Nestled amidst the country’s north-easternmost corner is the maritime state of Maine, a highly popular and widely-coveted vacation destination, especially among nature lovers and avid hunters, hikers, skiers, and campers. Though it is the largest state in the New England region, it is actually one of the smallest by area and least populous in all of the United States. It’s because of this modest population, however, that Maine has been well-preserved and largely untouched by wide-scale urbanization, as it remains to be the most densely-forested state in the nation with over 90% of its land area covered in woods. Aptly nicknamed the Pine Tree State due to its abundance of white pine trees – along with spruce, fir, birch, and many more – the state boasts flourishing flora and fauna that characterize its diverse landscape and unique topographical features. Along its rugged Atlantic Coastline are lowlands with plenty of white-sand beaches, salt marshes, bays, and coastal islands; whereas the northwest region is marked by crystal clear lakes, streams, and the gently rolling Longfellow Mountains. With that said, it’s not hard to see why thousands of tourists from far and wide flock to Maine every year to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. An idyllic sanctuary that abounds with Mother Nature’s beauty, this state is an excellent choice for your next big weekend getaway and golfing holiday. As a golf destination, Maine sits comfortably high among the ranks in terms of both the quality and quantity of courses. Flaunting more than 130 golf courses to its name, its widely diverse and dynamic geography has inspired an impressive number of memorable, well-crafted layouts designed by some of the most talented golf course architects, several of them household names. Examples that come to mind include the Donald Ross-designed coastal course at Portland Country Club, one of the oldest country clubs in the United States; the Robert Trent Jones Jr. originals at the Sugarloaf Golf Club and the Sunday River Country Club, respectively; the Prouts Neck, which boasts Wayne Stiles’ handiwork; and the first-ever Clive Clark showpiece in the country at Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. One major drawback to the allure of the state, however, is its humid continental climate, which brings unpredictable and often easily-changing weather throughout the year. Though residents enjoy all four distinct seasons, the scorching heat and humidity of summer and the chilly winter weather makes it hard to enjoy all that this gorgeous state has to offer. It’s especially problematic for golfers looking to play a few rounds on the course. Fortunately, Maine offers several indoor golf facilities and virtual golf center options for players when the weather conditions become un-ideal. With state-of-the-art technology and many first-rate amenities, the general golfing public of Maine can practice and play all year round in the comfortable indoors, no matter the weather. Enumerated below are some of the most popular virtual/indoor golf facilities in the state of Maine.
Best Golf Courses in (Province/State)
Location: 233 Main St, Wayne, ME 04284Starting off our list is a premier indoor golf facility hailing from the humble town of Wayne in the Southwestern region of Maine: On the Green Indoor Golf. Nicely furnished with a number of brand-new golf simulators that are able to accommodate a wide variety of players – from scratch golfers to low-handicappers and beginners – residents and visitors alike will be glad to know that this high-tech facility is easily accessible as it lies along a major route in town. Avid golfers can sharpen their game and play a few rounds of their favorite sport even when the weather is not permitting. The simulators at On the Green Indoor Golf have over 30 different modes of play and 16 world-famous courses to choose from. Golfers will relish the chance to experience these championship courses that some of the most famous professionals have been playing for years. Among the most popular picks are Bethpage Black, Bay Hill, Firestone, PGA National, Pinehurst No. 2, and Torrey Pines. At On the Green Indoor Golf, players are provided with instant feedback of every stroke to help correct whatever flaws that you may have in real-time. The highly advanced launch monitors can aid you in fine-tuning your swing by breaking it down and thoroughly analyzing the tempo, path, club head speed, angle of attack, and club face angle at impact. The simulators can also be configured to indoor driving range mode in times when you want to warm up first before a game or if you only have a little time to squeeze a few swings in during your visit. Another remarkable feature that On the Green Indoor Golf grants to its patrons is that you can bring a few of your friends along with you when you’re playing, as each hitting bay can accommodate up to 8 players at a time. There are also several golf leagues for you to sign up for. Afterward, cap off your day with any of the delicious sandwiches served at their on-site pub. There are event spaces available for rent as well to host social gatherings, corporate outings, and private parties. Make sure to call ahead though, as they are closed during some seasons or holidays. HoursMon – Fri 9:00-8:00 pmContact207-458-1680otgindoorgolf@gmail.com
Location: 23 Leighton Rd., Augusta, ME 04330Next up on our list is a quirky little facility from the state capital of Augusta is KV Indoor Golf. Another highly popular indoor golf venue with world-class amenities, Kennebec Valley Indoor Golf, or KV for short, gives you the chance to play on some of the greatest championship courses in the world without having to worry about travel expenses or un-ideal weather conditions. With the latest in About Golf simulators, classics like Pebble Beach, Sawgrass, Bay Harbor, Hazeltine, St. Andrews, Spyglass Hill, and many more are faithfully recreated from the first drive to the last putt. It’s so photo-realistic, you might soon forget you’re actually indoors. While playing on the simulators may be good enough for beginners, more competitive golfers might be interested to know that there are three local PGA professionals on-staff at the KV Indoor Golf who offer private lessons and professional instruction. If you’ve never been to an indoor golf facility before, the staff will be more than happy to walk you through an orientation on how to operate the simulators and hitting bays. Thanks to KV Indoor Golf, residents and visiting golfers alike can enjoy a great game of golf all year round, no matter the weather.HoursMon – Thu 8:00 – 9:00 pmFri 8:00 – 8:00 pmSat – Sun 9:00 – 4:00 pmContact207-213-6286kvindoorgolf.com
3. Traditions Golf Club & Learning Center
Location: 1 Main Rd., Holden, ME 004429Hailing from south-central Maine in the town of Holden is Traditions Golf Club and Learning Center. More than just another indoor golf facility, Traditions Golf Club sets itself apart from the competition by specializing in training and professional instruction. There are two certified teaching professionals on duty available for private lessons, both of whom are seasoned golfers and highly-decorated PGA instructors. More than that, Traditions Golf Club comes well equipped with two of the latest and most advanced Full Swing golf simulators, which were recently upgraded with a new program that enhances the graphics, makes flights more realistic. They also added more choices to their already excellent assortment of over 40 internationally recognized golf courses. Included in the selection are the likes of Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Torrey Pines, and more.Another appealing aspect to Traditions Golf Club and Learning Center are its first-rate amenities and services which deliver a complete indoor and outdoor golf experience. The only golf facility in the region that’s open all year long, it offers: an expertly-crafted and scenic 9-hole, par-35 executive course; a 275-yard driving range with 20 natural grass teeing stations; a short game practice facility complete with putting greens and a chipping area; a fully-stocked pro shop with a wide selection of equipment from top-of-the-line brands; an outdoor 18- and 27-hole miniature golf course; and a clubhouse with its very own, newly added pizzeria, Pat’s Pizza, and an ice cream shop at Gifford’s Ice Cream Shop. Contact207-989-9909traditionsgc.com
Location: 1886 Main Rd, West Enfield, ME 04493Established in 1965, Barnes Brook Golf Course is arguably the finest family-owned, semi-private golf course in all of Lincoln. It flaunts a handsome 3,100-yard 9-hole, par-36 layout that’s friendly but still formidable. Among its off-course amenities are: cart and club rentals; a short game practice area with putting greens; a well-stocked pro shop with equipment for men, women and junior golfers; an on-site casual diner called The Pizza Grill, which serves pizza, burgers, wings, fries, and more; and of course, an excellent indoor golf center that’s earned its rightful spot on this list.Barnes Brook Golf Course features cutting-edge Full Swing golf simulators that allow players the chance to play on over 40 of the best championship courses around the world. Not only that, there are also private and group lessons available from any of the PGA Professionals on duty to truly take your game to the next level, even during the off-season. Club repair services like re-shafting, re-gripping, and adjusting loft and lies can also be made by certified and professionally trained club fitters at their pro shop, to provide golfers with expertly calibrated clubs to suit all their personal needs and preferences. You may also join any of the golf leagues Barnes Brook Golf Course hosts regularly, as well as a junior golf club designed to teach young players the fundamentals of the game. Memberships may be purchased, but on a limited basis only. HoursMon 12:00 – 8:00 pmTue – Thu 7:00 – 7:00 pmFri – Sat 7:00 – 8:00 pmSun 7:00 – 7:00 pmContact207-732-3006info@barnesbrookgolfcourse.com
Location: 771 Cumberland St., Westbrook, ME 04092Finally, we introduce the golfing pride of Westbrook City, the Sunset Ridge Golf Links. Though the establishment offers numerous recreational activities and sports to its patrons, it is most popularly known for its 9-hole, par-35 golf course which boasts a classical links-style layout and plenty of exciting, gently rolling hills. However, Sunset Ridge Golf Links offers more than a simple executive course, as it is also home to an indoor golf center with state-of-the-art virtual golf simulators and high-tech hitting bays and launch monitors. Now, avid golfers in the area can stop simply dreaming about golf during the winter time and partake in a spirited round at Hawaii, Pinehurst, Pebble Beach, and many other popular courses as the simulators at Sunset Ridge offer over 30 elite championship golf courses to choose from. They can also be configured to driving range mode for warm-ups or quick, easy games to get you into the swing of things.Other amenities include a 9-hole foot golf course (the first and only in the state), a practice area with a pitching green, an outdoor driving range, a clubhouse, and a private swimming pool. Best of all, the entire complex can be rented out for special occasions or social gatherings. HoursMon – Thu 9:00 – 8:00 pmFri – Sat 8:00 – 8:00 pmContact207-854-9463sunsetridgeme.com
Wrap up
While Maine has never been one of the most sought-after venues as a golf destination in the country, it certainly has all the makings of one. Already a popular vacation spot and tourist haven for its many attractions and landmarks, the Pine Tree State flaunts a lush, gorgeous topography of densely wooded forests, grasslands, salt marshes, lakes, streams, and mountain ranges. With such a diverse natural landscape, it’s no wonder that the state is home to some truly remarkable courses like the Portland Country Club, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and many more.Though the fickle weather and changing climate of Maine poses an occasional problem for golfers in the area, they have several indoor golf facilities and virtual golf centers scattered all over the state to remedy the situation. While only three of the entries featured above are purely indoor golf establishments and learning centers, with the others simply being golf clubs that offer golf simulators among its off-course amenities, the general golfing public of Maine still has an excellent assortment of indoor golf venues to choose from as all of the names listed here are equipped with advanced technology and top-notch indoor facilities. With that in mind, more are sure to come as the industry is still relatively new to the state, with more promising prospects still coming to add to the already exciting virtual/indoor golf scene in Maine.
