Birdie

Hole #7, Nonesuch River Golf Club

Named after the river that runs directly through the course, Nonesuch River Golf Club provides golfers with 18 holes of golfing splendor. Because of the course’s breathtaking grounds, it should come as no surprise that Nonesuch River earned its moniker allegedly because settlers of the Scarborough region thought it to be unparalleled in its beauty.

The club’s management, under the tutelage of General Manager Daniel Hourihan, has created a challenging course with superb rolling greens and bent grass fairways that plays very fair. And, according to Hourihan, the course’s motto fits this description perfectly: “Your best game just got better. Challenging to the best, fair to the rest.’’

Nonesuch River, which eventually flows into the Scarborough Marsh and the Scarborough River, winds through the 203-acre property. Trees dominate the topography of this harmonious haven for wildlife and preservation of the local habitat—including moose, deer, fox and wild turkey—is a priority.

The 6,300-yard course offers both a thrill and a challenge and all holes have four sets of tees to accommodate players of all skill levels. Nonesuch River is a Par-70 Championship course designed by Tom Walker, a Florida-based architect who formerly worked for Gary Player. The course was used for USGA amateur qualifiers from 2007 through 2009. Since opening for play in 1997, Nonesuch River has found its way onto several “100 Must-Play Courses in New England” lists.

The challenging layout commences from the first tee box. The left side of the green should be avoided on the 1st hole as a bunker and tree loom. This 389-yard Par-4 doglegs left and features a large green that has a slight back-to-front slope.

The 3rd hole is all about accuracy. A 539-yard Par-5 that features two doglegs, No. 3 brings numerous challenges. If played properly, a 200-yard tee shot will lead to a 150-yard layup, which then leads to a 130-yard approach. But watch out for the pond.

The Par-3 4th is sometimes affectionately known among the club’s members as the “shortest Par-5 in Maine.” While only 210 yards long, don’t let the distance fool you. The green is deep and narrow and ringed by plenty of hazards. Avoid the left of the hole, unless you have a thing for tough, blind pitches.

Club wisdom suggests that a solid and long drive over the right fairway bunker on No. 8 is the way to attack the 413-yard Par-4, often viewed as one of the course’s toughest holes. Mishit and you’ll likely end up with a penalty. Heavy rough, two ponds and a couple bunkers surround the green.

With great risk comes great reward on No. 10, a 492-yard Par-5. If you want to go big and try for the green in two, feel free, but just avoid missing to the right.

The 13th is the signature hole. A Par-4 397-yard hole that doglegs left, No. 13 has a green that’s wide but shallow on the right side.

The finishing hole looks up to the top of the plateau. About 200 yards to the crest, club management encourages golfers to “grip it and rip it,” out of the tee box.

Nonesuch River Golf Club accommodates golf outings of up to 144 players in many formats and offers a variety of lessons and clinics for all levels of experience. Before your round, feel free to utilize the comprehensive practice range and greens. After your round, relax at the modern 2,500-square-foot clubhouse that has complete dining and bar facilities and can accommodate up to 150 people. The clubhouse deck, which overlooks the 9th and 18th greens, is a great spot to enjoy a post-round drink and sandwich.

Just a few miles off I-95’s exit 42, Nonesuch River is located an hour-and-a-half north of Boston and ten minutes south of Portland. Rates vary, depending on time of week and season, from $25 to $40 for $18, while cart rates vary from $11 for 9 to $15 for 18. The course has partnered with several area hotels for play-and-stay packages. For more information, visit nonesuchgolf.com