Seacoast NH Private Golf Clubs: Dreaming of Green This January

Yvonne Marston Listing Specialist, Buyer Advisory and Area Expert - Seacoast of New Hampshire

The doldrums of January have me dreaming in green. With Seacoast fairways tucked under snow and tee times replaced by calendars, it felt like the right moment to escape — at least mentally — to one of my favorite warm-weather topics: private golf clubs on the New Hampshire Seacoast.

So I thought I’d create a guide to the best private golf clubs in Seacoast NH — clubs that define not only great golf, but lifestyle, location, and long-term value. For many luxury buyers, proximity to a private golf club is a meaningful factor in where they choose to live.

Wentworth by the Sea Country Club

Located in Rye, New Hampshire, Wentworth by the Sea Country Club is widely regarded as one of the premier private golf clubs in New England. This Donald Ross–designed course combines classic architecture with coastal elegance, making it a standout on the Seacoast.

Why it matters for Seacoast buyers:

• Championship-caliber Donald Ross design
  
  
• Impeccable course conditions
  
  
• Full-service private club lifestyle
  
  
• Proximity to coastal estates and waterfront neighborhoods
  
  

Homes near Wentworth by the Sea remain among the most sought-after luxury properties on the Seacoast.

➡️The Stone House in Rye, NH — A Luxury Estate Near Wentworth by the Sea Country Club

Abenaqui Country Club

Also in Rye, NH, Abenaqui Country Club offers a refined yet welcoming private golf experience that resonates deeply with full-time Seacoast residents.

Beyond its beautifully maintained course and strong membership culture, Abenaqui has elevated its clubhouse dining with leadership from a Michelin-recognized chef, making dining at the club a genuine destination. The food program is thoughtful, seasonal, and polished — adding another layer to the member experience.

And in the interest of full disclosure, Abenaqui is my personal favorite. I’ll admit to being partial — I’m a longtime member, and being married to a past club president may influence that affection just a bit (wink, wink). That said, what truly sets Abenaqui apart is its balance: excellent golf, an authentic sense of community, and dining that rivals many of the Seacoast’s best restaurants — all without pretense.

➡️The Linden Estate at 633 Central Road | Rye Beach, NH Luxury Real Estate

Portsmouth Country Club

Located in Greenland, NH, just minutes from downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth Country Club offers a classic private-club atmosphere in a convenient Seacoast location.

Members appreciate:

• A traditional New England course layout
  
  
• Active golf associations and social calendar
  
  
• Easy access to Portsmouth, Rye, and I-95
  
  

For buyers seeking proximity to Portsmouth while maintaining a quieter residential setting, this club often plays an important role in location decisions.

➡️1681 Ocean Boulevard: Oceanfront Luxury Living Near Portsmouth Country Club

The Golf Club of New England

In Stratham, NH, The Golf Club of New England delivers a bold, championship-level golf experience. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course is known for dramatic elevation changes, strategic shot demands, and a strong golf-first culture.

This club appeals especially to:

• Serious golfers
  
  
• Buyers living along Route 101
  
  
• Those seeking a challenging, tournament-style course near the Seacoast
  
  

➡️Waterfront Luxury at 71 Shipwright Way Near Stratham’s Golf Club of New England

Cocheco Country Club

Located in Dover, NH, Cocheco Country Club rounds out the Seacoast’s private golf offerings with a strong sense of tradition and community. One of the region’s oldest private clubs, Cocheco blends history with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Its central location makes it especially attractive for buyers living in Dover, Somersworth, and inland Seacoast towns.

➡️Discover 36 Shipwright Way — Coastal Luxury Near Dover & Cocheco CC

Why Private Golf Clubs Influence Seacoast Real Estate Decisions

On the New Hampshire Seacoast, private golf clubs are more than recreational amenities — they are lifestyle anchors. For luxury buyers, they often influence:

• Neighborhood selection
  
  
• Long-term lifestyle planning
  
  
• Social and professional networks
  
  
• Perceived property value and desirability
  
  

Golf, dining, community, and location intersect powerfully in this region.

Dreaming Ahead to Spring on the Seacoast

As January stretches on, imagining sunlit fairways and early tee times feels like a small luxury. Fortunately, the Seacoast of New Hampshire offers some of the most compelling private golf experiences in New England — each with its own personality, culture, and appeal.

Green grass is coming — and on the Seacoast, it’s worth the wait.

If private golf, lifestyle amenities, and long-term value factor into where you live, location matters. Many of the most desirable luxury homes on the Seacoast are positioned near these clubs — often quietly and with limited inventory. 
Or reach out to discuss neighborhoods, off-market opportunities, and communities that align with how you actually live.


👉 Explore Seacoast NH Luxury Real Estate Opportunities with The Dow Team and Me.

➡️View our Current Listings

➡️View New Hampshire Tax Rates

➡️Discover your Home's Value