Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds
No longer fairgrounds, but still delivering elite entertainment.
1460 MA-149, Marstons Mills, MA
508-420-1141
18 Holes, Par 71
Design
BIRDIE
What a transformation. From old fairgrounds, Mark Mungeam created a golfers’ playground.
This course would be a private course gem, but the fact that it is public makes it a serious treat.
Olde Barney is challenging, tree-lined, track with really interesting mounding, bunkering, and great greens.
Price is more expensive than other public tracks, but we think it is absolutely justified for what is arguably the best public course on Cape Cod.
Olde Barney is the (better-looking) sister course of Hyannis Golf Course.
Playability
PAR
Accessible for a high handicapper with some large landing areas, but enough variety to keep the low handicappers engaged - especially as you get closer to the greens.
Refreshingly, it is hard to lose balls. Lots of trees line the fairways, but you can usually find your ball.
Perfectly in the sweet spot where walking or riding are options.
Views
PAR
Intimate feel in that you have views of 3-5 holes at any given time.
The adjacent airstrip provides for a variety of aerial activity.
You’ll want to stop watching the planes and take note of the great mounding and bunkering throughout the course.
Vibe
BIRDIE
Very low-key, approachable vibe.
Friendly, welcoming starter, clubhouse staff.
Olde Barnstable seems to remember that golf (and especially vacation golf) should be fun.
Condition
EAGLE
Impeccable. The best condition that you will find on a Cape Cod public course.
Greens were rolling as good as private course that we played in the same timeframe.
Condition completely justifies the $100 greens fees.
Practice Areas
PAR
Medium sized driving range, but mats only.
Small chipping area.
The highlight of the practice area is a great putting green that gives you a hint of what to expect on the course.
19th Hole
EAGLE
Great veranda with views of planes taking off (Cape Cod’s answer to Sea Island?)
While enjoying local beer and good food from the veranda, you can see holes 1-9 which is helpful for recounting an undoubtedly fun round.
Logo
BIRDIE
Criminally underrated logo - the bigtop tent looks amazing on merchandise!
Memorability
BIRDIE
Quite possibly the best public course on the Cape.
More expensive than most, but totally worth it.
Get ready for something unusual with the rare par 5, par 3, par 5, par 3 start. And in case you forgot, a par 3, par 5 finish will leave you with some fun memories.
If you are looking to play just one course on your vacation week, Olde Barney is a great option.
While Olde Barnstable outshines its sister course, Hyannis, Cape Cod locals will tell you that the best value on the Cape is a membership that gets you access to both Olde Barney and Hyannis.
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!)