None such place like it

Constant improvements to an already challenging layout have quickly made Nonesuch River Golf Club a Maine favorite

By Peter Blais

Nonesuch River Golf Club owner Dan Hourihan likes to tinker. Shortly after the Scarborough, Maine, course first opened a dozen years ago, the attorney/commercial real estate developer began remodeling his new layout – adding a bunker here, constructing a tee there, lengthening an approach, enlarging a pond.

Over the years, Hourihan has cobbled together a 6,300-yard, par-70 layout that the United States Golf Association deemed worthy of hosting last year’s regional qualifier for its U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. Nonesuch will stage the regional event again this season and Hourihan will have some new features to show his guests.

In the past few months, Nonesuch has lengthened the par-5, 16th hole and added several bunkers near the green. Hourihan also increased the yardage of the par-4, fifth and added several bunkers to the dogleg right that makes it much more of a risk-reward decision to cut the corner.

And the par-3 island-green sixth hole – the object of considerable renovation work in recent years that included a deepened pond, expanded approach area and new mounding that allows even the high-handicapper hitting a low screamer into the hole to still have a chance at par – is a beautiful spot that many now consider the signature hole.

Carved out of the woods just south of Portland, Nonesuch has always been known for its outstanding United States Golf Association-spec greens, closely mowed bentgrass playing surface and generous landing areas, especially from the forward tees. The farther back one goes on the teeing grounds, the tighter the landing areas.

“The superintendent always has the course in great condition, almost like a private club,” said Peter Fannon, a North Yarmouth, Maine resident who plays the course several times a year and was getting in a late-fall round. “All the tees were in great shape and the greens were rolling very true, almost 10 on the Stimpmeter. That’s pretty amazing considering the time of year.”

Florida course architect Tom Walker designed a very walkable routing with four sets of tees that make it playable for golfers of all abilities if they select the correct teeing ground.

“It was a fun, challenging and well-kept course,” said Trent Welch, a former assistant pro who now resides in York, Maine, and was playing Nonesuch for the first time. “The layout had a nice mix of golf holes – some short and scenic, others long, traditional and challenging. It is a great course for the general public, allowing all levels of players to enjoy themselves.”

Fannon, a 16-handicapper, appreciated the opportunity to ease into his round on the opening hole, a par-4 dogleg left to a large green. “It is a nice way to warm up your round with a good open first hole,” he said. “Another favorite of mine is the third hole, a double-dogleg par-5. It’s a three-shot hole even for low-handicap golfers.”

Scott Mayer, the PGA teaching professional at Nonesuch, noted that players talk primarily about the back nine and the need to place shots carefully on those holes. For instance, No. 10, a short par-5, allows shorter hitters to lay up in front of a creek that fronts the green while longer hitters are tempted to go for the putting surface in two.

The toughest test comes on holes 11 through 14, a quartet of challenging par-4s that can make or break a round. The toughest may be the 397-yard 13th – long considered the signature hole prior to the emergence of No. 6 – that plays as a dastardly narrow, dogleg left requiring a drive just to the edge of two fairway bunkers, leaving 150 yards or less to a wide green defended in front by a stream and large bunker.

Head pro Jim Fairbanks and Mayer are available for individual and group lessons as well as clinics. Mayer recently received the Ferris State University Professional Golf Management Alumni Teacher of the Year Award and was nominated for both the State of Maine and the New England Teacher of the Year awards.

“Junior lessons are a growing part of the business,” he said. “We have a solid junior membership that plays regularly. Many golf teams practice here and junior players are always welcome.”

A full-day golf school is available starting at $199 for the one-day program and $339 for the two-day session. Students and players have access to a complete practice center with a grassed teeing area, two practice greens and fully stocked 2,500-square-foot clubhouse.

“The staff is very friendly and helpful from the moment you arrive at the course,” Fannon said. “And the lounge is a very nice way to end a pleasant round.”

Peak season (June 15 to September 15) greens fees are $40 weekends and $36 weekdays. Replay rounds are just $15 for those with the energy to play 36 holes a day. Twilight and weekend afternoon rates are available.

“The price is right where it should be for the market,” Mayer said.

Located within a mile of Exit 42 of the Maine Turnpike, Nonesuch is a short drive from the Maine Mall and several hotels that offer stay-and-play packages. Portland’s downtown and Old Port area with its many restaurants, bars and shops are minutes away.

For more information visit nonesuchgolf.com or call 207-883-0007.