Allendale Country Club

Allendale Country Club: A Classic New England Test with a Fun Factor

If you’re looking for a course that blends old-school charm with a shot-maker’s challenge, Allendale Country Club in North Dartmouth delivers. It’s a traditional New England layout with tree-lined fairways, fast greens, and just enough water hazards to keep you second-guessing your club selection. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a low-handicapper looking to sharpen your game, Allendale offers a solid mix of playability and difficulty.

A Layout That Rewards Smart Play

Stretching almost 6,800 yards from the back tees, Allendale isn’t about sheer length—it’s about precision. The fairways are generous but lined with mature trees, and the greens are well-protected, meaning you’ll need to think through every approach shot. The course mixes in a few doglegs and elevation changes that add a little extra spice to an otherwise traditional design.

Front Nine: Strategic Opportunities

The front nine presents a variety of hole designs that encourage strategic play. For example, the 1st hole is a 391-yard par-4 that sets the tone with its demanding tee shot. The 3rd hole, a 190-yard par-3, challenges golfers with its length and well-protected green.  

Back Nine: Increasing Complexity

The back nine introduces more intricate challenges. The 12th hole, a 181-yard par-3, requires a precise tee shot to a green guarded by hazards, emphasizing accuracy. The closing holes, such as the 17th and 18th, feature tight fairways and undulating greens, demanding focused play to finish the round successfully.

Course Conditions: A Commitment to Quality

Allendale has a reputation for solid course conditions, and it shows. The greens are quick and true, the fairways are well-maintained, and even the bunkers are kept in good shape. While occasional rough spots can pop up during the peak of summer, the overall experience is one of consistency—something that can’t be said for every public course in the region.

Amenities: Everything You Need (and a Great 19th Hole)

Beyond the course, Allendale has solid practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. The pro shop is stocked with essentials, and the clubhouse bar & grill is a great spot to unwind after your round. Locals rave about the food and drink selection, making it a great place to settle bets and recap the day’s best (or worst) shots.

The Verdict:

Allendale Country Club offers a fair but challenging round that rewards smart, strategic play. It’s a course that grows on you the more you play it, with just enough variety to keep things interesting from start to finish. Whether you’re a local looking for a new home course or a visitor wanting to experience classic New England golf, Allendale is definitely worth a tee time.

Final Ratings:

• Course Layout: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A fun mix of classic design and strategic challenges.

• Course Conditions: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Well-maintained greens and fairways, with occasional rough spots.

• Amenities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Solid practice facilities and a great clubhouse atmosphere.

• Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A well-rounded course with enough challenge to keep you coming back.

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Course Difficulty

Allendale Country Club provides a balanced mix of challenge and playability, making it a great course for both casual golfers and experienced players looking for a strategic test. Here’s a closer look at its difficulty level:

Slope & Rating:

• Course Rating 73.4

• Back Tees: Slope 133

With a slope of 133 from the back tees, Allendale presents a moderate to challenging experience. The layout rewards precision, and while it’s not overwhelmingly long, players who miss fairways will often find themselves blocked out by tree lines or faced with tricky approaches. The fast, undulating greens also add an extra layer of challenge, making it tough to recover from errant shots.

For Beginners:

Allendale is playable but demanding for newer golfers. The wide fairways on some holes provide breathing room, but tree-lined corridors, well-placed bunkers, and elevated greens make approach shots tricky. If you struggle with accuracy, expect to spend some time punching out from under the trees. The shorter tees make the course more forgiving, but even then, the firm, quick greens can be tough to handle for those still working on their short game.

For Experienced Golfers:

Low handicappers will enjoy the challenge of Allendale. The course isn’t brutally long at 6,800 yards, but it forces you to think through every shot. The par-3 12th over water is a true test of precision, and the doglegs on the back nine require both accuracy and course management. Pin placements can turn easy birdie looks into three-putt nightmares, and if you don’t control your approach shots, you’ll be scrambling all day.

Conclusion:

Allendale Country Club strikes a nice balance—challenging enough to keep low handicappers engaged, yet approachable for casual golfers. The course plays fair, but mistakes are punished, especially when it comes to wayward drives and misjudged approaches. If you’re looking for a strategic, shot-maker’s course, Allendale delivers.

Difficulty Rating: 7/10

It’s a moderate-to-tough test—rewarding for skilled players who can shape shots and control approaches, while still playable for high handicappers who don’t mind a few extra bogeys along the way.

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