HALE’S LOCATION, N.H. – Pick what you want in a golf course: Beauty, braun or brains.
Or, head to Mount Washington Valley and play Hale’s Location Golf Course (https://www.haleslocationgolf.com), where the soaring mountains, lush fairways and challenging holes say, put simply: You need not pick from those. You can have them all.
Hale’s Location is relatively new in golf standards, having debuted circa 1990. It’s nine holes, but not just nine holes. And while I like to loop it twice for 18 (it’s fun to get second looks), even playing nine is exhilarating and satisfying.
Hale’s Location itself is kind of a town within a town. The 2.4-square mile “township” is its own entity, but also part of North Conway. Tucked over off West Side Road – away from the bustle of North Conway proper, it is owned and operated by the residents of that hamlet, in cooperation with the abutting White Mountain Hotel (https://www.whitemountainhotel.com).
It’s nine holes of pure “think this through carefully” golf, with narrow fairways (for the most part) lined by thick trees and featuring some breathtaking (and sometimes gasp-worthy) elevated tee boxes and greens, demanding brains.
Designed by Albert Zikorus, famed for his many Connecticut courses, Hale’s meanders you along some pretty incredible Green Mountain scenery, giving you the beauty.
There are mountain range views, lovely homes tucked back from the fairway, the hotel itself and the lush green of the Valley. But best of all is the centerpiece, White Horse Ledge. This soaring sheath of rock isn’t just beautiful, it’s active. It’s not unusual as you take in in from the four holes it’s openly visible from to see rock climbers and hang gliders. My last round there, a hang glider soared just above us as we played our hole. That’s one special “birdie.”
Hale’s is hilly, and that plays into both how you play it and how you navigate it. I love to walk, and I’ve walked this course before. But if you’re not in shape and comfortable with a hearty walk, a cart is your friend. It’s more of a hike than a walk.
Hills play into play, like on the fourth hole, an under 300 yard par 4 from which you play a little target golf, hitting sharply downhill to the green. Looks easy, plays tough – and it’s super fun. Then there’s the ninth hole where they bring you in with a flourish hitting way uphill to a plateau that seems like it’s up there with the hang gliders. Here’s where you show your braun.
As for a signature hole, it’s safe to say they all are at this remarkable course. There’s the long Par 5 first hole where fairway bunkers test your skills while offering a view, and the eighth where you get a dramatic view of famed Cathedral Ledge.
And while it feels rugged, it’s playable for all. There are two “catch your breath” par 3s for your birdie hopes, and while the thick woods and oft narrow fairways do mean you should pack an extra sleeve of balls just in case, the course conditions are pristine and even their rough feels approachable. You’ll find challenge, but you’ll have fun.
They know how to tend a green, too, which means Hale’s is a good chance to carve a few off that score.
Whether you stop at 9 or loop around again for 18, you end at the hotel, where you’ll find a lovely bar, indoor and outdoor dining and top rated food. You can settle in, savor a post round meal and watch the pickle ball going on at the base of the ledge.
Hale’s Location. Golf Course is open to the public. Should you stay at the White Mountain Hotel, you can take advantage of packages as well, and soak in their pool. Just around the corner from all that lush green beauty is busy, fun North Conway.
It’s smart to book tee times in advance – they are wildly popular all summer and well into foliage season, when you’ll find them awash in color. Bonus? A round starts at – this is not a typo – just $34 for nine.