With more than 140 golf courses, Maine offers tremendous diversity to golfers. (Courtesy of kebovalleyclub.com)

Destination Guide: Golf in Maine

The most popular time for tourists to visit Maine is the period from August to October, when about half the state's tourism revenue comes in. This is due to the warmth of the ocean and plethora of beachside activities and warm climate.

What is Maine's climate?

Maine's coastal climate is ranked second only to the Pacific northwest in terms of annual rainfall. Also, being the furthest state north in the east, it's the coldest, consequently with the shortest golf season. Average temperatures in June are 72 degrees in the day time, and highs soar to 78 degrees in July and August, so those are the peak months for golf. After September however there's no guarantees the weather will cooperate, with daytime highs under 60 degrees and rainfall steadily increasing into the winter months.

Does Maine has a golf trail?

Maine boasts a trail of golf on their tourism boards and sites, but nothing like the Robert Trent Jones Trail and other famous trails in the South. But with more than 140 golf courses, Maine offers tremendous diversity to golfers. In fact, the state is home to one of the oldest golf courses in America. In Maine, you can play on courses steeped in rich tradition as well as ones that boast today's signature designers.

One of the oldest in America? Can I play it?

Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor claims it's the eighth oldest in America, first recognized in 1894. It's public too, so be sure to set up a tee time when you visit, especially since it's ranked among the top courses in the state, so you can get a history lesson and great golf all in one.

How is Portland's golf scene?

Portland is the closest thing Maine comes to a "metropolis" with just over 100,000 residents in the metro area. There are more than 20 courses within 45 minutes of the city, and are hardly ever crowded, so swing away.

What about green fees? Will I pay an arm and a leg in Maine?

"There are currently more golf courses in Maine than there are golfers," says Peter Webber, executive director of the Golf Maine Association. "This means that the green fees are very cheap compared to southern New England, and the courses are much more accessible."

Simply put, they're having a hard time filling the tee sheet in Maine, so play is dirt cheap.

Where can I find phone numbers, locations and other information on all Maine golf courses?

WorldGolf.com maintains a comprehensive guide that lists all the golf courses in Maine.

Maine transportation

Maine can be reached from the eastern seaboard via I-95, which goes through the state capital of Augusta. The main difference between I-95 in Maine and the rest of the east coast is I-95 is Maine's turnpike, so be sure to bring a little change along for the ride, which ends at the New Brunswick border east of the state. From Quebec, take US-201 South to Augusta.

If you're flying to Maine from out of state, Bangor International Airport and Portland International Airport offer the most options in Maine with the most flights per day to the most destinations. There are also a handful of regional and state airports including Maine's capital Augusta as well as Belfast.

November 7, 2006