The One Dollar Clubhouse
Lake Kezar’s original clubhouse was once School House #4, purchased from the local town for a single dollar and transported to the grounds. It’s a living piece of Lovell history repurposed as a gathering spot for golfers.
The verdict
Pure Ross Roots, Playful Setting
Lake Kezar Country Club blends Donald Ross’s original routing with a breezy, accessible Maine experience. Its classic positioning demands and friendly, quiet vibe deliver understated Ross character and a taste of vintage New England golf. Don't expect national stage drama—do expect cool history and a memorable, walkable round.
Course DNA
Difficulty
61
Scenery73
Conditioning67
Shot Variety68
Walkability81
Green Complexity72
Wow Factor70
Design Quality68
Don't miss
Check out the original schoolhouse clubhouse, bought for $1 and packed with local history quirks.
At a glance
Quick facts
Founder
Organized by local resort owners in 1920s
Original Architect
Donald Ross
Original Holes
Opened as nine in 1924
Back Nine Addition
Added in 1998 by Lesky and Merrill
Unique Clubhouse
Old schoolhouse #4 relocated for $1
Gene Sarazen Appearance
Present at 1924 opening day
Landscape Features
Stone walls, brooks, pines
The design
The architecture
Lake Kezar Country Club offers a genuine taste of Donald Ross in the hills of western Maine, presenting classic positioning challenges, Ross’s subtle greens, and a natural routing that follows gentle undulations and old farmland. The expanded back nine, added in 1998, enhances the layout with modern variety while preserving the old-world feel of the original design. Golfers will find maintained stone walls, native brooks, and pines framing the experience, with most holes inviting strategic play rather than brute force. It’s an accessible example of early 20th-century architecture, updated without losing its soul.
The course’s enduring charm is rooted in Ross’s approach—letting the land dictate play—with the modern back nine complementing, not competing with, his vision.
Defining features
- Subtle green slopes and runoffs
- Classic Ross doglegs and approach angles
- Stone wall and brook features
- Mixture of open and treelined holes
- Gentle, walkable terrain throughout
- Blend of original and modern routing
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 6
The Demanding Approach
PAR
4
YARDAGE
391
A strong par 4 demanding a well-placed drive and pinpoint approach to a guarded green. The hole plays longer than its yardage and rewards smart navigation off the tee with a manageable shot at the pin. Stay below the hole for any shot at par.
Play it smart
Favor the left side off the tee to open up the best angle into a sloping Ross green.
Where it bites
Long approaches risk bounding through the back or catching the front bunkers.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching the Ross greens from the rough
Don't attack back pins—landing short and running the ball up is often safer and leaves a better angle.
Facing the Par 3 seventh into a crosswind
Club up and trust your swing; missing short or right brings big numbers into play.
Second shot on the 14th (par 5)
Play to a number—overreaching for distance risks tree trouble and awkward lies.
Short par 4s with doglegs (e.g., holes 2 and 4)
Favor position over power—play for angle and clear sightlines to the green.
Greenside on the closing 18th
Take extra care reading the subtle Ross slopes before your last putt of the day.
Tight driving holes
Lay back with hybrid or long iron—keeping it in play beats chasing yards here.
Early morning dew or damp conditions
Balls run less—factor it into your club selection and approach into receptive greens.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Well-groomed, accessible, and classically maintained; expect firm greens and consistent fairways.
Pace
Pace is relaxed; expect an average four-hour round unless play is especially busy.
Vibe
Laid-back, old-school country club atmosphere with friendly staff and a local flavor.
Dress code
Standard golf attire is expected; no formal policy surfaced in current research.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Brush Up on Ross
Read up on Donald Ross’s design style—appreciate the subtlety in angles and greens before you tee off.
02
Pack for Maine Weather
Even in summer, early mornings can be cool and afternoons warm—layer accordingly.
03
Book Your Tee Time Early
Call ahead to secure a spot during popular months; prime hours can fill up at this semi-private spot.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1923
Construction begins on original nine under Donald Ross
- 1924
Course opens for regular play, clubhouse established from relocated schoolhouse
- 1924
Opening day celebrated with pros Francis Quinet and Gene Sarazen in attendance
- 1998
Expansion to 18 holes with a new back nine by Paul Lesky and Brian Merrill
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Sarazen's Opening Day Visit
Golf legend Gene Sarazen graced Lake Kezar’s inaugural round in August 1924, adding a layer of lore and gravitas to the club’s first swings. It’s a piece of New England golf history that still gets mentioned among members.
Ross’s Orchard Routing
The course’s Ross-designed front nine took its lines from former orchards and pastures, a testament to his talent for blending holes seamlessly into Maine’s untouched landscape.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The original course land was donated by Robert Eastman and was once a working orchard.
2
School House #4, the current clubhouse, was relocated for just a dollar.
3
Gene Sarazen, one of golf’s greats, attended opening day in 1924.
4
The front nine is pure 1920s Ross, while the back nine’s modern addition mimics his style.
5
Stone walls and old brooks thread through multiple holes, linking golf with local history.
Build the trip
If you're making a Western Maine golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Sunday River Golf Club
Public/Resort
Mountain scenery and one of Maine’s top public-access layouts.
Bridgton Highlands Country Club
Public
Convenient and classic—perfect complement near Lake Kezar.
Bethel Inn Resort Golf Course
Resort/Public
A vintage Maine golf experience in a charming resort town.
Point Sebago Golf Resort
Resort/Public
Established resort experience with all-ages appeal.
Bridgton for proximity and ease, or Bethel if you want more mountain golf.
Course DNA
If You Like Lake Kezar Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Portland Country Club
Portland, MaineWhy it matches: Portland Country Club is a natural next stop after Lake Kezar Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match7.6
Keney Park Golf Course
Hartford, ConnecticutWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Keney Park Golf Course's own setting.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Soule Park Golf Course
Ojai, CaliforniaWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Soule Park Golf Course's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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