Overview
Abenaqui Country Club sits on the New Hampshire Seacoast at Rye Beach, set among woodland and cooled by breezes off the Atlantic. Founded in 1903, it describes itself as the only member-owned private club on the Seacoast, and it is open to members and their guests for golf, tennis and social life.
The golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout of 6,635 yards. A PGA Head Golf Professional runs the golf programme and, in keeping with the club's relaxed traditions, is known for pairing up members who turn up looking for a game. Alongside the golf there are four Har-Tru clay tennis courts, and every membership category comes with family tennis.
The clubhouse has a restaurant, a well-stocked bar room, large function rooms and an outdoor veranda. Weddings and other special occasions are a big part of club life, and the function rooms can be used for non-member events too, as long as a member sponsors the booking.
Facilities
Good to know
Abenaqui is a private club. Golf, tennis and social activities are for members and the guests they bring, so you need a member to host you. New members must be sponsored by an existing member.
There are no public tee times. For membership questions the club points you to its Membership and Marketing Director; the main club line is 603-964-5563 and the golf shop is on 603-964-5335.
The club began as a summer-only place for two months of golf and tennis a year. Today it supports about nine months of competition, and the club itself is open all year round.
The club asks members and guests not to use mobile phones in public areas, including the clubhouse, the golf and tennis shops, the course and the tennis courts. Take calls in the locker rooms or the car park instead.
History & highlights
Abenaqui opened in 1903 as a seasonal gathering place where summer residents could meet and play golf and tennis for a couple of months each year. Over the decades it grew into a club with close to nine months of play. The club credits past presidents such as Dr. George Allen and Dr. George T. Bottomley, along with many members, for the work that built and improved it, and it still prides itself on an easy-going summer atmosphere and a strong community feel between members and staff.
Tips for first-timers
- You can only play as a member's guest, so arrange your round through your host.
- Keep your phone in your pocket on the course and in the clubhouse; calls belong in the locker rooms or the car park.
- Planning a wedding or party? Non-members can use the function rooms with a member sponsor, so ask the club about sponsorship.
- Tennis players are well catered for, with four Har-Tru courts.
Map & location
The club is at 731 Central Road in Rye Beach, on the New Hampshire Seacoast. Breakfast Hill Golf Club and Sagamore-Hampton Golf Club are both about 6 km away, and The Golf Club of New England is about 8 km away.
FAQ
Can the public play Abenaqui Country Club?
No. It is a private, member-owned club, so you play as a member or as a guest of one.
How long is the course?
The 18-hole course is par 72 and measures 6,635 yards.
When was Abenaqui founded?
In 1903, originally as a summer club for golf and tennis.
How do you become a member?
An existing member sponsors you. You and your sponsor submit a proposal form with a deposit, meet the Membership Committee, your names are posted for 30 days, and the Board of Governors then decides. The club says the whole process usually takes 45 to 60 days.
What membership types are there?
Senior (over 37), Intermediate (21 to 37, with reduced dues), Junior (ages 12-25), Legacy for members' children who age off a parent's membership at 26, Associate Golf for people on the golf wait list, and Social, which includes limited golf. The club notes there has been a wait list for full golf membership.
Is there a dining minimum?
Yes. The club lists an annual food and beverage minimum of $630 for one person or $1260 for two, covering the Grill Room and social events. Contact the club for current dues and fees.
Can non-members hold an event there?
Yes. The function rooms are available for non-member events with a member sponsor.
Sources
Facts checked 22 October 2026. We only list details we could confirm on the sources above; anything else is left out.