The fairways are generous, and the greens undulate and are usually elevated above the fairways. You will use every club in your bag and wish you had more during a round of golf “as it should be.” Sound strategy and uncommon sense will help save a few strokes.

Aim for the flagpole at the back of the blind sixth green to make it to this large putting surface from the fairway below. Reachable in two up a long hill, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Castine Harbor once you make it up to the green.

Hit a club other than the driver from the seventh tee or your ball might fly over the remains of the War of 1812 Battery Gosselin into the woods. The seventh green is known locally as a wicked sloping two-tiered green “in the woods” that can leave balls further from the cup after a putt than when they were stroked. A bogey on seven is good work. Enjoy the view of Wadsworth Cove and Penobscot Bay from this green.

This finely maintained course has been in play for over a century. The current 9-hole par 35 layout was designed by Willie Park, Jr. in 1921. Considered “one of the greatest golf architects of all time;” Park said the Castine course was one of his best. Famous for taking advantage of the natural terrain, Park’s design presents nine holes on Windmill Hill across from the Revolutionary War era Fort George and overlooking Castine Harbor and Blue Hill in the distance.