Ross Golf Trail · Trails · Rhode Island Coastal
Trail 02 · Donald Ross Golf Trail

Rhode Island Coastal

From Providence to the Shore — Ross along the Narragansett.

4
Courses
2–3
Days
~60
Miles
$35–65
Green Fees
The Coastal Trail

From Providence to the shore, 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.

The Courses

Four coastal Ross designs from Providence to Groton.

Municipal masterworks, a restored nine, and Connecticut's only public Ross — presented in recommended play order.

Triggs Memorial Golf Course hole 17 1 Top 14 Municipal
Course 01 · Providence

Triggs Memorial Golf Course

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.

Par
72
Yards
6,522
Year
1932
Green Fee
$55
  • Top 14 Municipal Course in America (Golf.com)
  • Original Ross hole diagrams preserved in clubhouse
  • Former PGA Tour host venue — championship pedigree
  • Three brutal opening par 4s (380, 400, 420 yards)
  • Authentic Ross design — peak of his career
Triggs Memorial green Triggs Memorial hole 17 Triggs Memorial 10th tee Triggs Memorial course map
Book Tee Time Directions Course Map
Winnapaug Country Club coastal hole 3 Coastal Classic
Course 03 · Westerly

Winnapaug Country Club

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.

Par
72
Yards
6,391
Year
1922
Green Fee
$65
  • Top 25 Most Improved Course — Golf Advisor 2023
  • Stunning coastal views of Atlantic Ocean & Winnapaug Pond
  • Public tee times, memberships, and stay-and-play packages
  • Full-service restaurant and golf lessons available
  • Perfect coastal golf getaway destination
Winnapaug coastal hole Winnapaug coastal view Winnapaug waterfront hole Winnapaug green
Book Tee Time Directions
Shennecossett Golf Course waterfront hole 4 Waterfront CT
Course 04 · Groton, CT

Shennecossett Golf Course

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.

Par
71
Yards
6,562
Year
1898
Green Fee
$45
  • Golf Magazine "Thrifty Fifty" — Best public under $50
  • Connecticut's only public Ross design
  • Hosted legends: Palmer, Hagen, Jones, Ouimet
  • Waterfront holes with submarine views
  • Par 4 Restaurant attached to clubhouse
Shennecossett waterfront hole Shennecossett green Shennecossett hole 10 Shennecossett hole 14
Book Tee Time Directions Course Map
Trail Map

The Coastal Trail, mapped.

Click any marker to view that course. The loop runs 60 miles from Providence south to Westerly and into Groton, CT.

Plan your trip

Suggested Itineraries

The 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.

Option 01

The Full Coastal (2–3 Days)

2–3 Days4 Courses
Day 01

Triggs Memorial (AM) + Metacomet/Met Links (PM)

Start in Providence with Rhode Island's top municipal Ross, then cross to East Providence for Metacomet's parkland layout. Stay in Providence — explore Federal Hill for dinner.

Day 02

Winnapaug CC (AM) + Shennecossett GC (PM)

Drive south to Westerly for ocean-side Ross, then east across the border to Groton, CT for the coastal finale. Watch Hill or Mystic for overnight — reward yourself with a lobster dinner.

Option 02

Providence Day Trip (1 Day)

1 Day2 Courses
Morning

Triggs Memorial Golf Course — Providence

Top-14 municipal in America. Original Ross hole diagrams preserved in the clubhouse. Three brutal opening par 4s set the tone.

Afternoon

Metacomet/Met Links — East Providence

Just 15 minutes from Triggs. Former private club, now public access. Finish with dinner on Federal Hill.

Local intel

Local Tips & Recommendations

What we've learned from playing the loop.

⏰

Best Season

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.

🚗

Getting There

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.

🏨

Where to Stay

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.

🦞

Beyond Golf

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.

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