Birdie

Nestled among pine glades about 18 miles northwest of Portland, Point Sebago Resort’s Golf Course, like the lake it draws its name from, is, by state standards, immense. Spread out over 360 acres, the course runs 7,002 yards from the back tees. Both the Course and Resort are located on the shores of Sebago Lake, the deepest and second largest lake in Maine.

Golf Digest ranked Point Sebago the No. 1 course in Southern Maine(2004), and for good reason. The quiet seclusion of the back nine, the centuries-old and government-protected stonewall on No. 15, and the 12 tree-lined holes are just a few characteristics that make for a magical golfing experience.

Take No. 7 for instance. A Par-5 that plays 600 yards, the hole provides a very intimidating look down the long fairway from the tee box. Golfers are required to hit a very long drive over a ridge, but too far left and trouble awaits. From 300 yards out, water borders the left side of the fairway. The right side is out of bounds. Approaching the green, a huge bunker sits to the right, while the thickest rough you can imagine awaits on the left. If you miss the green, you’re in a world of trouble.

Then there’s the 310-yard 15th, a slight dogleg left. A pond hugs a good stretch of the fairway and curls around the green.  If you miss 10 yards left of the flag you’re in the water. The right flank of the hole is pocked by three large bunkers.

The resort offers a plethora of post-round opportunities. Sebago, with its 200 rental units, has several restaurants and pubs. One of the onsite digs, the Sebago Lounge, offers daily Happy Hours from 3-5 p.m. For visitors looking to get out on the lake, various boating rentals are also available on site.

Mid-week golf package rates range, depending on the time of year and type of lodging, from $89 to $149 per person per day. These packages include lodging, meals, and greens fees.  Call 888-735-7914 to make a reservation.