
Bass River Course
Bass River Golf Course
About this course
Bass River, carved from the heart of Cape Cod in South Dennis, whispers tales of leisurely seaside rounds, not pressure-packed championships. Its traditional parkland layout, a product of the mid-20th century, meanders through mature pines and gentle undulations, more forgiving than fearsome. Fairways are reasonably generous, though the course demands considered club selection on approach shots into subtly contoured greens. While never gracing national tournament leaderboards, Bass River represents the quintessential Cape Cod golf experience, offering accessible enjoyment rather than grueling challenge. Geoffrey Cornish subtly refined the original design over the years, enhancing its playability without sacrificing its inherent charm. Bass River’s appeal lies in its unassuming character and welcoming atmosphere. The 19th hole, more than the course itself, is where local lore is truly forged. Many a round has ended sharing a pitcher of Cape Codders recalling the days best shots. A round at Bass River is a reminder that golf is, at its core, a game best enjoyed with friends, not a test of mettle for the world stage.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MA
Quick facts
- Location
- South Yarmouth, MA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1900
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Donald Ross
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,138 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.5/128
- Course Vaults score
- 7.0
Getting there
Bass River Golf Course lies on the Mid-Cape, best reached via Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), roughly ninety minutes south along Route 3 and then Route 6 across the Sagamore Bridge. The drive transitions from urban sprawl to scrub pine and salt marsh as you cross onto the Cape, with the final miles along Station Avenue revealing the low-slung, unpretentious character of South Yarmouth's old summer colony. This is classic Cape Cod golf - no grand gates or sweeping driveways, just a turn off the main road into a landscape shaped by wind, sand, and centuries of quiet seaside living.

FAQ
Common questions about Bass River
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Bass River has a Course Vaults score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 66 logged golfers.
Bass River was designed by Donald Ross.
Yes. Bass River is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Bass River is 72.
Bass River plays 6,138 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Bass River is 128.



