The Best Golf Courses In Connecticut - Top Picks For 2023

Top-Rated Golf Courses In Connecticut

• Chanticlair Public Golf Course -This scenic course in Colchester offers stunning views of the rolling hills and woodlands. It's a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels, with plenty of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers.
• Stanley Golf Course -This 27-hole public course in New Britain is known for its variety and playability. Each of the three 9-hole courses offers a unique challenge, with the blue course being the most difficult and the white course being the most forgiving. The red course is a good mix of both.
• Pomperaug Golf Course -This 9-hole course in Southbury is a great option for a quick round or a fun day out with friends. The course is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Pomperaug River.
• Fairview Farm Golf Course -This 18-hole course in Harwinton is a hidden gem, known for its friendly staff and beautiful setting. The course is challenging but fair, with plenty of opportunities to score birdies.
• Topstone Golf Course -This 18-hole course in South Windsor is a favorite among locals, thanks to its challenging layout and excellent condition. The course is home to a number of tournaments throughout the year, and it's always a pleasure to play.

Public Golf Courses Accessible And Affordable Options

• Keney Park Golf Course, Hartford -This 18-hole gem in the heart of Hartford is a golfer's paradise, consistently ranking among the best public courses in the state. Designed by legendary golf course architect Walter J. Travis, Keney Park offers a challenging yet fair layout with rolling hills, strategically placed bunkers, and picturesque ponds. The course also boasts affordable green fees, a well-stocked pro shop, and a friendly staff, making it a perfect choice for golfers of all skill levels.
• Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, Bloomfield -Nestled in the rolling hills of Bloomfield, Wintonbury Hills is another public course that delivers exceptional value. This 18-hole layout features stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside, challenging elevation changes, and a variety of water hazards that will test your accuracy. Despite its championship-caliber design, Wintonbury Hills offers some of the most competitive green fees in the state, making it a great option for budget-conscious golfers.
• Great River Golf Club, Milford -This picturesque 18-hole course along the Long Island Sound offers stunning ocean views and a challenging layout that will test even the most seasoned golfers. The course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and plenty of water hazards, all framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Long Island Sound. While the green fees are slightly higher than some other public courses in the state, the combination of stunning scenery, challenging play, and excellent facilities makes Great River Golf Club a worthwhile investment.
• Lake of Isles - North Course, North Stonington -This 18-hole masterpiece in North Stonington is known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout. The course winds its way through rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling lakes, offering golfers a truly immersive experience. While the green fees are on the higher end, the combination of breathtaking scenery, challenging play, and top-notch facilities, including a well-stocked pro shop and a practice facility, makes Lake of Isles - North Course a must-play for any serious golfer.
• Shennecossett Golf Course, Groton -This 18-hole course on the scenic Eastern Long Island Sound offers stunning ocean views and a challenging layout that will test golfers of all skill levels. The course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and plenty of water hazards, all framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Long Island Sound. While the green fees are slightly higher than some other public courses in the state, the combination of stunning scenery, challenging play, and excellent facilities, including a well-stocked pro shop and a practice facility, makes Shennecossett Golf Course a worthwhile option.

Exclusive Private Golf Clubs

• The Stanwich Club, Greenwich -This legendary club, founded in 1911, is a perennial contender for the title of "best golf course in Connecticut." Designed by the renowned Charles Blair Macdonald, the Stanwich boasts a classic layout that winds its way through rolling hills and dense woodlands, offering stunning views and demanding play. Membership grants access to not one, but two championship courses, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a luxurious clubhouse with world-class dining and social events.
• Yale Golf Course, New Haven -Steeped in history, Yale Golf Course was founded in 1893 and is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious courses in the country. Designed by the legendary Seth Raynor, the course offers a unique blend of classic design elements and modern challenges. Membership comes with the distinct privilege of playing on a course that has hosted numerous professional tournaments and witnessed the strokes of golfing greats like Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan.
• Round Hill Club, Greenwich -This picturesque club, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of Long Island Sound, offers a truly exclusive golfing experience. Designed by the renowned architects Alister MacKenzie and Charles Alison, the course is known for its strategic bunkering, demanding elevation changes, and immaculate conditioning. Membership at Round Hill extends beyond the golf course, with access to a tennis facility, a swimming pool, and a luxurious clubhouse that evokes a Mediterranean villa.
• Tamarack Country Club, Greenwich -This secluded club, nestled amidst rolling hills and woodlands, offers a haven for golfers seeking both challenge and tranquility. Designed by the renowned architect Walter Travis, the course features a classic layout with strategically placed bunkers, gentle elevation changes, and picturesque ponds. Membership at Tamarack comes with access to not only the championship golf course but also a state-of-the-art practice facility, a tennis facility, and a charming clubhouse with a focus on family and community.
• Wee Burn Country Club, Darien -This historic club, founded in 1922, is a testament to the golden age of golf course design. Designed by the legendary Walter Travis, the course features a classic layout with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and picturesque ponds. Membership at Wee Burn is not just about the golf course, but also about the club's rich history and traditions. The club hosts numerous social events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community among its members.

Golf Courses With Exceptional Facilities

• TPC River Highlands, Cromwell -This iconic course, host to the Travelers Championship on the PGA TOUR, boasts more than just championship pedigree. The TPC River Highlands complex features a world-class practice facility with a driving range, multiple chipping and putting greens, and a PGA-staffed instruction academy. The clubhouse, a Georgian-style masterpiece, offers breathtaking views of the course and houses a fully stocked pro shop, a gourmet restaurant, and elegant event spaces.
• The Country Club of Fairfield, Fairfield -This prestigious club, established in 1898, takes pride in its commitment to exceptional facilities. The course itself is a historic gem designed by legendary architect Walter Travis, but the club also boasts a state-of-the-art practice facility with a covered driving range, multiple practice greens, and a dedicated bunker complex. The clubhouse, a sprawling Tudor-style mansion, features a fully stocked pro shop, a renowned restaurant with panoramic views, and elegant event spaces for social gatherings.
• Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield -Nestled amidst rolling hills and woodlands, Brooklawn Country Club offers a classic golfing experience with modern amenities. The course, designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish, features strategic bunkering, challenging elevation changes, and picturesque ponds. Beyond the course, the club boasts a comprehensive practice facility with a covered driving range, multiple chipping and putting greens, and a dedicated bunker complex. The charming clubhouse features a fully stocked pro shop, a cozy restaurant with fireplace ambiance, and a recently renovated patio overlooking the course.
• Blackledge Country Club, Hebron -This private club, known for its championship-caliber course designed by renowned architect Walter Hagen, also shines in its facilities department. The practice facility is a golfer's dream, with a covered driving range, multiple chipping and putting greens, and a dedicated bunker complex equipped with sand traps and bunkers of all shapes and sizes. The clubhouse, a stately Georgian-style building, features a fully stocked pro shop, a gourmet restaurant with stunning views, and elegant event spaces for weddings, banquets, and other special occasions.
• Great River Golf Club, Milford -This picturesque course, offering breathtaking ocean views and a challenging layout, elevates the golfing experience with its top-notch facilities. The practice facility features a covered driving range, multiple chipping and putting greens, and a dedicated bunker complex. The clubhouse, a modern marvel with expansive windows overlooking the course, houses a fully stocked pro shop, a renowned restaurant with fresh seafood specialties, and a comfortable lounge area with a fireplace for post-game relaxation.

Family-Friendly Golfing Experiences

• Tunxis Plantation Country Club, Farmington -This award-winning public course welcomes families with open arms. Their "First Swing" program introduces kids ages 4-7 to the game with playful, hour-long sessions that focus on basic skills and etiquette. Parents can join in or relax at the on-site playground while their little ones swing away.
• Lake of Isles - South Course, North Stonington -This picturesque public course boasts not only stunning lake views but also a dedicated "Family Golf Center." Practice chipping and putting together on the mini-course, enjoy a friendly competition on the par-3 course, or rent a set of clubs for the little ones to try their swings. Their "Junior Golf Academy" offers classes and camps for all ages and skill levels.
• Black Hall Club, Old Lyme -This historic public course charms families with its beautiful setting and welcoming atmosphere. Their "Junior Clinics" introduce kids ages 5-17 to the fundamentals of golf in a fun and encouraging environment. Parents can enjoy a round on the championship course while their little ones learn from PGA professionals.
• Ekonk Hill Golf Club, Somers -This family-owned public course prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere for players of all ages. Their "Pee Wee Golf" program introduces kids ages 3-7 to the game with playful activities and equipment designed for tiny hands. Older kids can hone their skills at the "Junior Golf Academy" or grab a family pass for a fun afternoon on the course.
• Sunset Hill Golf Club, Brookfield -This scenic public course offers stunning views and family-friendly fun. Their "Junior League" provides kids ages 7-14 with professional instruction and on-course experience, while their "Family Tees" program allows parents and children to play from shorter yardages, making the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Conclusion