With its spectacular views of rustic woodlands, panoramic mountains, and sparkling lakes, Maine offers some of the finest golf courses in New England. And with over 140 courses to choose from, it’s not difficult to find a course that will challenge any skill level.

Poland Spring Golf Course is the oldest resort golf course in Maine and when teeing it up, you will be playing on the same turf as many sports greats and celebrities including Babe Ruth, Walter Hagan and President Taft.

The Donald Ross-designed course has velvety, undulating greens; beautifully-maintained fairways; and almost every hole presents views of the White Mountains and area lakes.

According to golf pro Allan Menne, Poland Spring offers quite a challenge to any golfer and the new driving range is the perfect setting to work on your game.

“It has one of the biggest, natural-grass tees around, as well as artificial mats for wet or soft conditions,” he said. “And, it stretches over 330 yards with stunning views of Mount Washington. It is also equipped with a practice bunker and target greens to hone up on your distance skills.”

The course is located on Route 26 in Poland Spring. For tee times, call 998-6002.

Tucked away in a secluded location of Auburn is Martindale Country Club, which is one of Maine’s top, semi-private courses. Don’t let the calming views of Mount Washington and the Androscoggin River deceive you. Although the course is mostly of traditional and classic design, depending on the set of tees you choose, this course can challenge any skill level with sloped greens, a few blind shots, and several narrow fairways.

According to part owner and course pro, Nick Glicos, Martindale is working on many growth-of-the-game initiatives.

“We are creating a Junior Golf League,” he explained, “which will allow juniors from other clubs the opportunity to play the course and meet other juniors. We also have a new progressive membership, which starts at age 24 with full membership rates at age 37.”

Martindale is located just a mile from the Maine Turnpike on Beech Hill Road. For tee times, call 782-1107.

Foxridge Golf Course is situated on over 200 acres of rolling countryside on the southern end of Auburn. It is one of New England’s premier golf courses featuring babbling brooks, old stone walls and bridges, native fescue and an island green. The course is superbly maintained and the natural lay of the land will demand every club in your bag.

Golf pro Bob Darling recently announced that Foxridge is an affiliate of The First Tee of Maine, a program that impacts young people’s lives through the game of golf.

“Kids are the future of this wonderful game,” he said, “and I’m proud to be affiliated with a program that not only teaches kids to play golf, but teaches them core values, honesty and integrity; giving them strong, family values and becoming committed to their community.”

Foxridge is located on Penley Corner Road. For tee times, call 777-4653.