What are the Worst Golf Courses in Maine?

Maine is, by almost any measure, one of New England’s great golf states. From cliff-hugging seaside layouts to pine-lined parkland courses, the Pine Tree State punches far above its weight in scenic beauty and architectural charm. But even in a place blessed with rocky coastlines and postcard fairways, not every course lives up to the promise.

What follows is not an indictment, but an honest assessment—based on common golfer complaints, inconsistent conditions, and outdated layouts—of three Maine golf courses that routinely disappoint. As with all golf rankings, this list is subjective. A bad day, a tight budget, or a tough season can skew impressions. Still, these courses appear again and again in the “what went wrong?” conversations at 19th holes across the state.

#3: Aroostook Valley Country Club (Fort Fairfield)

Northern Maine golf has its charms, but Aroostook Valley Country Club too often feels stuck in another era. Golfers cite uneven fairways, soft greens that struggle to hold shape, and a layout that lacks strategic variety. Long stretches of similar holes make for a round that feels more like a march than a memory. In a region where resources are limited, the course suffers from deferred maintenance that shows up on nearly every shot.

Riverside GC

#2: Riverside Golf Course (Portland area)

Located in one of Maine’s most populated corridors, Riverside should be a reliable municipal gem. Instead, players frequently encounter soggy fairways, patchy turf, and greens that vary wildly in speed from hole to hole. Pace-of-play issues compound the frustration, turning what should be an accessible public option into a grind. With stronger municipal courses nearby, Riverside’s shortcomings are harder to overlook.

Sanford CC

#1: Sanford Country Club (Sanford)

Sanford earns the unenviable top spot due to a combination of condition concerns and layout limitations. Golfers regularly point to inconsistent greens, poor drainage, and a routing that offers little in the way of challenge or visual interest. The course struggles to define an identity—neither player-friendly nor strategically demanding—and the result is a forgettable experience in a state known for memorable golf.

The Bottom Line

Calling any golf course “the worst” is easy; fixing one is not. Many of these facilities face real-world challenges: short seasons, limited budgets, and weather that tests even the best superintendents. With investment and vision, any of them could improve—and Maine golfers would be better for it.

Still, in a state where so many courses deliver breathtaking views and thoughtful design, these three stand out not for what they offer, but for what they lack.