You’re driving down Gorham Road in Scarborough, and if you aren’t paying attention, you might miss the turn. It’s tucked away. But for anyone who has spent a Saturday morning chasing a Titleist through the marshlands of Southern Maine, Nonesuch River Golf Club is a name that carries a specific kind of weight. It isn't the oldest course in the state, and it certainly isn't the most expensive, but there is something about the way the Nonesuch River snakes through the property that keeps people coming back.
Golf in Maine can be a bit of a mixed bag. You’ve got your ultra-exclusive coastal clubs where you need a secondary mortgage just to look at the pro shop, and then you’ve got the local "goat tracks" where the greens feel like putting on a shag carpet. Nonesuch River Golf Club sits in that sweet spot. It’s a championship layout that actually feels approachable.
The course was designed by Dan Maples. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the Maples family is basically royalty in golf course architecture, particularly down in the Carolinas. Bringing that architectural DNA to Scarborough was a bold move back in the late 90s. The result? A par-71 track that plays just over 6,300 yards from the back tees. It sounds short on paper. Honestly, though, if you go in thinking you're going to overpower this course, the river will eat your lunch.
The Reality of Playing Nonesuch River Golf Club
Let’s talk about the water. It’s in the name, after all. The Nonesuch River isn't just a scenic backdrop; it is a tactical nightmare for the unprepared.
Most people think of Maine golf as being all about the pines and the granite outcroppings. While you get plenty of that here, Nonesuch feels a bit more like a meadowland or wetlands course. The first few holes give you a bit of breathing room, but once you hit the middle of the front nine, the squeeze begins. You have to be precise.
I’ve seen low handicappers lose their minds on the 6th hole. It’s a par 5, but it’s not a "grip it and rip it" situation. You’re navigating wetlands, and the layout demands that you actually think about your landing zones rather than just swinging for the fences. It’s a thinking man's course. Or a thinking woman's course. Basically, if you don't think, you're going to be reaching into your bag for a fresh ball every three holes.
What the Scorecard Doesn't Tell You
The greens are usually in fantastic shape. Compared to other public-access courses in the Portland area, Nonesuch tends to keep their putting surfaces rolling true and surprisingly fast. It’s a bent grass setup, and the maintenance crew—honestly, they deserve a raise—manages to keep things green even when the Maine summer tries to turn everything into hay.
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One thing that catches people off guard is the internal undulation. You might hit a "perfect" shot to the middle of the green, only to find yourself facing a 30-foot snake of a putt that breaks three different directions.
- The practice facility is legit. They have a full driving range, which isn't always a guarantee in this part of the state.
- The pub? It's called the Nonesuch River Golf Club Pub, and the deck overlooks the 18th.
- It’s a public course, but it has a "membership" feel. You’ll see the same locals every Tuesday morning.
Why Scarborough Maine is the Secret Hub for Golfers
Scarborough is a weird, wonderful place. You have the beaches, the marsh, and this massive sprawl of suburbia. Nonesuch River Golf Club fits into this ecosystem as the "daily fee" king. If you’re visiting from out of town, maybe staying in Portland or Old Orchard Beach, this is usually the first place people recommend when you ask for a round that won't break the bank but still feels like a "real" golf experience.
There’s a common misconception that you have to head up to Belgrade Lakes or over to Sunday River to find quality golf in Maine. Don't get me wrong, those places are stunning. But for a Tuesday at 2:00 PM? You want Nonesuch.
The proximity to the Maine Turnpike is a double-edged sword. It’s incredibly easy to get to—literally minutes off the exit—but on a quiet day, you might hear a bit of distant traffic hum. Most of the time, though, the sound of the wind through the hardwoods and the occasional splash of a ball hitting the river drowns it out.
The Challenges of the Back Nine
The back nine at Nonesuch is where the rounds usually fall apart.
The 15th through the 18th is a grueling stretch if the wind is coming off the coast. The 18th is a finishing hole that requires a carry over—you guessed it—more water. There’s nothing quite like having a career round going, only to dunk one in front of the crowd having beers on the clubhouse deck. It’s a rite of passage at this point.
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One thing I've noticed is that the course drains surprisingly well. Maine springs are notoriously wet. Usually, courses around here are "cart path only" until mid-June. Nonesuch, thanks to its sandy base in certain sections and some clever engineering, tends to dry out faster than its neighbors. That makes it a prime target for those early-season rounds when you're desperate to get out of the house.
Breaking Down the "Value" Argument
Is it the cheapest round in Maine? No. You can find cheaper 9-hole tracks or municipal courses if you're purely looking at the dollar amount. But when you factor in the quality of the greens, the complexity of the Maples design, and the overall vibe, the value proposition is hard to beat.
What you’re paying for:
- A consistent pace of play (usually).
- Professional staff who don't treat you like an interloper.
- A layout that doesn't feel repetitive. Every hole has a "personality."
There are plenty of "resort" courses where you feel like you're on a conveyor belt. Nonesuch doesn't really feel like that. Even when the tee sheet is packed, there’s a sense of space. The way the holes are carved out of the woods and wetlands means you rarely see the groups on the other holes. It feels private, even though it’s anything but.
Dealing with the "Nonesuch" Conditions
If you're going to play here, you need to pack bug spray. This is Maine. We have the state bird—the mosquito—and the Nonesuch River is their headquarters. If you're playing a twilight round in July, you will be eaten alive if you don't come prepared.
Also, walk if you can, but be warned: it’s a bit of a trek. There are some significant distances between greens and the next tee box. If you’re a purist who refuses to use a cart, make sure your cardio is up to par. Most people opt for the cart, and honestly, on a humid August day, it’s the right call.
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Expert Tips for Your First Round
If you've never stepped foot on the property, there are a few things you should know that aren't on the website.
First, the range balls are usually in good shape, which is a weird thing to care about, but it matters. Second, don't be a hero on the par 4s. There are several holes where a 3-wood or even a long iron is the smarter play off the tee. The fairways are narrower than they look from the box.
Strategic Advice:
- Hole 1: Don't miss right. Just don't.
- The River: It comes into play more on the "miss" than the "hit." If you're a slicer, you're going to have a long day.
- The Wind: It almost always swirls. Check the tops of the trees, not just the flag.
The club also hosts a lot of local tournaments and leagues. If you’re planning a trip, check their calendar. There is nothing worse than rolling up to a course only to find out there’s a 144-person shotgun start for a local charity happening in ten minutes.
The Culinary Aspect (Yes, Really)
The food at the Nonesuch pub is actually good. I’m not talking "good for a golf course," I mean genuinely solid. Their burgers are a local favorite, and the beer list usually features a few Maine staples like Allagash or Maine Beer Company. It’s the kind of place where non-golfers from Scarborough actually show up just to eat lunch on the deck. That’s usually the sign of a well-run operation.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're ready to take on Nonesuch River Golf Club, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to actually enjoy the day:
- Book Early: Tee times during the peak Maine summer (July and August) vanish fast. Use their online booking system at least a week out if you want a morning slot.
- Check the Tide: This sounds crazy for a golf course, but the river is tidal in certain areas near Scarborough. While it doesn't affect the playability of the grass, it definitely changes the "vibe" and the breeze.
- Gear Up: Bring an extra sleeve of balls. Even if you're a scratch golfer, the hazards here are unforgiving.
- Post-Round: Take 20 minutes to sit on the deck. It’s one of the best views in the area for watching people struggle with the 18th green—it’s therapeutic.
The course represents the best of Southern Maine golf: rugged but refined, challenging but fair, and deeply rooted in the local landscape. Whether you’re a local regular or a tourist passing through, the Nonesuch River will remind you exactly why golf is both the most rewarding and the most frustrating game on the planet. Keep your head down, play for the fat part of the green, and enjoy the scenery. It's one of the few places in Scarborough where you can truly get lost in the game.