, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Farm Neck Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard has reopened following a significant renovation aimed at enhancing the property’s coastal charm. This extensive project, led by architect Mark Mungeam, focused on maximizing ocean views by removing obstructive trees and incorporating native vegetation. The redesign includes rebuilt tees, strategic bunker adjustments, and a layout that fosters more enjoyable play for golfers of all levels. Notably, sustainability was a core consideration in the renovation, with efforts made to minimize sod imports and promote the restoration of local habitat.
Martha’s Vineyard — Farm Neck Golf Club Re-Opens After Major Makeover
Big, bold and breezy: a seaside makeover that puts views first
This week Farm Neck Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard reopened to golfers after an extensive renovation intended to celebrate the property’s sandy, seaside personality and open vistas over Sengekontacket Pond. The work was led by architect Mark Mungeam, who has been connected with Farm Neck for more than two decades and previously completed renovations in 2012-13.
Golfers who know the place can expect a much more coastal look and feel. The renovation cut back forest areas that had been obscuring ocean views and replaced those curtains of trees with native vegetation and sculpted dune features that read like the landscape you’d expect next to the water. Hundreds of Cape pines were removed to maximize playing width and vistas, opening corridors so the course breathes again.
A course with two different origins, now speaking the same design language
Farm Neck’s 18 holes originally came together as two nines built by different architects five years apart, which left some stylistic friction between the halves. This renovation aims to knit those differences together. Designers created shared sand-and-scrub areas between multiple holes to draw stylistic connections across the course, strengthening the visual and strategic identity from front nine to back nine.
All 18 tees were rebuilt and fairway turf was added in spots to widen playing corridors and encourage more strategic shot-making. The total number of formal bunkers was reduced from 91 to about 60, but the overall presence of sand on the property actually increased, with new contoured bunkers and plenty of naturalized sandy ground. Specific attention was paid to the third and fifth holes, where obstructing trees were removed and new contoured bunkers filled with native vegetation were introduced to reshape the play and views.
Construction timeline and the team behind the change
Contractor Matt Staffieri and his firm, MAS Golf Construction, played a major role in bringing the concept to life. The front nine was reconstructed from autumn 2023 to spring 2024 while the back nine was rebuilt from October 2024 to May. Superintendent Andrew Nisbet and assistant superintendent Ryan Carey are credited with helping to achieve the course’s renewed design integrity.
Green thinking: turf strategies and habitat restoration
There was a sustainability angle to the work. Instead of hauling in huge amounts of sod, the team reduced sod imports by “flipping” existing turf and by using native grasses already present on site for new naturalized areas. Grass taken from renovation-affected patches was redeployed elsewhere on the property. The work also aligns with Massachusetts’ encouragement for restoring ‘sand-plain grassland habitat.’
Where Farm Neck sits in history and who gets to play
Golf has a long story on this property. Formal play on the land began in 1897 with the original Cottage City Golf Club established at that time. Not long after, Alex Findlay expanded the layout into an 18-hole course by 1901. The modern Farm Neck course originally opened in 1976 and has stayed semi-private — welcoming the public while maintaining a steady membership. The public can play year-round, though tee times can be scarce during peak summer months.
What fans will notice on arrival
Expect clearer sightlines, more coastal sand character, and a layout that feels wider and more intentional. The renovation reduced clutter from overgrown forest, rebuilt every tee, reshaped bunkers, and added native dune-like touches to help the course feel like a seaside classic while keeping playability friendly for a wide range of golfers. Farm Neck Golf Club is known as one of America’s most picturesque courses with a unique hybrid design that blends sandy coastal terrain, and the renovation pushes that quality to the forefront.
FAQ
Is Farm Neck Golf Club open after the renovation?
Yes. Farm Neck Golf Club has reopened after a major renovation led by architect Mark Mungeam.
Who led the renovation?
The renovation was led by architect Mark Mungeam.
What parts of the course were rebuilt?
All 18 tees were rebuilt, the front nine reconstructed from autumn 2023 to spring 2024, and the back nine reconstructed from October 2024 to May.
How did the bunker and sand layout change?
The layout was redesigned with new bunkers, reducing the total number of formal bunkers from 91 to about 60 but increasing the overall sand presence on the course.
Were trees removed during the renovation?
Yes. The renovation involved cutting back forest areas that obscured ocean views and resulted in the removal of hundreds of Cape pines to maximize playing width and vistas.
Did the renovation include sustainability measures?
Yes. Sustainability efforts included reducing sod imports by “flipping” existing turf, utilizing native grasses already on site for new naturalized areas, and re-deploying grass from renovation-affected areas. The renovations were aligned with Massachusetts’ encouragement for restoring ‘sand-plain grassland habitat.’
Can the public play Farm Neck year-round?
Yes. The public can play year-round, but tee times can be scarce during peak summer months.
What’s special about Farm Neck’s design?
Farm Neck Golf Club is known as one of America’s most picturesque courses with a unique hybrid design that blends sandy coastal terrain. The renovation emphasized shared sand-and-scrub areas between multiple holes to draw stylistic connections between the two nines.
What is the historical background of the property?
Formal play began on the property in 1897 and the original Cottage City Golf Club was established at that time. Alex Findlay turned the Cottage City Golf Club into an 18-hole course by 1901. The modern course originally opened in 1976.
Quick Facts Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Martha’s Vineyard |
| Architect | Mark Mungeam |
| Renovation timeline (front nine) | autumn 2023 to spring 2024 |
| Renovation timeline (back nine) | October 2024 to May |
| Tees rebuilt | All 18 tees were rebuilt |
| Bunker change | Reduced from 91 to about 60 formal bunkers; overall sand presence increased |
| Trees removed | Removal of hundreds of Cape pines to open vistas |
| Sustainability moves | Reduced sod imports by “flipping” existing turf; used native grasses already on site; re-deployed grass |
| Historical notes | Formal play began in 1897; Cottage City Golf Club established at that time; Alex Findlay turned the Cottage City Golf Club into an 18-hole course by 1901; modern course opened in 1976 |
| Play access | Semi-private; public can play year-round; tee times scarce during peak summer months |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Golf Course Industry: Farm Neck Golf Club Re-Opens After Major Makeover
- Wikipedia: Farm Neck Golf Club
- Golf Digest: 100 Greatest Courses – Biggest Movers 2024
- Google Search: Farm Neck Golf Club
- Vineyard Gazette: The Old Man and the Links
- Google Scholar: Farm Neck Golf Club
- Martha’s Vineyard Times: Farm Neck Awards Grants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Golfweek: Best Private Courses 2022
- Google News: Farm Neck Golf Club
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