A Quick Nine: Best public golf courses in New England

Every now and again we ask our friends in PGA.com Facebook Nation to identify for us the best golf courses open to the public in a particular region of the U.S.

This week, we reached out to those of you in the northeast to find out: What are the best public golf courses in New England?

There are so many great courses to choose from that it was difficult to limit this list to just nine. Also, we wanted to be sure each New England state -- Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine -- had representation. Fact is, we probably could have had nine submissions for each of those states!

Do you agree or disagree with the courses that made the list below? If so, tell us why in the comment section at the bottom of the page. Remember, folks, it's you -- our loyal, dedicated friends in PGA.com Facebook Nation that create this list each week. So keep the submissions coming!

And, to learn more about each course or to leave a review, be sure to click its name to visit the course page on PGA.com

9. Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vt. Here is the description from its website: The Okemo Valley Golf Course is Vermont's first Heathland-style course and is unlike any other resort course in New England.

Facebook fan quote:

"Okemo Valley GC in Ludlow, VT!" -- John Morton

8. Mount Washington Course in Bretton Woods, N.H. According to its course description: The Mount Washington Course was voted "Best Course You Can Play" in N.H. by Golfweek Magazine in 2009 through 2012 and has hosted four New Hampshire Opens as well as the New England Open Championship in September 2010.

Facebook fan quote:

"Mt. Washington golf course in Bretton Woods." -- Anthony Soriente

7. The Links at Outlook in South Berwick, Maine. Located in southern Maine, the Links at Outlook is just a little over a 1-hour drive from Boston. Along with the great views on this links-style course, you should also make it a point to enjoy a drink or meal after your round in the Red Barn (the clubhouse).

Facebook fan quotes:

"It's been a while since I was out there but The Links at Outlook in So. Berwick, Maine is pretty nice. The front nine is traditional links style, while the back 9 is nestled in the Maine woods quite nicely. Perfect blend of New England versus Links!" -- Mike Daggett

"The Links at Outlook, South Berwick, Maine. Just a fun golf course overall." -- Landon Comeau

6. Sugarloaf Golf Course in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. You might know Sugarloaf most famously for its unbelievable skiing in the winter months. Well, its golf in the spring, summer and fall is pretty spectacular too.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Sugarloaf Golf Club in Maine is an unreal mountain course. Serious elevation on a few holes. Just an unreal track." -- Shayne Barnes

"Sugarloaf, 151 slope, and gorgeous layout." -- Bill Dunn

5. Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence, R.I. What little Rhode Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the form of GREAT golf courses. In terms of public, parkland courses, they don't get much better than Triggs. Opened in the spring of 1932 -- if you're a fan of golf design history -- Triggs is the only true public Donald Ross design in the Ocean State.

Facebook fan quote:

"Triggs in Providence, R.I." -- Jonathan Norton

"Triggs in Providence, R.I. Classic Donald Ross course for under $50. Hands down the best bang for your buck." -- Eric Euell

4. The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, Mass. The Ranch Golf Club was voted in the top 50 of all Public Golf Courses, according to Golf World magazine in 2010. The Ranch was one of only two courses in all of New England that made the list.

Facebook fan quotes:

"The Ranch in Southwick, Mass. Each hole has a crazy design and the downhill par 5s are ridiculous!" -- Evan Grenus

"The Ranch." -- John Olivares

"The Ranch. Unreal track, very tough course, greens are the fastest around, scenic views, great golf staff, GPS in carts." -- Scott 'Woody' Woodward

3. Lake of Isles, North Course in North Stonington, Conn. Located just across the street from the Foxwoods Resort Casino, Lake of Isles is a fantastic Rees Jones layout, featuring rolling terrain, island greens and tees and extraordinary views from every hole.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Lake of Isles North... It's the most secluded I've every felt playing the game. You really feel disconnected from everything." -- Jordan Boss

"Lake of Isles North... awesome course." -- Joshua Johnson

2. Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, R.I. This isn't the first time Newport National has made it on one of our, 'A Quick Nine,' lists. It was also previously nominated as one of the best public links courses in America. Simply put, the place is just fantastic. Golf course architect Drew Rogers, who spent several years working alongside renowned architect Arthur Hills, created the masterpiece that is Newport National.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Newport National." -- Adam Faria

"Newport National." -- Jack Coaty

1. Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston, Mass. Located just minutes from Worcester, Wachusett Country Club -- a Donald Ross design -- features breathtaking views of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir. And, the best part is, if you play at the right time, you could pay as little as $20 for 18 holes.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Wachusett Country Club. West Boylston, Mass. Excellent conditions, superintendent works harder than anyone I've ever met!" -- David Askren

"Wachusett CC, Mass." -- Tony Evangelista

"Wachusett CC, West Boylston, Mass." -- Jeff Frisch