The Causeway Club

Origins

The club's beginnings are tied to Norwood Cove and the early summer community of Southwest Harbor. In 1920, seven stockholders organized the Country Club of Southwest Harbor and purchased 31 acres on Norwood Cove from heirs of William Gilley, identified by the club as Southwest Harbor's earliest permanent settler. The land included the area around a historic causeway and former tide mill.

, an avid golfer, was engaged to design the course. The full nine-hole layout was completed in 1923.

Design Philosophy

Yates created a compact coastal course in which strategy relies more on position and club selection than length. The club describes the course as links-style golf and notes that water comes into play from four tees. Its first nine configuration has five consecutive par fours followed by four par threes, while alternate tees change both distances and pars on a second circuit.

Small greens are surfaced with velvet bentgrass, which the club says has been used successfully for more than 80 years. No later architect responsible for a wholesale redesign was found.

Development

Golf was initially only one part of a collection of separate recreation organizations. Tennis courts were constructed soon after the original club was formed. In 1928, five families organized the separate Norwood Cove Pool organization, and a salt-water pool and bathhouse followed the next year.

The golf, tennis and swimming groups were merged in 1936, creating The Causeway Club. The property has been upgraded incrementally rather than comprehensively rebuilt. The official history mentions improvements to turf quality, a USGA-specification practice green and the addition of more demanding golf features, most notably a pond fronting a newer second green.

Tennis courts were rebuilt in 2003, while the broader club continues to maintain its historic red barn and waterfront facilities.

Recognition

The course is principally recognised as one of Maine's long-established nine-hole layouts rather than as a championship venue. Golf writer Bob Labbance, quoted by the club, included Causeway among New England nine-hole courses that require a wide range of shots despite their compact length. The Maine State Golf Association also lists Causeway among its member clubs.

Today

The Causeway Club remains a seasonal recreation club in Southwest Harbor, but its golf course is explicitly open to the public rather than restricted to members. Current 2026 pricing includes nine-hole, 18-hole, junior and twilight options. The pro shop provides equipment, apparel, snacks and rental clubs, while lessons are offered on site.

Golf operates alongside swimming, tennis, pickleball, yoga and social and event activities.