CRANBERRY VALLEY GOLF COURSE: “THE BEST DAY OF GOLF ON THE CAPE”

When I first started exploring golf on Cape Cod years ago, an insider clued me in to Cranberry Valley Golf Course in Harwich. Over the years, this classic Geoffrey Cornish/Bill Robinson design has constantly lured me back. The course bills itself as “The Best Day of Golf on the Cape.” Although there is a lot of good golf on the Cape, I wouldn’t take issue with this claim.

Cranberry Valley is an eminently playable course, offering a wide variety of holes. It can play 6,745 yards from the tips, but you have a number of tee options: Blue (6,482), White (6,142), Silver (5,686), Red (5,568), and Green (5,060). The course is known for its strong finishing three holes. The signature 18th hole, a double-dogleg par-5, is a fitting finish to your round.

Bob Miller is one of the most well-known instructors on the Cape, and works with five PGA and LPGA instructors offering clinics, lessons, and fitness programs. We have a whole section of the range devoted to golf instruction.

Cranberry Valley has always been known for its outstanding conditions. Director of Golf Roman Greer remarked that “people are always surprised that we’re not a private club because of our manicured conditions.” The borders of the holes are well-main-

BY JACK ROSS

tained, so the course is not overly penal. “We’re a very golfer friendly course,” noted Greer. And with a top greens fee during peak season of $85, the course remains a good value.

But while Cranberry Valley has perennially been a must-play venue on the Cape, recent changes are making it even more attractive. Greer and his team learned a lesson when Covid required a 15-minute tee time spacing. The course has adopted a 10-minute spacing between groups (formerly 8-minutes). “This has been a game-changer,” remarked Greer. The spacing eliminated back-ups on par-3 holes and creates a better flow of play. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback,” Greer noted.

Another vestige of the Covid era is the remote check-in system, which speeds access to the course. Players may pay and check-in at the starter shack. This also allows the pro shop staff to spend more time with shoppers.

Cranberry Valley has also become the hub for junior golf on the Cape. It has a First Tee program, which fosters golf and life skills among junior golfers. In addition, the course hosts the only Drive, Chip and Putt qualifier on the Cape, where young golfers begin their quest to make the finals at Augusta National Golf www.cranberryvalley.golf

Club during Masters week.

The course also participates in the Junior PGA League, which provides opportunities for golfers between the ages of 6-13 to compete in a team format. Greer explained that the program is based on the Little League baseball model; young golfers are thrust into competition which complements other instruction programs.

But that’s not all. Greer is excited about plans to add a 9-hole par-3 course to provide an additional option to a 4 ½ hour round of golf. “These courses are all the rage in golf,” commented Greer. “Many people want to learn on an easier course, or just have a different experience.” The course is in the design phase, and will have holes ranging from 60 yards to 125 yards.

In addition, there are plans to add a putting complex and course, with more hills and undulations than the typical putting green. Players will be able to refine their putting skills while playing a sequence of holes.

Next year, Cranberry Valley will celebrate its 50th anniversary. There is much to celebrate as this historic gem on the Cape continues to expand its golf menu. Speaking of menus, be sure to cap your round with drinks and food at Jake’s pub: the best 19th Hole on the Cape.

Built for golfers who understand that golf is not con ned to a season. Inspired by the Paci c Northwest where the elements enhance the experience and provide the memories that do not t on a scorecard. The course is calling.