Manchester Country Club delivers a compelling blend of golden age architecture and modern playability after Ron Forse’s restoration. It’s a state-ranked, member-centric course where strong design and championship bones shine, making it a must-play for serious New England golf travelers.
Manchester Country Club is a pure New England Donald Ross test—walkable, strategic, and recently re-awakened for modern play. Ron Forse’s restoration rolled back decades of overgrowth, returning long-lost Ross features like cross bunkers, open corridors, and fescue mounds, while preserving the movement and challenge of the storied green sites. The course now plays firmer and more open, demanding precision off the tee and maximum creativity on approaches and recoveries.
Donald Ross’s hands-on involvement and Ron Forse’s sensitive restoration make this one of New England’s purest examples of Ross architecture, with a renewed emphasis on strategy and craftsmanship.
A massive par 4 that tips out at 501 yards, asking everything of your tee shot and even more of your approach. The subtle left-to-right fairway bend and broad green test both power and touch.
Play position over aggression; think about where you want to approach from and avoid blocking yourself with the new tree lines.
Distance alone brings big numbers; a wayward drive or gamble on the approach can wreck your card early.
Superbly maintained, firm but not punishing; improved turf and sunlight after restoration.
Efficient member play, rarely backed up except on busy weekends.
Historic, genteel, understated—classic New England private-club feel.
Traditional private-club code: collared shirts, no denim, proper golf attire required.
Several par 3s and long par 4s will demand confidence with long clubs and flight control.
Restored cross and greenside bunkers are now part of every strategy; don’t show up rusty from the sand.
The Ross greens are some of the most creative in the region—practice lag putting and subtle breaks.
Bring your best walking shoes and be ready to appreciate the beautiful, restored routing on foot.
Club founded and Donald Ross course opens
Opening match with Francis Ouimet and Jesse Guilford
NH Open Championship held before long hiatus
Clubhouse and amenities modernized
99th NEPGA Section Championship hosted
Major course restoration by Ron Forse
NH Open Championship returns after more than 50 years
When Manchester Country Club officially opened in 1923, U.S. Open champion Francis Ouimet and U.S. Amateur champion Jesse Guilford played the ceremonial match, setting a high bar from day one. Their presence is a lasting source of club lore.
Unlike many courses that bear his name, Donald Ross personally selected the land, designed the course, and oversaw construction—his direct involvement is felt in every walkable green-to-tee connection and contour.
The dramatic 2023 restoration included the removal of around 8,500 trees, reopening corridors, vistas, and sun angles like Ross originally intended, transforming how the course plays and feels.
Manchester Country Club has hosted 48 state, regional, and national championships—proof that its strategic challenge and conditions have always drawn the best of New England golf.
Francis Ouimet, 1913 U.S. Open champion, played the course’s inaugural match.
The 2023 restoration removed over 8,500 trees, opening up original Ross corridors.
The club has hosted the New Hampshire Amateur 13 times—more than any other venue.
Restoration work coincided with the club’s centennial, honoring its 100-year legacy.
Modern public course, fun routing, great contrast to Manchester’s classic feel
Dramatic mountain setting and Donald Ross pedigree
Classic inland challenge, highly ranked in NH
Stately private club with strong walkability
Stay in Manchester or Bedford for easiest access to Manchester Country Club and short drives to other regional gems.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Fort Mill Golf Club's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pinehurst Resort (No. 2 Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Manchester Country Club.
Why it matches: If Manchester Country Club is your kind of course, Old Town Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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