Dennis Pines
If you are a local or regular visitor and want to test your accuracy, then Dennis Pines is a solid choice.
50 Golf Course Rd.
East Dennis, MA 026411 (508) 385-8347 x 2
18 Holes, Par 72
Sister course of Dennis Highlands
Design
PAR
Yarmouth has Bayberry and Bass River, Dennis has Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands.
As its name suggests, the course is nestled deep in the pines. The surrounding trees, the ample amounts of sand, the rickety bridges, the marshlands, and the rolling fairways serve as a classic backdrop to a Cape Cod alternative to the beach day.
Overall, Dennis Pines is longer (tipping out close to 7000 yards) and much more narrow than its sister course, Dennis Highlands.
Our biggest takeaway is that the front and back nines have very different feels and challenges.
The front nine is more forgiving off of the tees, though you can find yourself in some deep gulleys that can be surprising to the first timer.
While the front is fairly narrow, the back nine tightens up dramatically and brings a lot of swamp water into play. The result is that you need to hit precise, less-than-driver shots to fairly small targets. This can be really frustrating to first time players and big hitters.
On the front and back, driver may be too much on some holes, including the par 5s.
Interesting greens too with multiple tiers and undulations.
Playability
BOGEY
High handicappers and most first-time players of this course will struggle with the tight fairways and blind landing areas.
Unlike Dennis Highlands, if your ball rolls into trouble, you are probably not going to find it as the tree lines are thick with brush, leaves, and pines needles.
This seems like a course best suited for locals who play the course regularly, know the quirks, and want to hit a variety of mid-range shots.
Views
PAR
All the trees, sand, and marshy areas that you’d expect from an inland Cape Cod course, with nice undulations that keep it visually interesting.
In fact, the undulations are so pronounced in one area that the course installed a periscope for players to see if the group ahead has cleared the landing area.
Vibe
PAR
Like the Yarmouth courses, the Dennis courses get a lot of regular and vacation play, so it needs to be run efficiently.
At times, this can sometimes give it a factory-like vibe vs. a welcoming vacationland vibe, but it generally keeps the groups moving on time.
Condition
PAR
Greens were rolling nice at fair speeds.
Fairways were mostly fine, but the traffic can beat up some spots.
Practice Areas
BIRDIE
Convenient range just behind the clubhouse.
Separate chipping area.
Nice putting green.
19th Hole
PAR
Full restaurant and bar with mostly indoor seating options.
Logo
BOGEY
The on-the-nose logo is perfectly fine… but for a course that gets so much regular and visitor play, we feel like there’s an opportunity to do more than this rather boring logo - and sell more merchandise!
Memorability
PAR
If you are a vacationer just looking for a fun alternative to the beach, we give the edge to Dennis Highlands. If you are a local or regular visitor and want to test your accuracy, then Dennis Pines is a solid choice.
Join us on our quest to play all of the courses on Cape Cod. Here’s a handy reference of all of the public and private options. How many have you played? Which course (and logo) is your favorite?
Poster is 16 inches wide x 20 inches high.
(Frame not included, but shipping is!)
