At first glance, the greens fee for an out-of-towner – $77 walking and just about $100 with a cart – may make you blanche, since we’re talking public course.

But here’s the thing about the Old Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course: It’s an upscale, ultra-well-groomed, comfortable private-like club living its best public course life. You get what you pay for, they say, and at Old Barnstable (https://www.barnstable.golf) in Marstons Mills, that’s a very good thing.

I played my first round at Old Barnie (as the regulars called it) recently. I was meeting up with some new friends I’d met playing at a Mass Golf women’s event. One gal was an Old Barnie member, the rest of us were first-timers there. I was excited about playing with my new golf pals, so I wasn’t over concerned about the quality of the course.

Good news: Both the players and the playing were sublime. I’d go as far as to say Old Barnie is the best course we are all members of.

I arrived early and was delighted with their practice range. While I did have to hit off mats, the distinct distance signage, uphill slant of the area you hit toward and the well-designed putting green (with undulations to prepare me for what was ahead) were just right.

The staff was just right too. When I checked in and paid for my round and a bucket of balls, the pro told me where the baskets of balls were and said, “If no one is around to give them to you, just pop in the shed and grab them.” I love a place that treats me like a grown-up.

But it was out on the par 71, 18-hole championship course that I truly fell in love.

First, the conditions: While there were a few scuffs on some tee boxes, overall it was beyond pristine. Blue grass fairways that often offer forgiving rolls (thank you!), landing areas before greens that both give a learner like me a good chance to get up close but at the same time offer some interesting challenges for the more advanced player, and greens that demand you settle down and think things through all added up to a great day of play.

The hole by hole set-up is super unique. While I’ve played a lot of spots by now, this is the first time I took on a par 5, par 3, par 5, par 3 for the first four holes. It plays well: at the same time challenging while warming you up for all you’ll face down the next 14 holes.

Old Barnie isn’t easy, but it’s playable. It’s been home to many a national event (US Amateur Open, US Open qualifiers to name just two) proof positive that it tests even the best of golfers. At the same time, a gal like me could find her groove on the right day (I did!)

It’s easy to walk or ride, with some rolling hills you’ll climb walking, but cool, shady paths to walk or ride through. Our warm day, the shade between holes was refreshing. We never felt fried that hot summer Friday.

Our round moved at a decent pace (slow play is a big complaint out in the golf world right now) and rangers were visible; keeping things moving.

It has some of the great add-ons that make for a great golf outing too. The Tavern on the Green has both indoor and outdoor seating (with a view of course play, of course) and a friendly staff. We opted for just a post-round bevvie, but around us, folks were tucking into the restaurant’s seafood night specials. It looked great. Next time I’ll plan to stay for dinner.

And then there’s the cool factor. Old Barnie sidles up next to an airstrip that mostly services classic and custom planes. More than once in our round, a classic plane (one looked just like the Red Baron) swooped in just above us. Each time, we stopped and soaked it in. Rather than feeling buzzed over and sound drown by planes like some other courses near airports I’ve played, we felt like we’d gotten a semi-private air show. Just totally cool.

Prices drop in the fall, and with the thick trees along the fairways (no worries; they’re easy to hit out of and find your ball in), I can imagine it’s a magnificent site come foliage time.

I’m not a member of a private club … yet. But I’m welcome at Old Barnie, and it’s right up there with the best.