Birth of a Cornish Classic
Opening in 1961, Geoffrey Cornish routed the course through classic New England terrain, favoring strategic parkland corridors over brute length. The bones of his design still shape the experience decades later.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
The Cape Club of Sharon
Sharon, Massachusetts
Established
1961
Architect
Geoffrey Cornish (original); Craig Schreiner (renovation)
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,070 – 7,005 yds
Green Fees
$$$
The verdict
Massachusetts Championship Classic
The Cape Club of Sharon delivers a pure, challenging test on immaculate Bent Grass surfaces. Its Cornish layout, Schreiner upgrades, and robust tournament history mark it as one of the state's public-access elites.
Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery68
Conditioning80
Shot Variety75
Walkability68
Green Complexity77
Wow Factor67
Design Quality76
Don't miss
Watch for the annual LPGA women's clinic—a unique opportunity to learn from top pros on site.
At a glance
Quick facts
Original Designer
Geoffrey Cornish (1959–1961)
Major Renovation
Craig Schreiner, 2006
Bent Grass
Greens and fairways
Multiple State Championships
Hosted the Massachusetts Open 3 times
Public Access
Booking available for all golfers
Course Type
Classic Parkland
Recent Clubhouse Refresh
Completed 2022
The design
The architecture
The Cape Club of Sharon stands as a premier example of New England parkland architecture, blending Geoffrey Cornish’s classic design sense with modern enhancements by Craig Schreiner. The routing cleverly uses mature trees, rolling contours, and natural corridors to provide both challenge and variety. The Schreiner renovation sharpened the course’s defenses with fully rebuilt greens and strategic bunkering, yet always left room for bold recoveries and creative approaches. With its championship length, strategic fairway bunkers, and slick Bent Grass surfaces, the course tests both patient plotting and high-level shotmaking from the opening tee to the final green.
Geoffrey Cornish’s original layout remains the backbone of the design, accentuated by Schreiner’s contemporary bunker and green upgrades.
Defining features
- Modernized green complexes with subtle contouring
- Strategic fairway and greenside bunkering
- Long, demanding par 3s and 4s
- Classic New England parkland tree lines
- Multiple tee options for all skill levels
- Rolling terrain with elevation changes
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Relentless First Challenge
PAR
4
YARDAGE
455
A long, sharp-edged par 4 early in the round, the second hole demands accuracy off the tee and a precise long-iron approach into a firm green.
Play it smart
Favor the right side of the fairway for a better angle, and take an extra club on approach to clear front bunkers.
Where it bites
A miss short or right can leave a punishing recovery from deep rough or bunkered slopes.
Course management
Shots to think about
Second shot layup on the 11th hole’s par 5
Lay up to your ideal approach distance and avoid being overly aggressive; hazards pinch near the green.
Club selection on the 7th par 3 into wind
Trust your yardage and factor in extra for wind; don’t flirt with front bunkers.
Tight tee shot on the 9th hole
Favor accuracy over length as trees squeeze the landing zone.
Approach on the 16th par 3
Aim for the safest part of the green; even putting from long range is a win here.
Second shot on the 2nd par 4 after a missed fairway
Play for bogey and avoid compounding mistakes—recovery is tough from rough or trees.
Approach from below the hole on sloped greens
Take your medicine and keep the ball beneath the pin for the best chance at par.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Greens and fairways are typically in strong shape, especially following recent renovations and Bent Grass upgrades.
Pace
Rounds are deliberate due to length and challenge, especially during busy public-access weekends.
Vibe
A regional championship atmosphere—with a welcoming public access twist and a lively practice tee.
Dress code
Standard golf attire recommended; collared shirt required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book Early
Prime tee times fill up quickly—reserve well in advance, especially on weekends.
02
Practice Hybrid Shots
The par 3s, particularly 7 and 16, demand long irons or hybrids and precise trajectory control.
03
Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
The terrain is walkable but hilly; you’ll appreciate a little extra support whether walking or riding.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1959
Design and routing by Geoffrey Cornish begins.
- 1961
Course officially opens as Spring Valley Country Club.
- 1969
Hosts the Massachusetts Open Championship for the first time.
- 2006
Major course renovation by Craig Schreiner completed.
- 2016
Acquired and rebranded as The Cape Club of Sharon.
- 2017
Officially renamed The Cape Club of Sharon.
- 2022
Clubhouse and selected course elements receive refresh.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A Modern Makeover
Craig Schreiner’s 2006 renovation touched almost every green complex and bunker, bringing the surfaces and playing strategy in line with the best in the region. The course’s superb Bent Grass surfaces are a direct result.
Home to Champions
Hosting the Massachusetts Open three times and numerous regional championships, the Cape Club of Sharon is woven into the fabric of the Bay State golf scene. Its demanding layout ensures that only the toughest competitors prevail.
A New Identity
After more than a half-century as Spring Valley, the club joined the Cape Club family in 2016, launching a new era of public-access play and reinvesting in course and clubhouse quality.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The club was originally known as Spring Valley Country Club before its 2017 rebranding.
2
The course's Bent Grass fairways and greens are maintained to championship standards.
3
Hosted the Massachusetts Open Championship three times—rare among public-access clubs.
4
Portions of the property were used to film a commercial featuring major PGA pros.
5
Annual LPGA women's golf clinics are a club tradition.
Build the trip
Pair Sharon with New England's finest for a Northeast golf adventure
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
TPC Boston
Public/Resort
PGA Tour pedigree and true championship test
George Wright Golf Course
Municipal
Donald Ross design, exceptional value, Boston classic
Walpole Country Club
Semi-Private
Solid parkland test and welcoming South Shore setting
Poquoy Brook Golf Club
Public
Convenient, enjoyable public alternative
Southwest Boston suburbs (Canton/Walpole/Norwood) for easy course and highway access
Course DNA
If You Like The Cape Club of Sharon
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Des Moines Golf & Country Club (North Course)
West Des Moines, IowaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Des Moines Golf & Country Club (North Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Cape Club of Sharon.
Strong DNA Match8.2
NCR Country Club South Course
Kettering, OhioDifficulty
Why it matches: If The Cape Club of Sharon is your kind of course, NCR Country Club South Course is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Columbia Country Club
Chevy Chase, MarylandWhy it matches: Columbia Country Club is a natural next stop after The Cape Club of Sharon: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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