153 School St,
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts 01944
The Course:
18 holes. Heathland / parkland.
Surroundings:
Woodland.
Designer:
Designed by Donald Ross (1917); modifications by Tom Doak (2008).
42.584875
-70.765239
o.8 mi N of Manchester by the Sea / 30 mi NE of Boston.
Essex County, Mass.
Essex County Club ("ECC" to its members) is located in Manchester by the Sea, one of four coastal towns (with Essex, Gloucester and Rockport) found on Cape Ann in northern Massachusetts. This original Donald Ross design has certainly stood the test of time, and is frequently listed amongst America's 100 greatest courses. Course description, images and other details to follow soon.
Private club - guests can only play if hosted by a member.
Blue jeans are not permitted on Essex County Club property.
Famed designer Donald Ross actually lived here at Essex County Club from 1909 until 1913. During this time he was constantly working on the course. His former home, nicely improved since the time he lived there, sits alongside the 15th tee.
Massachusetts' 4th best course (Golf Digest, 2025/26).
USA's 78th best course (Golf Digest, 2025/26).
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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