I live in Massachusetts but very close to the border of both New Hampshire and Maine so anything in the tri-state area would be good to hear about. I don't think we have any really good courses up here - they seem to usually be in warmer states. Have you played any up here that you would recommend?

Hi ballchaser -
There are MANY great courses within 20 miles of Salem, NH (border town), here are some that I consider 8+ on a 10 scale. Will put stats as I know them... and of course always good to call ahead to see when they aerate the greens. You can't go wrong with any of these. Check them all though on-line to see what length etc... you prefer. Regards, Golf

Atkinson CC, Atkinson, NH
Next to Salem, great course, 9 of 10, think is 4th toughest in NH (?)

Passaconaway CC, Litchfield, NH
6500+ white tees, manicured to the max typically. 9 of 10, some lonnnng holes. Just one beauty course.

Campbells Scottish Highlands, Salem, NH:
Beauty course par 71 a smidge shorter than avg at I think 5500 whites(?) with front open and back tight, good 8+ of 10

Hickory Hills, Methuen, MA
Last town before you hit Salem, NH on rt 93, 2 min from highway rt 113. My home course - 6500+ blues, open front, tight back. A verrrry good test of your whole game. 8+ of 10

Overlook, Hollis, NH:
5 min off exit 5w, rt 3 in Nashua, NH
Another beauty, 8+ of 10

Sky Meadow, exit 1 Nashua NH
Though is private I think. A reeeeal nice, tough incredibly manicured course 9+ of 10

Souhegan Woods, Amherst, NH:
Exit 11 off rt 3 in Merrimack, NH (driectly across river from Passaconaway :>) A tree lined test of your game! good 8 of 10

Trull Brook, Tewksbury, MA:
River rd exit off 93 (the exit or 2 south of Hickory Hills)
1963 course with very nice holes and conditions most all the time. 8+ of 10

Here's a question I always noticed that in Mass. they have tons of 9-hole courses...why?

Actually there is a reason for that.. met a guy at barnes & noble last year, I think it was, who had just written a book all about 9 hole courses, and the reason is in his book which I gave to my son to read. The guy was sitting there alone as no one showed up for the book signing. We spoke for some time, then I bought the book and he signed it for me. I think he has just written a new one - the name of both the guy and his book escape me but I'll try and remember.

Thanks, golfguy. Hope I get up there to play sometime.

so Fred, do you remember what the reason was?

Played Triggs Memorial GC in Providence, RI, several years ago. It is a Donald Ross design, very reasonable cost and not very long (but challenging greens).
http://www.triggs.us/index.htm