
New Bedford Course
Country Club of New Bedford
About this course
The Country Club of New Bedford sits in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on land that has hosted golf since the early twentieth century. The course was designed by Willie Park Jr., the Scottish two-time Open Championship winner who became one of the era's most prolific golf architects in both Britain and North America. Park's American portfolio includes several notable New England layouts, and his work at New Bedford reflects the strategic principles he championed throughout his career—emphasizing thoughtful bunkering, natural contours, and holes that reward careful planning over pure power. The property occupies rolling terrain characteristic of southeastern Massachusetts, with mature tree-lined fairways and modest elevation changes that create variety without severe climbs. Park routed the course to take advantage of the natural movement in the land, and while the layout has evolved over the decades through maintenance practices and membership needs, the fundamental character of an early golden-age design remains evident. The course presents a traditional test of accuracy and course management rather than extreme length. The club has served the greater New Bedford area for well over a century, maintaining a place in the region's golfing community through generations of members. Like many private clubs of its vintage in New England, it combines golf with social and dining traditions that reflect its long history. The course provides a window into early American golf architecture through the work of one of the game's pioneering designers.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MA
Quick facts
- Location
- North Dartmouth, MA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1902
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Willie Park Jr.
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,431 yards
- Difficulty
- 71.7/133
- Course Vaults score
- 7.1
Getting there
The Country Club of New Bedford is most readily accessed via Providence Airport (PVD), situated roughly forty minutes to the southwest, or Boston Logan International (BOS), a ninety-minute drive north along the Massachusetts coast. From either hub, the route descends through the quiet towns of southeastern Massachusetts, trading the urban sprawl for the gentler landscape of Bristol County, where salt marshes and cranberry bogs signal the approach to the South Shore. The final miles wind through North Dartmouth's tree-lined neighborhoods before arriving at the club's entrance, where the transition from road to grounds is marked by the sudden opening of manicured fairways and the salt-tinged air that has defined this corner of New England golf for over a century. For those with access to private aviation, New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) lies just minutes away, offering a more intimate arrival befitting the club's understated New England character.

FAQ
Common questions about New Bedford
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
New Bedford has a Course Vaults score of 7.1 out of 10 based on 20 logged golfers.
New Bedford was designed by Willie Park Jr..
New Bedford is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at New Bedford is 70.
New Bedford plays 6,431 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at New Bedford is 133.



