact the course is widely known for having some of the best and fastest greens in the state.
Pugliares is quick to comment: “We have no parallel holes on this golf course. Each hole is like your own little oasis.’’
Take the third hole for instance, which runs about 424 yards from the back tees. A 20-yard ravine—an environmentally designated safe zone—cuts in front of the green meaning that golfers who come up short must take a penalty stroke. Adding insult to injury, the green is more than 9000 square feet in area and on an upward slope, leading golfers to three- and even four-putt.
No. 13, a Par-3 and a personal favorite of Wormwood’s, features a downward slope and an excruciatingly tough green. “You’re up on a hill hitting down. From the whites it’s about 170 yards,’’ he says. “It is one of the toughest greens I’ve ever played in my life.”
Strategies diverge on the Par-5 15th. Players must drive the ball over a hazard to a very narrow landing area. More conservative players will hit less club and lay up before the traps. Longer hitters will go for broke and try to fly right over them. “Depends on how you’re feeling,” says Pugliares. “You have the potential to get home in two, but there’s lots of trouble.”
No. 17, a Par-3 180-yard hole, is one of the most majestic holes on the course. The tee box is a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. “Your first shot is almost all carry,” says Pugliares. “You miss it either way and you’re not going to make anything less than a six.”
Dunegrass Country Club’s peak weekend rate is $75. Weekdays, golfers can get a round in for as little as $49. Rates include a cart and are very reasonable considering the quality of this track.
The course’s restaurant¬—Fairways—includes a fairly priced menu featuring exquisite pasta, seafood and steak entrees. Lunch and dinner are served daily and breakfast is served on Sundays. The restaurant has a full bar and six large televisions that often show the best golf or sporting events available. It’s a great place for golfers to end their day at and enjoy an economical and filling dinner in a great atmosphere. A popular special is the dinner for two and a bottle of wine for $39.
Dunegrass, nestled in Old Orchard Beach, is located less than 100 miles from Boston. Call 207- 934-4513 or visit dunegrass.com for more information and tee times.
