Public

Cape Arundel Course

Cape Arundel Golf Club

Kennebunkport, ME, USA
Secret Golfer
Oliver
tcrabtree
Jeff Rush
S.Byrne91
+73
18 holesPar 695,881 yds69.7/124

About this course

Cape Arundel stands as a monument to presidential leisure and seaside golf, forever linked to the Bush family's legacy in Kennebunkport. Carved into the rugged Maine coastline, the course is a classic example of early 20th-century design, favoring strategic shot-making over sheer distance. The ocean breeze dictates play, with closely mown fairways demanding controlled approaches and a keen awareness of the wind. Originally crafted by Walter Travis, Cape Arundel has seen the hands of Donald Ross, resulting in a layout of subtly contoured greens and strategically placed bunkers that reward intelligent play. While not a venue for major championships, the course’s charm lies in its understated elegance and the authentic character of its golfing experience. The club fosters a relaxed atmosphere where the traditions of the game are deeply respected, with a membership drawn to its unpretentious nature and proximity to the Atlantic. Stories abound of presidents teeing off alongside locals, further embedding Cape Arundel in the fabric of the community. The famed Clam Bake remains a club staple, providing a taste of local flavor as integral to the Cape Arundel experience as the challenging par-3 eleventh.

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.

325

Best in World

243

Best in USA

1

Best in ME

Quick facts

Location
Kennebunkport, ME, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1896
Holes
18
Par
69
Length
5,881 yards
Difficulty
69.7/124
Course Vaults score
8.6

Getting there

Most visitors arrive via Portland International Jetport, roughly thirty miles and forty minutes to the southwest, though Boston's Logan International serves as the gateway for many traveling from farther afield, adding just under two hours by car. The drive north from Portland traces the rocky contours of the Maine coast, slipping through seaside villages and salt marshes before reaching Kennebunkport's weathered-shingle elegance. Cape Arundel Golf Club sits tucked along Ocean Avenue, where the road narrows and the Atlantic opens wide - a discreet enclave where generations of summer families have arrived by the same quiet lane, often with little more than a nod at the understated entrance.

FAQ

Common questions about Cape Arundel

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Cape Arundel has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 78 logged golfers.

Cape Arundel was designed by Walter Travis, Bruce Hepner, and Tyler Rae.

Yes. Cape Arundel is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Cape Arundel is 69.

Cape Arundel plays 5,881 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Cape Arundel is 124.

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Course Reviews
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