The Oaks Golf Links, Somersworth, New Hampshire ? a New Hampshire Woodlands Golf Course With a Links Flavor to It

The Oaks Golf Links is situated on 270 acres of land that's been said to resemble the Heathlands south of London, England, where some of the world's greatest golf courses were built in the 19th century. The land of The Oaks is said to have the same characteristics, with well-draining soil that is excellent for the Bent grass used throughout the course.

The Oak has a links flavor to it, with rolling terrain and wide fairways. There are plenty of trees at The Oaks, however, and the fairways have been characterized as "corridors'' lined with oaks, pine trees, hemlocks, and firs.

The 18-hole, par-71 course plays to 6,711 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 72.1 and a slope rating of 126. The terrain at The Oaks is said to be "gentle,'' a parkland without a lot of elevation change. There are also three ponds on the course, enhancing the woodlands vistas.

Some of the most noteworthy holes at The Oaks include its collection of par-3s, which are said to be beautiful. One of them is Hole No. 3, which plays to 200 yards from the back tees, which are stacked and elevated. This hole calls for a forced carry over wetlands that cross in front of the green, which is kidney-shaped and guarded by bunkers and trees situated on a rise at the back.

Hole No. 4 has been described as "an extremely pretty par-5.'' This hole plays to a lengthy 589 yards from the back tees to a fairway lined with oak trees and an intruding wetland on the left. The second shot plays to a sizable landing area, but the approach shot plays to a small, well-protected green.

According to reviewers, Hole No. 9 is "spectacular.'' This par-4 plays to 417 yards from the longest tees, with a fairway lined on both sides by trees. Two bunkers, spaced about 30-40 yards apart, guard the right side of the fairway, and the approach shot plays to a green perched atop a plateau amid an "amphitheater surrounded by oaks.''

The finishing hole on the course is also its longest, playing to 590 yards from the back tees. This par-5 begins with a short wetlands crossing to a fairway guarded on the left by more wetlands and a pond. The final approach shot is challenging as well, playing to a green that sits 25 feet above the fairway.

The practice facilities at The Oaks include a driving range with more than an acre of Bent grass teeing area and target greens at varying distances. There's also a spacious, 9,000-square-foot putting green and a separate pitching/chipping green with a bunker. A variety of lesson options are also available.

The Oaks also features a clubhouse, which is home to The Hideout Grill for dining, drinks and relaxing.