Golf/Tennis Facilities (Portland, South Portland, Falmouth: house, live, club)

[peterlc]

We expect to move to the Portland area this spring - probably South Portland or Falmouth. We are avid golf and tennis players and are looking for facilities to satisfy these needs. Does anyone have experience or an opinion on a club called The Woodlands Golf Club in Falmouth? It apprears to have a good 18 hole course, plus tennis and workout facilities. Do the members seem happy, the facilities in good shape, and the operation in reasonable financial shape? Any other recommendations on golf/tennis facilities. Thanks!

[lrfox]

What are you used to for facilities? I spent generally one day per week at the Woodlands while I lived in the area. It was more than fine. I wouldn't call it a five star facility, but the golf course was challenging enough and well kept. The tennis bubble is great for all season play and kept in decent condition. There is a small pro shop just outside the tennis court. Locker rooms are roomy, clean, and comfortable and have a combination of day lockers and lockers for members. They also have saunas and steam rooms which I never thought were crowded. Most of the staff was long tenured, knowledgeable and plenty friendly.

In addition, the facility has a nice weight room that never seemed even remotely crowded (I'd go as far as to call it "underutilized") as well as a nice outdoor pool (right near the tennis bubble) and a small but comfortable indoor pool.

The members are friendly enough (most keep to themselves, but hardly come off as snobby) and seem to really enjoy it. I don't know about the financial status of the club, but it didn't seem that corners were being cut and the members and staffed seemed to care for it greatly. I would consider the Woodlands to be the best bet in the area for what you're looking for in terms of the whole package. There are plenty of other nice golf courses when you want a change of scenery, but for the combination of tennis, golf, weights and other activities, The Woodlands is the best.

[peterlc]

Thanks very much for your thoughtful response.

[Maineah]

I can't add much to lrfox's reply except to say that my FIL was one of many initial investors who funded the building of Woodlands. He has since given up golf and has sold his remaining house lots in the area. They still maintain membership there and my BIL plays there often. It is a reasonably upscale fascility with a nice dining room and lounge.

[lrfox]

I sent you a DM with some contact information for the club. Maineah is right about the dining room and lounge, they're quite nice. Depending on what you're looking for in a home, some of the properties (I don't know what's available, but you can look into it) around the golf course are nice. It's relatively woodsy (the name doesn't lie) but it's only about 10 minutes from downtown Portland.