The refurbished par-3 4th, where the sandy-scrub area left of the tees has replaced a bank of trees.
Farm Neck Golf Club, one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most beloved semi-private courses, has officially reopened following an extensive renovation led by architect Mark Mungeam, ASGCA. The project restored the seaside property’s natural beauty, opening views across Sengekontacket Pond while creating a unified design that better reflects the island’s sandy, coastal heritage.
Farm Neck, known for welcoming both members and public golfers since 1979, now features widened fairways, reduced formal bunkering, and newly created sand-and-scrub areas planted with native grasses relocated from the property itself.
“Farm Neck has always been among the most picturesque courses in the country,” Mungeam said. “We’ve worked to enhance that uniqueness by blending the two nines stylistically, restoring ocean views, and highlighting the sand-plain grassland habitat that belongs here.”
The renovation required innovative approaches to limit off-island imports. Rather than trucking in large quantities of sod, crews cut, rolled, and reused native grasses such as fescue and little bluestem. Tees were rebuilt, bunkers reshaped, and new naturalized areas introduced — all using existing resources wherever possible.
Contractor MAS Golf Construction, golf course superintendent Andrew Nisbet, and the Farm Neck team collaborated with Mungeam to complete the front nine between fall 2023 and spring 2024, followed by the back nine from fall 2024 through May 2025.
Farm Neck’s origins date back to 1897, when the Cottage City Golf Club occupied much of the current property. Today, players once again encounter the sand, seaside views, and native grasses described by early visitors more than a century ago.
General Manager Tim Sweet noted the course is at its finest:
“I’ve been here nearly 50 years, and I can say Farm Neck has never looked or played this well. Members and guests alike will find it even more spectacular — especially in the Vineyard’s shoulder seasons.”
Located in Oak Bluffs, Farm Neck is a semi-private club with championship golf, tennis facilities, and the Farm Neck Café, all set in one of New England’s most scenic destinations. The course has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for the local community and traveling golfers.
For tee times, dining reservations, and membership information, visit FarmNeck.net or call (508) 693-2504.
Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives…
This column features recollections of the author’s 38 years as a golf writer. These installments…
NanoOxygen Systems has announced the successful startup of three new ultrafine bubble irrigation water treatment…
You may have already heard that Paul L. Carter is the new president of the…
EnP, a leading specialty fertilizer manufacturer, has introduced Foliar-Pak Fairway Complete, a liquid solution that…
Bernhard and Company is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with Turf Equipment and…