By LANNAN M. O’BRIEN

BRENDA M. SHARP/ENTERPRISE
At Sandwich Hollows Golf Club Chris Wood of Forestdale and his 2-year-old daughter, Olivia Wood, head down the hill in 2017.

In addition to sandy beaches, it’s no secret that the Cape is a golfer’s paradise. From intimate town-owned clubs to championship courses, this area offers something for everyone—even those who have no interest in golf at all. Why is that, you ask? Because when the temperature drops and our coastal towns are covered in white, many of these courses cater to snow lovers. The smooth, sculpted hills and manicured fairways were practically designed for sledding, and some even come complete with clubhouse restaurants, where you can grab a bite to eat after enjoying a bit of outdoor fun.  

Not all golf courses encourage sledding on their properties, so if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to check with each business before digging out the old toboggan. However, many welcome the winter activity, and even post updates on their social media pages with snow conditions. These are three of our favorite golf-turned-sledding destinations on or near the Upper Cape.

Cotuit Highground Golf Club

Katherine and Chris Wood of Forestdale with their 2-year-old daughter, Olivia, and their dog, Bailey, make their way through the snow-covered parking lot at Sandwich Hollows Gold Club in Sandwich to do some sledding in 2017.

A lesser-known, but locally beloved, family-owned club known for its relaxed atmosphere, Cotuit Highground Golf Club is a haven for novice golfers and those seeking an alternative to ultra-competitive courses. Opened in 1929, the par-3 course is great for a round of golf when the conditions are right. And in the off-season, the business welcomes families to its snow-covered green for some cold-weather fun. Sledding is best enjoyed on the hill (known as “Barn Hill”) on the ninth green, and when there is a big snowfall, you’ll see handcrafted jumps that add to the excitement.

31 Crockers Neck Road, Cotuit

The Brookside Club

Just off MacArthur Boulevard in Bourne, The Brookside Club offers a picturesque landscape for a tee time with friends—or for sledding, when the first snow day arrives. 

 When it comes to golf, the club exemplifies its motto, “a public golf course with a private club feeling,” through its Michael Hurdzan-designed layout (and later, John Sanford) with varying tee lengths, and in addition, has become a popular wedding venue. But wintertime at Brookside means a smooth, snow-covered landscape, giving an entirely new purpose to the hill at the driving range: sledding, of course. The best part? After a day of winter activities, sledders can head into the clubhouse to warm up by the fire and enjoy a meal at The Bog Tavern.

11 Brigadoon Road, Bourne

 Sandwich Hollows

Surrounded by conservation land and offering views of Cape Cod Bay, Sandwich Hollows has become known as a “hidden gem” for golf on the Cape. The town-owned course features small greens in a secluded setting, and on the first snow day, locals know the driving range is one of the best spots to take the kids sledding. “The nice thing about the hill is we have a really steep section and it tapers to a gentle slope for the smaller sledders,” said golf operations manager Juliet A. Swift, remembering, “We had a winter where we had snow on the ground for well over a month, and the local kids came up and made some awesome jumps to go over.” The course can also be a great destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, she said, but recommended calling first to make sure there’s enough snow (otherwise the greens could be damaged).

 The club has just one request for sledders: wait until the road and parking lot are plowed to visit. “There is a busy restaurant in the clubhouse, and we need to get them cleared as soon as possible,” Ms. Swift said, explaining that visitors often arrive early, which creates obstacles for plowing.

1 Round Hill Road, East Sandwich