Worldgolfer's Golf Course Reviews

Course Name: Rose Hill Golf Club

Designer: Beckman Weremay (2001)

Location: Wakefield, Rhode Island

History: N/A

Conditions: 7/10, Rose Hill is in impressive shape for an executive course. The greens are fast and true and the teeboxes and rough are in solid shape.

Value: 6/10, For $15, Rose Hill is much more fun than a driving range.

Scorecard:

Tee                     Par         Yardage         Rating          Slope

Blue                    27           1206               N/A                N/A

White                 27           981                N/A                N/A

Hole Descriptions: Rose Hill is a 9-hole executive course occupying a small property with a nice variety of short- and medium-length par threes. The entire layout is routed around a central pond with numerous holes playing over water in different directions. The net result is an aesthetically pleasing course with good shot values off the tee and tiny greens that provide a decent challenge. The first two holes are similar – 144 and 140 yarders with greens guarded by bunkers on the front left. The opening plays downhill with a large back-to-front sloped green defended by water and a steep slope long.

The 2nd hole continues in the same direction as a level par 3 with a carry over water the entire way. This green is smaller than the 1st and runs back-to-front with a backstop behind.

The 3rd hole is the shortest on the course and is definitely verging on too short at 74 yards. This hole is squeezed into the corner of the property and requires a simple pitch to a small, elevated, back-to-front sloped green guarded by a small bunker right.

At 101 yards, the 4th is another short hole but a beautiful one with a carry over water the entire way. This shallow green once again slopes hard back-to-front with bunkers long right.

The 5th hole is Rose Hill’s signature hole and arguably their best. At 143 yards, this strong par 3 connects the first and last four holes and traverses the pond in the center of the property. Featuring an intimidating teeshot, golfers need a good swing to find this circular green surrounded by hills. 

After short holes to start, Rose Hill finishes with some more challenging par threes like the 168 yard 6th. Water lines the left side of this hole with this large back-to-front sloped green set at an awkward angle. Bunkers line left, long, and right and a false front guards short here.

The 7th hole runs parallel to the 6th at 129 yards. Playing downhill, this hole offers a beautiful view of the entire property. This green is fairly narrow and guarded by a bunker right and OB left. 

At 178 yards, the number 1 handicap 8th is the longest hole at Rose Hill. Two bunkers line left and a hidden water hazard short catches mishit long irons. 

The finishing hole plays 129 yards uphill to a large, undulating green that predominantly slopes back-to-front. A false front and pot bunker well-short leave a very challenging up-and-down. 

General Comments: Although there’s no driving range at Rose Hill, the practice green is large and in good shape. Pace of play was pretty fantastic when I played and the staff in the Proshop was also incredibly friendly.

Verdict: It’s hard for me to rank an executive course highly, but make no mistake: Rose Hill is one of the better executive courses out there. This challenging, well-conditioned course is a fun round and one I can recommend to anyone that wants to get some iron practice in.