Owls Nest Golf Club
New Hampshire's only 18 hole Nicklaus Design course, a par 72 set in the foothills of the White Mountains and recognized among the best Nicklaus layouts in the world by value.
Photo: Owl's Nest Resort via Google.
The verdict
Owl's Nest is the standout resort golf of central New Hampshire. The course dates to 1989, but it was reborn when Nicklaus Design rebuilt it tee to green in the mid 2010s, giving the state its only 18 hole Nicklaus Design layout. A par 72 of about 6,684 yards, it sits in the foothills of the White Mountains near Thornton, using the rolling land and water for satisfying elevation changes and a string of memorable holes, all framed by big mountain vistas.
The redesign earned recognition among the best Nicklaus Design courses worldwide by value, and it is easy to see why: the conditioning is excellent, the layout is fun without being punishing, and the green fees are reasonable for golf of this quality. Paired with a growing resort of lodging and amenities, it makes an ideal base for a White Mountains golf trip and a natural companion to the mountain courses just across the border in Vermont.
Owls Nest Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- 1989, rebuilt by Nicklaus Design
- Designer
- Nicklaus Design
- Type
- Mountain resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,684 yards
- Green fee
- From about 70 dollars
Details verified June 2026: the Owl's Nest Resort course in Thornton, New Hampshire, is the state's only 18 hole Nicklaus Design layout; the original course dates to 1989 and was rebuilt by Nicklaus Design in the mid 2010s, a par 72 of roughly 6,684 yards in the foothills of the White Mountains. Indicative 2026 green fees run from around 70 dollars in the shoulder season to roughly 100 to 130 dollars at peak summer, cart included; fees change by season and day, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Nicklaus Design rebuild made the most of the foothills site. Holes roll across the natural contours of the land, with elevation changes that open up views of the White Mountains and tee shots that play downhill into wide, inviting fairways. Water comes into play on several holes, and the bunkering and green complexes are classic modern Nicklaus, demanding a thoughtful approach without overwhelming the mid handicapper.
It is a course built to be enjoyed: generous off the tee, scenic throughout, and tough enough at the back tees to test a strong player while remaining fair from the forward markers. The mountain backdrops give the round a real sense of place, and the strong conditioning, recognized in the course's worldwide value ranking, makes it one of the most rewarding daily fee experiences in northern New England.
For traveling golfers, Owl's Nest is the headline of a White Mountains golf trip: a quality Nicklaus Design course at a sensible price, with a resort growing up around it.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; open to all, with stay and play options through the resort |
| Green fee | From about 70 dollars in the shoulder season to 100 to 130 dollars at peak, cart included, indicative 2026 |
| Booking | Book online or through the golf shop; summer weekends fill early |
| On the day | Carts recommended given the rolling terrain; standard golf dress |
| Getting there | In Thornton, central New Hampshire, off Interstate 93 near Waterville Valley, about 90 minutes from Manchester |
| Best months | Roughly May to October; summer and early fall foliage are prime |
Access and fees verified June 2026; resort pricing changes by season and day, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Owl's Nest is a growing resort with lodging on site, the simplest base for a golf trip and the easiest way to secure tee times. The surrounding White Mountains region offers inns and resorts around Waterville Valley, Lincoln and the Lakes Region, and Manchester, with the nearest major airport, is about 90 minutes south.
For a wider New England golf trip, Owl's Nest pairs neatly with the mountain golf just across the border in Vermont, from the best public course in the state at Green Mountain National Golf Course to the high alpine Stowe Mountain Club and the historic Equinox Resort Golf Club.
Looking for a base nearby? See our recommended hotels and resorts.
Build a New Hampshire golf trip
We arrange tee times at Owl's Nest, pair it with the best golf in the White Mountains and across the Vermont border and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Owls Nest questions
Who designed Owls Nest Golf Club?
The Owl's Nest Resort course in Thornton, New Hampshire, is a Nicklaus Design layout, the only 18 hole Nicklaus Design course in the state. The original course dates to 1989 and was rebuilt by Nicklaus Design in the mid 2010s. It plays a par 72 of roughly 6,684 yards.
Is Owls Nest open to the public?
Yes. Owl's Nest is a public resort course, booked online or through the golf shop, with stay and play options through the resort. Summer weekends fill early, so book ahead.
How much does it cost to play Owls Nest?
Indicative 2026 green fees run from around 70 dollars in the shoulder season to roughly 100 to 130 dollars at peak summer, cart included. Rates change by season and day, so always confirm directly before booking.
What makes Owls Nest special?
It is New Hampshire's only 18 hole Nicklaus Design course, and it has been recognized among the best Nicklaus courses worldwide by value. The layout uses the foothills of the White Mountains for satisfying elevation changes and big mountain vistas.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, course history and recognition verified June 2026; yardage and indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.