Golf courses in Connecticut are some of the best in the world. With its scenic views and lush landscapes, it’s easy to see why golfers flock to the state each year. From public courses to private members-only clubs, there is something for every golfer in Connecticut. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best golf courses in Connecticut, so you can make sure your next round will be the best one yet.
Stanwich Club, Greenwich
Stanwich Golf Club has been a staple of Connecticut since the 1960s. Throughout the years, the course has undergone various modifications, which have been overseen by Tom Fazio and his team. The tee, bunker, green, and mowing lines have all been reworked to create an exceptional golfing experience. The most recent project focused on the first hole, which saw a complete re-imagining.
Tom Marzolf, a design associate at Fazio, explained that the old hole was a quick dogleg-left that had many trees blocking the path around the corner. However, the new design improves the options off the tee and allows for alternate ways to play the hole. Earthwork to cut the inside corner and open up the view to the green have completely changed the feel of the tee shot. These changes are only the beginning, as more big and small changes to Stanwich Golf Club are still to come.
Address: 888 North Street, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States
Yale Golf Course
The architecture of a golf course can often be overshadowed by its landscaping and grass quality; however, that is not the case with Yale. The superior architecture of this course shines through regardless of the condition of the greens. Originally designed by architect C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor in 1926, Yale has endured neglect during the latter half of the 20th century, but has since been restored to its former glory.
Its classical, penal, and strategic design make it one of the world’s most challenging courses, as well as the best collegiate layout. Many of the cavernous bunkers require precise entry via wooden steps and a hot sand wedge to escape. It’s no wonder that to play Yale, you’ll need to befriend a member or a Yale student or employee. It truly stands as a testament to the truly magical power of architectural design.
Address: 200 Conrad Dr, New Haven, CT 06515, United States
Shennecossett Golf Course
Proudly owned and operated by the town of Groton’s Parks and Recreation Department, Shennecossett Golf Course in Connecticut is a true gem for golf enthusiasts. As the only public Donald Ross layout in the Constitution State, it boasts a challenging but friendly atmosphere that caters to golfers of all levels.
With stunning views and well-maintained greens and fairways, every round played at Shennecossett promises to be enjoyable and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide tips and tricks to help you improve your game. With a length of 6,562 yards and par of 71, Shennecossett is an ideal choice for your regular rounds of golf or as a new destination for you and your friends the next time you’re in Groton.
Address: 93 Plant St, Groton, CT 06340, United States
Country Club of Fairfield
The Country Club of Fairfield has a design history that’s sure to intrigue any golf aficionado. Originally, it opened in 1921 and was considered a masterpiece by the acclaimed architect, Seth Raynor. However, as time passed, it underwent modifications by two other renowned designers: A.W. Tillinghast in 1939 and Robert Trent Jones Snr. in 1960. Despite the changes, many still consider the golf course to be one of Raynor’s finest creations.
Golfers of all skill levels are sure to relish the challenging yet fair layout of this links-like course. The views are breathtaking, the greens lightning-fast, and the conditioning impeccable. It’s no wonder the Country Club of Fairfield is a favorite among golfers who appreciate the classic nuances of the game.
Address: 936 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, United States
Gillette Ridge Golf Club
Gillette Ridge Golf Club is a public golf facility that offers an unparalleled challenge for golfers. The course, fashioned by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay in 2004, honors Francis Gillette, a local 19th century reformer, politician, and business leader. Throughout the course, players will maneuver through a variety of terrains, from tree-lined fairways to spectacular carries and natural obstacles.
The 7191-yard course does not have just one signature hole, but each hole presents a unique challenge. One of the most memorable holes is the par-5 second, which requires both length and accuracy from players, making it a true risk-reward test. Gillette Ridge has hosted several major events, including the LPGA Futures Tour Cigna Golf Classic and the PGA Tour Travelers Championship Qualifier. Overall, Gillette Ridge Golf Club is an exciting and challenging course that will amaze and excite golfers of all skill levels.
Address: 1360 Hall Blvd, Bloomfield, CT 06002, United States
Tamarack, Greenwich
Tamarack Country Club offers players an unforgettable golfing experience on the historic course that was set out by Charles “Steam Shovel” Banks in 1929. The course features a number of replica par threes, including the 171-yard 3rd, 196-yard 7th, and the 214-yard 12th, which pay tribute to some of the most famous holes in golf. The original “steep and deep” bunkering, which was a signature style of the designer, can still be found throughout the course. One outstanding example of this is the 508-yard 17th hole with its sweeping dogleg and the enormous sand trap named “Big Bertha” that guards the elevated green.
It is clear that the bunker at Prestwick was the inspiration for this beastly hazard. With a par of 70 and a length of 6841 yards, Tamarack Country Club is a true test of skill and strategy for golf enthusiasts looking for a challenging course.
Address: 55 Locust Rd #2522, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States
Wee Burn Country Club
Wee Burn Country Club has a rich history spanning over a century. The club’s roots can be traced back to 1896 when George Strath designed a 6-hole course on forty-eight acres of leased farmland. Despite setbacks in expanding the course, Wee Burn persevered and in 1923 acquired a 230-acre site where Devereux Emmet designed a new layout. Emmet’s course retains the charm of its predecessor, as the Stony Brook flows through the greens and fairways.
Recent modifications made by Tom Fazio have elevated the course to a new level of excellence. More than three thousand yards of stream and lake banks have been renovated, adding to the challenge of a lengthy 7040-yard course. Despite its difficulty, the well-groomed fairways and greens maintain a friendly atmosphere, making Wee Burn Country Club a must-play for avid golfers.
Address: 410 Hollow Tree Ridge Rd, Darien, CT 06820, United States
Lake of Isles, North Stonington
North Stonington boasts a stunning golf course that caters to golfers of different skill levels. Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort – North Course is the perfect place to challenge yourself while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Designed by Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson in 2005, the course measures 7279 yards in length and features a variety of challenging holes.
Among the standout holes are the doglegged par fours at the 6th and 9th, as well as the testing 574-yard 15th and 459-yard 18th holes on the undulating back nine. The North course offers a stiffer challenge than its twin sibling, the South course, despite measuring shorter. Both courses are routed around a central 90-acre lake with fairways weaving around wetland areas. If you’re looking for a grandstand end to your round, the North course is the perfect choice.
Address: 1 Clubhouse Dr, North Stonington, CT 06359, United States
Shorehaven Golf Club
The Shorehaven Golf Club is an exceptional course designed by Willie Park Junior and Robert White, the first PGA President. It features a spectacular stretch of finishing holes that wind along Long Island Sound. The course was opened in 1924 and offers a par 71 layout that stretches 6,548 yards.
The glory of the course is the final stretch of holes that border the tidal marshlands of Long Island Sound. This section of the course includes a unique pair of par threes, the 15th and 17th holes, which give players the feeling of hitting directly into the water. Alongside these holes is the 536-yard 16th, which follows the shoreline and requires a long marsh carry off the tee, and the outstanding 383-yard 18th hole, a par four that demands a drive across the breathtaking marsh and a waterside green. These holes make a round of golf at Shorehaven Golf Club a memorable experience for golfers of all levels.
Address: 14 Canfield Ave, Norwalk, CT 06855, United States
Mohegan Sun Golf Club
Mohegan Sun, once known as Pautipaug, is a golf course located far up the river from its titular casino. Designed by esteemed golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish in 1960, Mohegan Sun’s par fives are the highlight of the course. Guests at the casino are familiar with the “go big or go home” attitude, and the first three holes feature opportunities to gamble strokes in an attempt to reach the putting surface in two. Big hitters may find the fifth hole a challenge, as a brook crossing the fairway is uncrossable, requiring at least one layup.
Despite the obstacle, the green remains open to a well-struck second shot at just 505 yards. Cornish’s modern approach and sharp eye for detail make Mohegan Sun a course fitting of its title as a “par 72” course, spanning 6,790 yards and featuring updates by Stephen Kay in 2002 and Robert McNeil in 2011.
Address: 7 Dows Ln, Baltic, CT 06330, United States
Blackledge Country Club
Blackledge Country Club is a public golf course situated in the picturesque countryside of Connecticut. With 36 holes to explore, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy their rounds on Anderson’s Glen, also known as “The Old Course,” or the slightly shorter but challenging Gilead Highlands, also known as “The New Course.”
Designed by Geoffrey Cornish in 1963, the “Old Course” provides a more traditional round, while architect Mark Mungeam’s “New Course,” which opened in the Spring of 2000, is known for its unique character.
Throughout both courses, golfers will find heavily wooded landscapes that offer fun par 3s and demanding par 5s. Additionally, there are water features throughout the course that provide added challenges to the game.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just learning the sport, Blackledge Country Club is the perfect destination with its unique blend of parkland settings and challenging layouts.
Address: 180 West St, Hebron, CT 06248, United States
Timberlin Golf Course
Located a short distance from Berlin, the Timberlin Golf Club is a golf enthusiast’s paradise, offering breathtaking views and challenging play for golfers of all levels of expertise. Boasting well-groomed fairways and greens, the club offers the perfect blend of difficulty and friendliness, and the staff is always on hand to provide you with valuable tips and tricks to help you play your best round.
Whether you’re looking to play a regular round of golf or enjoy a new destination with your friends, Timberlin Golf Club is the perfect choice for you. Built in 1970 by architect Al Zikorus, the course underwent a major renovation in 2006, which was overseen by Stephen Kay and Doug Smith. The renovation project included redesigning 50 existing bunkers, adding 12 new ones, and reshaping all fairways. Recently, in 2014, renowned architect Ray Hearn further refined it, and the course is now a sparkling gem in the world of golf.
Address: 330 Southington Rd, Berlin, CT 06037, United States
Richter Park Golf Course
Designed by famed architect Edward C. Ryder in 1970, the Par 72 Richter Park Golf Course spans over 6,744 yards of breathtaking terrain in the heart of Fairfield County. The course is situated adjacent to the West Lake Reservoir and covers over 180 acres of gently rolling hills with dramatic elevation changes.
Richter Park has earned a reputation for being one of the top 25 public courses in the country, eliciting admiration from golf enthusiasts far and wide. It does present a challenge to even the most seasoned of golfers, with its signature hole being the par-5 12th, requiring an accurate third shot over Boggs Pond to a bunkered green. Blind shots add to the game’s difficulty, making for an invigorating and memorable round.
Address: 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Conclusion
Connecticut is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Whether you are looking for a traditional round or an exciting new experience, there is something for everyone. From Blackledge Country Club to Richter Park Golf Course, Connecticut has plenty of options to choose from, offering breathtaking views and challenging play. So grab your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable round of golf.
