​Rhode Island isn’t a big state, but that doesn’t prevent us from having a bevy of options when it comes to golf.The state is known for the legendary quality of its private golf courses, but the Ocean State has plenty of quality choices on the public side. What are the best public courses in Rhode Island?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs with most things, that’s up to the user. Expect opinions to be regionally-based, but passionate nonetheless – and that’s why we want you, our readers, to show exactly what course you believe is the state’s best.While our list of the state’s best 9-hole courses included both private and public, this list is strictly public courses. Any course that offers public tee times is considered public, much like a glass of milk immediately becomes coffee milk once you throw a few drops of Autocrat in there.Below is a list and quick description of each of the state’s 18-hole public courses. The ballot is at the bottom of the page and readers can vote as often as they’d like until the poll closes.Now that you have that info, there’s only one thing left to do – get those social media campaigns teed up and get votes as we try to figure out what is Rhode Island’s best public golf course.12th green at Beaver River Golf Club, 2025One of a few South County gems located on Route 138, this par-70, 6,000-plus-yard course offers up some of the wildest elevation changes you’ll see in Rhode Island golf. Beaver River challenges players on every shot and if you’re thinking about walking the course – don’t.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBecause it’s within three miles of the border, CT National is a Rhode Island Golf Association course and qualifies for this list. Located on the back roads of Putnam, Connecticut, CT National brings TPC Boston vibes with its layout and has some of the best public course conditions you’ll play at a price that can’t be beat.This course doesn’t hide from its rural identity and provides two very different experiences between its front and back nine. Country View remains one of the state’s elite courses for those learning the game and if you’re looking for a boost of confidence, the first nine holes give you the chance to score like you never have before.Bags from teams all around the state waited near the patio at Cranston Country Club as players waited for results to become official at Day 2 of the RIIL Golf Championships on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.Up there with Del’s Lemonade and Twin Oaks as a true Rhode Island staple, Cranston CC has likely been played by more Ocean Staters than every other course on this list. The course, which annually hosts the RIIL Golf Championships, is traditionally lush and has solid playing conditions year-round and also boasts one of the best 19th holes in the state.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOnce a hidden gem, everyone in the Rhode Island golf community knows what Exeter CC brings to the table. The layout is t