Let's be real for a second. When you think of private clubs in the Ocean State, your mind probably goes straight to the high-society glitz of Newport or those massive, sprawling courses where you need a mortgage just to pay the initiation fee. But honestly, Lincoln Country Club Rhode Island is a whole different vibe. It’s tucked away on 31 Dexter Rock Road, and if you aren't looking for it, you might just drive right past the entrance. It’s not trying to be the most famous course in New England, and that’s basically why people love it.
It's a nine-hole course.
I know, I know. Some golfers hear "nine holes" and immediately check out. They think it's a pitch-and-putt or something for kids. They're wrong. Lincoln is a par 34, and it plays surprisingly tough because of the elevation changes. You’re not just walking a flat field here. You’re dealing with the actual topography of the Blackstone Valley, which means uneven lies and greens that will absolutely mess with your head if you don't respect them.
The Reality of Playing Lincoln Country Club Rhode Island
If you're expecting a 7,000-yard monster, you're in the wrong place. But if you want a round that you can actually finish in under two hours while still feeling like you've been challenged, this is it. The course was established back in the 1920s—1924 to be exact—and you can feel that "Old New England" soul when you’re out there. It’s got that classic layout where the trees have had a hundred years to grow exactly where they can ruin your birdie look.
The first hole sets the tone. It’s a par four, not overly long, but it requires a bit of precision. If you've got a slice, those trees on the right are going to become your best friends whether you like it or not.
Most people don't realize that being a member here isn't about some weird, exclusionary status symbol. It’s a "working man’s" country club, if that makes sense. You see people from all walks of life. The atmosphere in the clubhouse is more like a local pub where everyone knows your name rather than a stiff, formal dining room where you’re afraid to clink your fork against the plate. It's relaxed. It's Rhode Island to its core.
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Membership and the "Private" Label
The word "private" scares people off. They think it means "expensive." At Lincoln Country Club Rhode Island, the cost-to-value ratio is actually one of the best in the region. Unlike the big-box clubs that hit you with food minimums and assessment fees every time a sprinkler head breaks, Lincoln keeps it pretty straightforward.
They offer various tiers—individual, family, and even social memberships. A social membership is actually a genius move if you live in the Lincoln or Cumberland area. Why? Because the pool.
The pool at Lincoln is kind of the heartbeat of the place during the humid July months. While everyone else is fighting for a spot at Twin River or driving an hour down to Narragansett just to sit in traffic, members here are just chilling poolside. It’s a massive draw for families. You’ll see kids who grew up at this pool now bringing their own kids back. That kind of longevity is rare.
The Course Layout: A Closer Look
Let’s talk yardage. From the back tees, you're looking at around 2,500 to 2,600 yards for the nine. Double that for eighteen, and you’re at 5,200. Short? On paper, yeah. In practice? Not really.
The greens are small.
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Like, really small.
If your approach shot is off by five yards, you aren't putting for birdie; you’re chipping from a downhill lie in thick rough. This is why the local regulars often outplay the "big hitters" who come in from the 18-hole championship courses. Those guys try to power through the course, but Lincoln rewards the short game and course management.
- The Par 3s: They aren't "gimme" holes. You need a mid-iron that you can actually control.
- The Par 5: There's only one, and it’s reachable if you’ve got the guts, but the risk-reward ratio is tilted heavily toward "risk."
- Elevation: You'll be walking up and down hills. It’s a workout. If you’re used to riding a cart on a flat Florida course, your calves are going to feel this the next day.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
The golf industry is changing. We’re seeing a lot of these smaller, historic clubs get bought out by developers who want to turn them into condos. It’s a tragedy, honestly. Lincoln Country Club Rhode Island has managed to hold its ground by focusing on community rather than just golf.
The banquet facilities are a big part of that. It’s one of those spots where if you grew up in Northern RI, you’ve probably been to a wedding, a funeral collation, or a sports banquet there. The view from the clubhouse overlooking the course is actually pretty stunning, especially in the fall when the leaves change. It gives you that high-end feel without the pretentious price tag.
They also have a solid tournament schedule. The Member-Guest is usually the highlight of the year. It’s competitive, sure, but it’s mostly an excuse to have a few drinks and complain about that one putt on the 4th green that definitely should have broken left.
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Common Misconceptions
One thing I hear a lot is that you can't get a tee time. While it's private, they are often looking for new members who actually care about the club's culture. It’s not a closed-off fortress.
Another myth: "Nine holes isn't real golf." Tell that to someone who just shot a 45 on a par 34. The lack of a back nine doesn't make the holes they do have any easier. In fact, many members play the nine twice from different tee markers, which changes the angles and the yardages enough to make it feel like a full 18.
Also, the food. People think country club food is either "frozen chicken fingers" or "overpriced steak." The kitchen at Lincoln actually puts out some legit Rhode Island staples. Think stuff like calamari (the right way, with the peppers) and decent sandwiches that don't cost twenty bucks.
Actionable Advice for Prospective Members or Visitors
If you’re thinking about checking out Lincoln Country Club Rhode Island, don't just show up and expect to walk on. It is a private equity club. However, here is how you actually navigate it:
- Call the Pro Shop: Don't be weird about it. Just call and ask about the current membership drive. Sometimes they have "trial" memberships or "twilight" specials for people looking to join.
- Check the Social Calendar: If you’re looking for a venue for an event, this is one of the more affordable spots in the Lincoln/Cumberland/Smithfield triangle that actually has a "scenic" backdrop.
- Walk the Course First: If you do get a chance to play, walk it. You miss all the nuance of the Blackstone Valley landscape if you’re zipped up in a cart. Plus, the hills are good for you.
- Bring Your Short Game: Leave the ego at the 1st tee. You don't need a 300-yard drive here. You need a wedge you can trust and a putter that doesn't get scared of a little slope.
The reality is that Lincoln Country Club Rhode Island represents a dying breed of golf. It’s local, it’s historic, and it’s deeply connected to the town. It’s not trying to host the U.S. Open. It’s trying to be a place where you can spend a Saturday afternoon with your family, hit a few balls, and not feel like you’re being judged for your handicap or your shoes. In a world of corporate, sterilized golf experiences, that’s worth a lot.
If you are looking for a place to sharpen your game without the five-hour round or the crushing debt of a Newport membership, this is the spot. Just watch out for the break on the 9th green. It always goes toward the road, no matter what your eyes tell you.