Donald Ross Golf Trail
Rhode Island Coastal
From Providence to the Shore — Ross Along the Narragansett
4Courses
2-3Days
~60Miles
$35-65Green Fees
Donald Ross Golf Trail
From Providence to the Shore — Ross Along the Narragansett
The Rhode Island Coastal Loop follows the Atlantic shore from Providence to the Connecticut border, threading four Donald Ross courses through some of New England's most scenic coastal territory. From the urban excellence of Triggs Memorial — rated among America's top 14 municipal courses — to the seaside charm of Winnapaug overlooking the Block Island Sound, this loop pairs world-class Ross architecture with ocean breezes and waterfront dining.
Ross knew this coastline intimately. He maintained a summer home in Little Compton, RI, and designed several of his most inspired New England courses within driving distance of Narragansett Bay. The loop also crosses into Connecticut to include Shennecossett, a Thames River gem that ranks among the state's best public courses — proof that Ross's genius didn't stop at state lines.
📍 1533 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02909
📞 (401) 521-8460
Opened in 1932 during the Great Depression, Triggs Memorial is Rhode Island's only true public Donald Ross course. Rated as one of the top 14 municipal courses in America by Golf.com, this authentic Ross design features his signature strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and brilliant use of natural terrain. Ross designed Triggs while living in Little Compton, RI — one of his mature masterworks.
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Download the official Triggs Memorial course map to plan your round.
Download Map📍 500 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, East Providence, RI 02914
📞 Contact via website
The reborn front 9 of historic Metacomet Country Club, restored and reopened to the public in 2024. This includes 6 original Donald Ross holes plus 2 new holes designed to flow with Ross's character. A perfect bonus round or twilight add-on to your Providence visit, set on dramatic terrain along Watchemoket Cove.
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📍 184 Shore Road, Westerly, RI 02891
📞 Contact via website
Opened in 1922 on Rhode Island's scenic southern coast, Winnapaug offers sweeping vistas of Winnapaug Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. This Donald Ross design seamlessly integrates with the coastal landscape, providing a challenging yet rewarding round in one of New England's most picturesque settings.
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📍 93 Plant St, Groton, CT 06340
📞 (860) 445-0262
Connecticut's ONLY public Donald Ross course, Shennecossett has hosted golf legends since 1898. The 1997 land swap with Pfizer added spectacular waterfront holes along the Thames River and Long Island Sound. Watch submarines pass while playing one of New England's historic gems.
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Download the official Shennecossett course map to plan your round.
Download MapThe RI Coastal Loop runs roughly 60 miles from Providence south to Westerly, then east into Groton, CT. The southern courses pair naturally — play Winnapaug and Shennecossett on the same day for a coastal double.
April through November. Coastal courses stay playable longer than inland loops. Fall offers mild temps and stunning foliage. Summer weekends are busy — book ahead at Triggs.
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is 10 minutes from Triggs. I-95 connects all stops. The Westerly/Groton leg follows scenic Route 1 along the coast. Allow 30-45 min between courses.
Providence for the northern courses — Federal Hill and the Biltmore area. Watch Hill or Westerly for the coastal leg. Mystic, CT is a charming base near Shennecossett.
Newport mansions and Cliff Walk. Watch Hill beach and carousel. Mystic Seaport and Mystic Pizza. Providence's RISD Museum and WaterFire. Federal Hill is one of the best Italian dining neighborhoods in America.
We're always expanding the trail. If you know a public-access Donald Ross course in New England, let us know.