Sugarloaf Golf Club

Aptly named for the course's designer, this downhill, dogleg right par 4 is as demanding as it is scenic. The hole offers your first glimpse of the Bigelow Mountain Range. Be sure to factor in elevation change on both your tee shot and approach. Bunkers to the left and right guard the small green.

This double dogleg par 5 stresses yardage control and accuracy. Account for the downhill slope on each shot as you approach the green. A narrow creek initially borders the right side of the hole before bisecting the fairway. A well-positioned layup provides a great look at this receptive green.

A deep bunker (dubbed “Big Red” by locals) protects the left side of this straightforward par 3. Check for the prevailing wind that often makes the hole play shorter than the given yardage. A large ridge splitting the green from left to right can make for tricky chips and putts.

The blind tee shot presents an immediate challenge on this meandering par 5. A well-played tee shot favoring the right-center of the fairway can run down a slope giving you a great chance of reaching this green in two. The well-guarded green is slightly elevated, and has several significant slopes.

The course now turns back up the mountain with this deceptively difficult par 4. The fairway slopes gently from left to right. A large fairway bunker guards against approaches that end up short left of this two-tiered green that is pitched from back to front, and left to right. Stay below the hole.

This dogleg right par 4 with a dramatic increase in elevation provides many challenges throughout the hole. A successful tee shot provides a great chance to avoid a cluster of bunkers protects the front left side of the green. Enjoy one of the best views on the course after navigating this hole.

You can play aggressively over the corner on this sharp dogleg left par 4, or layup short of the bunker on the far side of the fairway. The prevailing wind tends to push balls from left to right off the tee. The undulating green provides interesting putting scenarios and challenging pin locations.

What looks to be a short, simple par 3 can cause havoc if one misjudges the yardage. A deep bunker guards the right side of the green and the prevailing wind is against you, so an extra club or two may be required to carry the small pond. If the pin is located in the swale, a hole-in-one is in play.

The front nine concludes with an uphill, dogleg left par 4 with one of the most challenging green complexes in Maine. A straightforward drive leads to an approach over a bunker positioned below the green’s surface. Long can be very costly as the green slopes steeply from back to front.

The start of the “String of Pearls”, this par 4 is the ultimate risk-reward hole. Big hitters can reach this hole from the tee, but accuracy is imperative. The green slopes severely from left to right and is protected by a deep bunker in front and the Carrabassett River in the back.

This par 3 is Sugarloaf’s most famous hole and one of the most photographed holes in New England. Dropping more than 120 feet, the hole plays nearly 2 clubs downhill to a green guarded by bunkers back and right of the green and the Carrabassett River short and left. A par is a great score.

The only par 5 in the String of Pearls provides spectacular views of the Bigelow Mountain Range while playing along the Carrabassett River. Correct club choice is key as the fairway narrows the further you hit it. Missing your approach on the wrong side of the green can lead to a quick three putt.

One of the most underrated holes on the course, this par 4 is a great birdie opportunity. The fairway slopes towards the green so you can gain a few extra yards by avoiding the bunkers. The approach shot will play slightly downhill and shots short of the green will bounce onto the putting surface.

Nicknamed “Hurricane Bob” after the 1992 storm washed away the majority of the green, this par 4 can be a score killer. A tee shot left of the 150 yard marker will funnel your ball towards the green giving you a shorter approach. A shot short of the green will most likely give you a “Tin Cup” moment.

The final hole in the String of Pearls provides yet another unique challenge for all golfers. Similar to Augusta’s 12th hole, wind will swirl causing indecision on club choice. A successful approach over the Carrabassett River will provide a great chance at par on this receptive green.

Don’t get distracted with the views of Sugarloaf Mountain as navigating through this uphill, double dogleg par 5 is a challenge. A tee shot over the bunkers will provide a shorter second shot. The second shot played short of the fairway bunker will give you a great angle to approach this green.

Avoid the temptation to hit driver off the tee on this par 4, as your ball can easily end up in an unseen brook on the far side of the fairway. You’ll want an extra club length on your approach, as the green is significantly elevated. Bunkers protect the front and right of the green, but there is room to miss long.

The generous fairway tempts you to send it but be aware of the deep fairway bunker on the right and the creek running up the left side of this hole. Avoiding the “Mickey Mouse” bunker on your approach is a must. After your round look back toward the tee for a spectacular view of the Bigelows.