Highland Links Cape Cod – Played June 2023
- Rankings: None of my four lists
- Location: 10 Highland Links Road, Truro, Massachusetts
- Year: 1892
- Original Architect: Willard Small
- Additional Work By: J Henry McKinley & Hal Conklin
- Course Access: Public
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Blue/White: 5,349 yards, Par 70, 67.0 Rating/114 Slope
- Red/Gold: 4,587 yards, Par 72, 67.8 Rating/117 Slope
I had the opportunity to check out Highland Links Cape Cod due to a joint event between NLU and The Fliers Club. These two groups are golf sickos in the best way. We all love the game, love to talk about it, and don’t take ourselves too seriously. I’m glad the event came up because otherwise, I might not have gotten to Highland Links for quite some time.
The course dates back to 1892 when it was part of a resort operated by the Small family. Francis Ouimet played an exhibition round here after the greens were converted from sand to grass. In the 1960s, following the creation of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the course became Federal property. While you’re here, check out the lighthouse that is part of the historic district.
This will be a limited photo tour because I was focusing on the golf and camaraderie. Let’s get into the photos I did take.
Hole 2 – 460 yards – Par 5
The Highland Links property is not massive, so you won’t be beaten down by long holes. What it does have is elevation and direction change. This hole is a prime example as it drops sharply down, turns hard left, and rises back to the green. There is more room down there than it looks to your eye.
Hole 3 – 160 yards – Par 3
This perched green proved to be a tough target on each of the three loops we did around the course.
Hole 4 – 379 yards – Par 4
The landing area is blind here but the best line up the right side. Good drives here will run out and leave a short approach shot.
Hole 6 – 464 yards – Par 5
Another partially blind tee shot plays to a somewhat narrow fairway. There is rough and heather but you will likely find your shot unless you miss way right.
You’ve probably noticed the theme of blind shots here. They don’t call themselves a links for nothing.
Hole 8 – 353 yards – Par 4
From an elevation change standpoint, this hole is one of the tamest at Highland Links. But heather up the left makes for a nervy tee shot. If you execute the drive, a small, sloping green makes for a tough approach.
Hole 9 – 136 yards – Par 3
This green is wild with two pronounced tiers. If you’re on the wrong one putting will be difficult. However, my buddy Dave did hole one from the upper tier to this pin. It was crazy!
The sunsets out here can be pretty decent.
Highland Links was a really delightful nine holes. It had more elevation change than I was expecting and with the heather, there is plenty of challenge out there. Birdies are available but triples are lurking.
With a great group and wonderful weather, this was a great day.