Farmhouse private courses come and go , but how many have a top notch ( Lynx ) and good 2nd course ( 3rd is pitch and putt ) on their grounds . Even though the place is a little out of the way , it is worth coming to Woods At Beauty Hill , and the Cougar Course stands on its own . After pulling in to the gravel lot , there will be a sign directing you to the other side of the barn . The waiver and the money slot are on the other side .A bathroom is next to the barn . There is a long open uphill starting where the putting basket and driving net are . Travel up the hill and to the left . Hole 1 will start there .
The Equipment - The tee pads are brick and plenty big for a run up . The tee signs are wood . Not named , they are still descriptive . The baskets are yellow banded Discatchers . Navigation is pretty intuitive , but you still want to print a map in case you wander off the beaten path .
The Landscape . The course was clean , the fairways were cleared of most sticks and debris and the tee pads were already cleared when I played . Most of the holes are semi woods to full woods holes , running parallel to the Lynx course . That means that you are still going to have elevation , still going to have mature trees and rock formations in the fairways , and still going to see or have nice hand stacked rock walls . This area is very scenic . When you get near hole #1's tee pad take a look behind you at the valley and also take a good look at Mt Chocorua . The woods is also nice to look at , and listen to nature's sounds .
The Highlights - The course overall is significantly shorter , and many of the holes are reachable , or at least put you close enough to have your putter in hand . That doesn't mean that the course is a cupcake . Some of the lines can play tight . #10 240' is a drive over rocks , to a left where the basket is stored in a tight green . #12 is a long slow uphill 400' drive through the rocks in a tight fairway . #13 is a cool right to left 300' downhill run
Signature Hole - #11 , 365' , an uphill drive that bends hard left , to a basket sitting high on a rock hill .
Disc Risk - moderate to low . The holes are shorter and there isn't a lot of overgrowth here . I can't speak for the fall , when the leaves are on the ground , but the main way to lose a disc here is to have your driver or midrange , roll off the side of a hill .
The Time - It took me a little under an hour to play Cougar. A group of 4 will finish this course in about an hour and 45 minutes .
. There is less WOW factor here than the Lynx course , but there is more FUN FACTOR on this course . There are several Feel Good Holes that enable you to deuce and maybe shoot par or under .

Postcard Worthy - The Cougar is only 4611' . Don't rush through it . Take your time and appreciate the beauty of these grounds .

#1 The Drive - The Woods At Beauty Hill is a little off the beaten path . Those that have a deadline or face time constraints might have problems coming here .
#2 Pay To Play - I have to mention it . It is a private course , and they currently charge $5 for 3 hours and $8 for the day .
I consider this a bargain and had no problem paying .
. #3 The Lack Of Challenge - The better players will have a deuce fest with a lot of these holes . I would tell them to move over to the Lynx course .
Make sure you use bug spray in the summer months .

New Hampshire is a beautiful New England state . What better way to take it in than drive up to Center Barnstead and play the courses at Woods at Beauty Hill . Not knowing anyone that has played the courses here , I took a chance , drove up here , and am glad that I didn't pass this chance up . There is some history here . In the late 1700's , you could look over the valley and see the open for miles , and the home was built in the 18th century .
Remember that this is a residence on private land . Be respectful , carry out what you carry in , and make sure you pay . Many private course are exclusive and only give outsiders a chance to play if they sign up in tournaments .
I never saw the owners so I could Thank Them for allowing me to play their courses .
My Recommendation - This is a much better alternative for the newbies , the intro players or a family staying close by . This course will also be a hit for the locals . Though not as challenging as the Lynx , this would make a nice warmup for the intermediates to the pros , before tackling the Lynx course . This course might look a little out of the way for the traveler , but if flying in to Manchester , rent a car and come a day early ,,,, The Course Collectors will like that putting this trio of courses together will give them 3 for 1 in the same stop . This is more of a destination stop . It's not the opportunity of a lifetime , but it IS and opportunity you might not want to pass up if in the New Hampshire/Salem Mass. or Souther Maine area . PLAY HERE !!!!