Laurel Lane is a hidden gem in West Kingston, RI. They have a good course with velvet-smooth greens that gets better as you go along. The greens fees are very reasonable and the conditions are always nice. The length is deceiving as a lot of the “short” holes are tree-lined and don’t always require a driver for longer hitters. Lots of strategic shots. And there are plenty of holes (especially the 8th and the last three) that will require all the brute strength you can muster to score from the blue tees. The owner has made constant improvements in design and playability since acquiring the course and it’s much-improved over the last several years.

As to facilities, there’s an incredible practice green with a few bunkers and dozens of holes that might cover close to an acre in size. It’s the kind of place where you can wile away a few hours working on the short game and not have to pay. Pretty nice. They have a decent driving range, too, with both mats and turf.

The food is great –Jose, the chef, creates an eclectic blend of meals that will surprise and delight you after a round. The new clubhouse is a beautiful facility with a nice bar & grill as well as beautiful banquet facilities for outings, weddings, etc.

The temperate climate allows Laurel Lane to open with relatively benign conditions when the northern half of the state is snow-blanketed, while onshore breezes cool it in the summer.

So,whether you’re living in the area, visiting the nearby beaches or looking for a new track to test your skills, consider Laurel Lane. I started playing there this year and have found it to be a delight. Located on Rt 138 just west of RT 2, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to get to from almost anywhere in RI.

Note: I read the other reviews-they were as varied in content as the layout of holes at Laurel Lane. Look-it's a place that requires patience and STRATEGY, two qualities often lacking in the average golfer. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable place to return to after getting your lumps the 1st time. I've golfed all over the world and my motto is: "The first time's to learn it-the 2nd to burn it." That is, any course worth playing requires thinking and strategy and no good player expects to figure it out at first sight. That's the beauty of a good course-it requires several rounds before we're truly seduced!!

Customer Service

Outstanding-reflects the gentlemanliness and coureteous attitude of the host owner, Joe Videtta.

Similar Products Used:

Winnapaug, Weekapaug, parts of Exeter and Richmond. This is a better deal than sme of them and better-conditioned than most.

A new clubhouse and course configuration have improved Laurel Lane. There are still some other changes that need to be made. Some tees look like drag races have been held on them. Several dogleg holes force the average player to hit irons off the tee, even on par 5s. Good luck playing this course after heavy rain. It drains very poorly. The greens are like glass during the summer so don't get too aggressive. Overall, this is an enjoyable, reasonably-priced course.

Customer Service

Not bad.

The fairways and greens are in terrific condition. The owner has invested in new equipment over the course of the past year, and it shows. In fact, the 9th green, which has traditionally frustrated local golfers because of its difficult placement, is being completely reconstructed.

The back side can really jump up and bite a golfer that hasn't played here before. The front is very deceptive, and it lulls you into thinking the rest of the round is going to be a cakewalk. But like any good golf course, Laurel Lane offers some strategic challenges on the back side that make you greatly consider shot placement.

One of the better courses in the area. A long hitter probably won't be impressed, as it barely surpasses 6,000 yards in length, but the average player will enjoy his round here. The front nine is very wide open, with few surprises. But the back features elevation changes and some blind tee shots. Wildlife is abundant, and the new clubhouse is spacious and contemporary. On the whole, Laurel Lane is a very nice golf experience.

Customer Service

With the new clubhouse opening for the 2005 season, expect to see many new, young folks working at this club. The Chef is a very outgoing character, and the owner is accessible to the public. A nice combination.

The greens are in good shape, roll fairly true, and are easy to read.

The layout. You go from flat to hilly all in one course.

The course is in fairly nice shape with good lies in the fairways and the greens rolling really well. It's a bit of an odd layout, with the front nine being like a Scottish links type of course and the back nine being like a hillside mountain course. Certain holes are incongruous with the rest of the course, like 5 and 6, that are kind of bizarro and tricky, but 8 and 9 are like the first five. On the back, the holes are generally hilly and consistently tight with a few blind tee shots. Local knowledge is definitely helpful here. I shot a 39 on the front and a 50 on the back. The blind tee shots did me in. I hit three perfect tee shots on the blind holes, and only found one of them. If you play the course for the first time, play with someone who knows the layout.

Customer Service

Good. I rate this course a good value for the money.

Back nine is nice, plays well. the 5 par fours make for a great finish. Good turf grass. Tough greens.

Front nine. Its like the made the back nine first as a nine hole course, then tacked on the front nine..

This is basically like a mini golf course, very gimicky. There are two easily driveable par fours in a row on the front nine, followed up by a par three that plays like 485 yards with the wind blowing.

Customer Service

very nice

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haven't used the range, but it looks ok.

Value and upkeep.

Access road runs between 3 of the back nine holes.

Overall you can't beat this course for the money. $25 for 18. Carts are an additional $13. Course is kept in great shape for the money. Even checkerboard the fairways. Just shy of a drought this year and maybe two small brown spots on the entire course.(Fairways & greens)

Customer Service

Friendly.