3-Day Weekend Plan for Guys' Golf Getaway in Bethel, Maine
Golf trips are about more than great courses.
The best golf weekends combine championship golf, great food, local breweries, comfortable lodging, and enough downtime to enjoy the company of your friends.
If you're looking for a golf destination that delivers mountain scenery, challenging courses, and a relaxed atmosphere without the crowds of larger resort towns, Bethel, Maine should be on your radar.
Home to the renowned Sunday River Golf Club, Bethel offers everything needed for an unforgettable golf getaway—whether you're planning an annual buddies trip, a bachelor party, or a long weekend with fellow golf enthusiasts.
Why Choose Bethel for a Golf Weekend?
Nestled in the mountains of western Maine, Bethel combines outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and one of New England's most scenic golf experiences.
The centerpiece is the Sunday River Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and carved into the mountainside with sweeping views throughout the round.
For groups traveling together, Bethel also offers the advantage of large vacation homes where everyone can stay under one roof, making the trip more memorable and often more affordable than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Day 1: Arrival, Practice Round & Brewery Night
Afternoon Arrival
Arrive in Bethel and settle into your accommodations.
Before dinner, head to the practice facilities at Sunday River Golf Club to loosen up and get familiar with the terrain.
The course features a practice range, clubhouse, and mountain setting that immediately sets the tone for the weekend.
Evening: Local Brewery & Dinner
A great golf trip always starts with good food and cold beer.
Many visitors enjoy stopping by Steam Mill Brewing, a local brewery known for its craft beer and casual atmosphere.
Reddit travelers frequently recommend both Steam Mill Brewing and Sunday River Brewing for groups visiting the area.
Evening Activities
- Fire pit gathering
- Poker tournament
- Sports on TV
- Relaxing in the hot tub
The goal is simple: reconnect with friends and save your energy for the main event tomorrow.
Day 2: Championship Golf Day
Morning: Tee Off at Sunday River Golf Club
Today is why you came.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sunday River Golf Club is widely regarded as one of Maine's premier mountain golf experiences. The course features dramatic elevation changes, mountain views, and a layout that rewards thoughtful shot-making.
Plan for:
- Full 18-hole round
- Practice green warm-up
- Lunch at the clubhouse
Many golfers pair Sunday River with Sugarloaf for an extended Maine golf trip, and Sunday River even offers stay-and-play opportunities that include partner-course options.
Afternoon Recovery
After your round:
- Relax in the hot tub
- Recover in a sauna
- Watch the day's sports highlights
- Enjoy mountain views from the deck
For many groups, this downtime becomes the highlight of the trip.
Evening: Grill Night
Skip the restaurant reservation.
Instead:
- Fire up the grill
- Share stories from the course
- Compare scorecards
- Award the day's bragging rights
No golf trip is complete without a little friendly trash talk.
Day 3: Bonus Round or Explore Bethel
Option A: Another Round of Golf
If your group isn't ready to leave, book another tee time.
Many golfers enjoy playing a second round to tackle the course with a different strategy after learning its nuances the day before.
Option B: Explore the Area
If you'd rather slow things down:
- Scenic mountain drives
- Short hikes
- Local shopping
- Brunch in downtown Bethel
The surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy Maine's natural beauty before heading home.
Where to Stay for a Golf Group
For golf groups, staying together in a large vacation home often creates a better experience than booking multiple hotel rooms. Shared gathering spaces, a full kitchen, hot tub, fire pit, and game room make it easy to continue the fun long after the final putt drops.
Why Bethel Beats a Traditional Golf Resort
Many golfers automatically look for a golf resort when planning a buddies trip.
But for groups of 8–20 people, a large vacation home often delivers a much better overall experience.
Everyone Stays Together
At a traditional resort, your group is often spread across multiple hotel rooms or floors.
With a large vacation home, everyone can gather in one place to:
- Share meals
- Watch the game
- Compare scorecards
- Plan the next day's round
Those moments often become the most memorable part of the trip.
Better Post-Round Recovery
After 18 holes, most golfers want to relax—not head back to separate rooms.
A private home gives your group access to amenities that help everyone unwind, including:
- Hot tubs
- Saunas
- Fire pits
- Outdoor gathering spaces
- Game rooms
Instead of sitting in a crowded hotel lobby, you can enjoy a private mountain setting with your closest friends.
More Value for Groups
Golfers on group-trip forums frequently look for destinations where everyone can stay together in a house rather than booking multiple hotel rooms. Many prioritize shared gathering spaces, proximity to the course, and overall value.
For larger groups, a vacation home can often provide:
- More bedrooms
- Larger common areas
- Full kitchens
- Outdoor entertaining space
while creating a more social experience than a traditional hotel stay.
The Experience Doesn't End After the Round
The best golf trips aren't just about golf.
They're about:
- The stories around the fire pit
- The poker tournament after dinner
- The friendly trash talk over drinks
- The sunrise coffee before the first tee time
Bethel combines championship golf with mountain scenery, breweries, outdoor adventure, and group-friendly lodging, creating the kind of golf getaway that becomes an annual tradition. Sunday River Golf Club is known for its mountain setting, dramatic elevation changes, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, while stay-and-play options and partner-course opportunities make it easy to build a multi-day golf itinerary.
Final Thoughts
A great golf weekend isn't just about shooting your best score.
It's about spending time with friends, enjoying spectacular scenery, and creating traditions you'll want to repeat year after year.
With championship golf, mountain views, local breweries, and plenty of opportunities to relax after the round, Bethel offers everything needed for an unforgettable golf getaway.
🐝 Looking for a Place to Stay Near Sunday River?
Check out Hideaway Havens, two stunning family-friendly chalets located just 2 minutes apart in a peaceful mountain neighborhood, only 12 minutes from Sunday River Resort and minutes from Bethel Village restaurants and shops.
The homes sleep 13 and 16 guests separately, or up to 29 guests combined.
Enjoy Amenities Like:
🌄 Panoramic mountain views
🛁 Private hot tubs + cozy barrel saunas
🔥 Fire pits for s’mores nights
🎮 Arcade games, pool table, ping pong & air hockey
🎤 Karaoke setups for unforgettable family nights, and much more....
Perfect for:
- Multi-family vacations
- Ski trips
- Summer adventures
- Fall foliage weekends
- Family reunions
- Retreats & group getaways
Looking for a memorable mountain escape?
What’s your favorite activity near Sunday River? We’re always looking for new adventures for our next Maine trip! 🌄
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel, Maine good for a golf trip?
Yes. Bethel is home to Sunday River Golf Club, a championship mountain course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., along with breweries, outdoor activities, and lodging options ideal for golf groups.
How many days do you need for a golf weekend in Maine?
Three days is ideal. It allows time for two rounds of golf, dining, brewery visits, and relaxation without feeling rushed.
What is the best golf course near Bethel, Maine?
Sunday River Golf Club is widely considered one of the top golf experiences in western Maine thanks to its mountain setting and Robert Trent Jones Jr. design.
When is the best time for a golf trip to Bethel?
Late spring through fall offers the best golfing conditions, with summer and foliage season being especially popular.
Is Bethel good for bachelor parties and guys' trips?
Absolutely. Golf, breweries, hiking, mountain biking, hot tubs, and large vacation homes make Bethel an excellent destination for bachelor parties and annual guys' trips.
Is it better to stay in a vacation home or golf resort for a golf trip?
For groups, a vacation home often provides more space, privacy, shared gathering areas, and amenities like hot tubs and fire pits. Resorts may offer on-site convenience, but many golf groups prefer staying together under one roof for a more social experience.
Jeana Deninger
Jeana Deninger
Jeana Deninger
Jeana Deninger