You’re driving up Route 302, past the long stretches of Sebago Lake, and the air starts to change. It gets cooler. Crisper. By the time you hit the town of Bridgton, you're deep in the Lakes Region, and if you don't know where to turn, you'll miss one of the most interesting golf experiences in New England. Bridgton Highlands Country Club isn't some stuffy, gated community where you need a certain zip code just to get a tee time. Honestly, it’s the opposite. It’s a place where the views of Mount Washington are so distracting you’ll probably three-putt the fourth green, and nobody really cares because the scenery is just that good.
Most people heading to Maine for golf think they have to stick to the coast. They want those ocean breezes and the high price tags that come with them. But they’re missing out. Tucked away on a high ridge, this course offers a blend of "old school" shot-making and "new school" length that creates a weird, wonderful hybrid. It’s a par-72 challenge that stretches over 6,200 yards, which might sound short to the pros, but once you factor in the elevation changes, it plays a whole lot bigger.
The Tale of Two Nines
The weirdest thing about Bridgton Highlands Country Club—and I mean "weird" in a way that keeps you coming back—is how the front and back nines feel like two different planets.
The front nine is the classic. It was designed back in the 1920s by A.W. Tillinghast. Yeah, that Tillinghast. The guy responsible for Winged Foot and Bethpage Black. You can feel his DNA in the small, tricky greens and the way the holes follow the natural roll of the land. It’s tight. It’s technical. You can't just bomb a driver and hope for the best here. If you don't place your tee shot correctly, you’re basically playing from the woods.
Then you hit the back nine.
In the early 1990s, the course expanded. They brought in Ron Forse to handle the redesign and addition. Suddenly, the world opens up. The back nine is expansive, hilly, and significantly more modern. It’s got that "mountain golf" vibe where you’re hitting off elevated tees into sweeping valleys. The transition can be jarring if you aren't prepared for it. One minute you're navigating a 1920s parkland layout, and the next, you're staring down a massive dogleg that feels like it belongs in the Highlands of Scotland.
Why the Fourth Hole Will Break Your Heart
Let’s talk about the fourth. It’s a par 3. On paper, it looks simple. But this is where the Bridgton Highlands Country Club reputation for "scenic distractions" really hits home. As you stand on the tee box, the White Mountains are framed perfectly in the background. If the sun is hitting Mount Washington just right, it’s honestly hard to focus on the ball.
I’ve seen guys with single-digit handicaps duff it here just because they were busy taking a photo.
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The greens throughout the course are notoriously well-maintained. They’re fast. Maybe a bit too fast if we’ve had a dry spell. Local knowledge says you always want to stay below the hole, but that’s easier said than done when the terrain is tilting toward the Saco River valley.
It’s Not Just a Golf Course
One thing people get wrong about "country clubs" in rural Maine is thinking they’re only for golfers. Bridgton Highlands functions more like a community hub. They have a massive tennis program—four courts, specifically—that draws people from all over Cumberland and Oxford counties. It’s one of the few places in this part of the state where you can get high-level instruction and competitive match play without being a full-equity member of some elite club in Portland.
And then there’s the social side. The clubhouse isn't a marble-floored cathedral. It’s cozy. It’s Maine. You walk in, and you’re likely to see a group of locals arguing about the Red Sox or discussing the latest timber prices. The Highland Grille is the kind of place where the beer is cold, the burgers are massive, and nobody looks at you funny if you have a bit of mud on your spikes.
The Realities of Playing in the Lakes Region
Let’s be real for a second: Maine golf has a short season. You’re looking at May through October, maybe early November if the frost holds off. Because Bridgton Highlands Country Club sits on a ridge, it tends to dry out faster than the valley courses after a heavy spring rain. That’s a huge plus. While other courses are "cart path only" and feeling like a swamp, the Highlands stays remarkably playable.
However, the wind is a factor.
Being up high means you’re exposed. A 10-mph breeze down in the town of Bridgton can feel like a 20-mph gale once you’re standing on the 12th tee. It adds a layer of complexity that keeps the course from ever feeling "easy," no matter how many times you’ve played it. You have to learn to flight the ball. You have to learn to trust your irons even when the wind is trying to push your ball toward North Conway.
Dealing with the "Hidden" Status
For years, this place was strictly a local haunt. In the last decade, though, word has gotten out. The rise of golf tourism in the Pine Tree State has pushed people further inland.
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Is it crowded? Sometimes. On a Saturday morning in July, you’re going to be waiting. But compared to the five-hour rounds you'll find at the big-name resort courses, it moves. The staff here—many of whom have been around for years—know how to manage the pace of play without being "course marshals from hell." They’re friendly, but they keep things moving.
A Quick Word on the Neighborhood
If you’re making the trip, don’t just hit the ball and leave. Bridgton itself is a classic New England town. You’ve got Highland Lake and Long Lake bookending the area. After a round, heading down to the Magic Lantern or grabbing a coffee at one of the local spots on Main Street is part of the experience. It’s a "tuck your shirt in" kind of town that still feels incredibly laid back.
What Most People Miss About the Layout
Everyone talks about the views, but the real genius of the Bridgton Highlands Country Club layout is the risk-reward factor. There are at least three holes on the back nine where a brave (or stupid) golfer can try to hero-shot their way to a birdie.
The par 5s are reachable if you catch a piece of the downslope, but the bunkers are strategically placed to catch the "almost" great shots. It’s a thinking man’s course. If you try to overpower it, the Highlands will eat your lunch. If you play for par and respect the slopes, you might actually turn in a scorecard you’re proud of.
The Value Proposition
Let’s talk money, because honestly, golf is getting too expensive. One of the best things about this club is the affordability. You can get a peak-season round here for a fraction of what you’d pay at a high-end coastal course or a mountain resort like Sunday River.
- Public Access: Unlike many "country clubs," they are very welcoming to public play.
- Junior Programs: They are big on growing the game. You'll see plenty of kids out there learning the right way.
- Events: From local charity scrambles to serious amateur tournaments, the calendar is usually packed.
Practical Advice for Your First Round
If you’re heading out there, here is the "insider" list of things to keep in mind so you don't look like a total tourist.
First, check the weather for Bridgton, not Portland. It’s often five degrees cooler and twice as windy up on the ridge. Layers are your best friend. Even in August, a morning tee time can start off chilly.
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Second, don't over-club on the front nine. The Tillinghast holes are all about precision. Leave the driver in the bag on the shorter par 4s. A 200-yard shot into the fairway is infinitely better than a 280-yard shot into a pine tree.
Third, pay attention to the grain on the greens. It usually pulls toward the valleys. If you’re unsure, look at the surrounding mountains. Gravity is a major player on this course.
Finally, hit the practice range. It’s one of the better ones in the area, and because the course is so hilly, you’ll want to make sure your swing is calibrated before you start dealing with side-hill lies.
The Future of the Highlands
There’s always talk about upgrades and changes. The club has done a great job recently of clearing out some of the overgrowth to reclaim those famous views. It feels more "open" now than it did five years ago. They’ve leaned into the "Highlands" name, making the course feel a bit more rugged and natural, which fits the Maine aesthetic perfectly.
Whether you're a scratch golfer looking for a new challenge or a high-handicapper who just wants to enjoy a day in the mountains, Bridgton Highlands Country Club delivers. It isn't trying to be Pebble Beach. It’s trying to be a top-tier Maine golf course that respects the history of the game while offering enough "wow" moments to satisfy the modern player.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book in Advance: During the summer months, tee times fill up fast, especially on weekends. Use their online booking system or call the pro shop at least a week out.
- Rent a Cart: If you’re a purist who loves walking, God bless you, but this course is a hike. The elevation changes are significant. Most people—even the fit ones—opt for a cart here.
- Check the Events Calendar: Before you drive up, make sure there isn't a private tournament closing the course. Their website is usually updated with "Member-Only" dates.
- Bring a Camera: I know, I said it’s a distraction, but the view from the 4th and the 18th is something you'll want to remember.
- Stay for Lunch: The Highland Grille is legitimately good. The "Clubhouse Burger" is a local favorite for a reason.
Bridgton Highlands remains a cornerstone of Western Maine’s outdoor scene. It’s a place where the history of golf architecture meets the raw beauty of the Lakes Region. You don't need a blazer or a fancy car to fit in—you just need a decent set of clubs and an appreciation for a well-placed shot. Just remember to keep your head down on the fourth hole, no matter how good the mountains look.