Dutch Elm Golf Club

Dutch Elm Golf Club occupies rolling terrain in Arundel, a small town in southern Maine's York County, positioned inland from the coastal resort communities of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk. Lucien Bourque designed the course, which opened in the mid-1990s as part of the region's golf development during that era. The layout takes advantage of natural elevation changes characteristic of this part of Maine, where glacial activity left behind varied topography mixing wooded sections with open meadow areas. The routing moves through stands of mature hardwoods and evergreens typical of southern Maine, with the course name referencing the elm trees that once dominated much of New England's landscape before disease drastically reduced their numbers. The design incorporates natural features into the playing corridors, with several holes playing along or across wetland areas that are common in this region's hydrology. Bourque's work here reflects the practical design approach of many New England courses from this period, balancing playability for a range of skill levels with strategic interest. Dutch Elm serves primarily as a daily-fee facility, making it accessible to both local golfers and visitors to Maine's southern coast. The course fits within the broader context of York County golf, which includes a mix of classic seaside layouts closer to the ocean and inland courses like this one that offer a different character rooted in forest and rolling land. The club provides a straightforward golf experience without the formality or exclusivity of private clubs in the region.