This very historic course is not punishingly long by today's standards, but the characteristics of the course and the architectural provenance are very notable. While the club's first professional, William F. Davis, was the original course designer in 1894 (making it one of the oldest courses in the United States), it was later modified by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast. Since 1995, architect Ron Forse has undertaken some restoration of the original course design. One interesting architectural quirk exists in the form of consecutive par-3s at 13 and 14.

The club hosted both the first U.S. Amateur Championship and the first U.S. Open Championship in 1895.

Newport CC is a very private and exclusive club; visitors are permitted only as guests of members.