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Connecticut offers a wealth of opportunities for golf enthusiasts to enjoy picturesque landscapes and challenging courses. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned player, Connecticut features golf courses designed by some of the best architects in the Â鶹AV, each offering its unique appeal. Given the state's proximity to Wall Street and how many moguls live in the Nutmeg State, it's no surprise there are several tourney-worthy greens. Here is a look at the eleven best golf courses in Connecticut, so pack your golf bag, put on your best khakis, and get ready to go!

Shennecossett Golf Course

Shennecossett Golf Course, located in Groton, provides one of the most scenic and challenging experiences for players in Connecticut. Situated along the Long Island Sound, the course’s landscape is an attractive combination of water hazards, sand traps, and mature trees. Designed by Donald Ross in the early 1900s, this course is one of his few public clubs and features narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The green fees are quite affordable, generally ranging from $40 to $75, depending on the season.

Shennecossett also boasts amenities such as a pro shop, a driving range, and a welcoming clubhouse that serves refreshments and snacks. The course is open to the public and does not require a membership to book tee times. It is conveniently located near the I-95 corridor, with easy access to Hartford and New York City.

Lake of Isles

Lake of Isles is located in North Stonington, just a short drive from the Foxwoods Resort Casino and less than an hour’s drive from Providence, Rhode Island. This 36-hole golf course, designed by Rees Jones, is consistently ranked among the top courses in Connecticut. The property is part of the Foxwoods Resort, which means golfers can enjoy luxury accommodations and spa services during their visit.

Lake of Isles has two courses: the North Course, a more challenging layout with undulating greens and water features, and the South Course, designed for more relaxed play. Green fees for non-members generally range from $110 to $150, and it is recommended to book in advance as tee times fill up quickly. The course also features on-site dining options, a fully stocked pro shop, and an excellent practice facility.

The Stanwich Club

The Stanwich Club, located in Greenwich, is an exclusive, private golf club known for its beautifully manicured fairways and challenging layout. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1964. Known for its strategic use of water hazards, deep bunkers, and tight fairways, it is considered one of the toughest golf courses in the state.

The Stanwich Club is a private course often ranked among the best in Connecticut. If you are fortunate enough to gain access, the clubhouse offers Â鶹AV-class amenities, including a restaurant serving exquisite meals, a locker room with premium services, and an elegant golf shop. Membership is required to play, and green fees are typically not available for non-members.

Tumble Brook Country Club

Located in Bloomfield, Tumble Brook Country Club is a private club known for its historical significance and beautiful design. The club was established in 1922 and offers a challenging 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross. Players enjoy rolling hills, strategic bunkering, and the picturesque backdrop of the Farmington River. The course has hosted many prestigious events, and it is known for its pristine greens.

Tumble Brook is renowned for its excellent service, as well as its clubhouse facilities, which include a fine dining restaurant, a fitness center, and meeting spaces. Membership is required, and green fees are typically unavailable to non-members.

Rolling Hills Country Club

Rolling Hills Country Club is located in Wilton, just outside of Stamford. Known for its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere, the club offers an exceptional 18-hole, par 71 course designed by Alfred Tull. The course is known for its inspiring design and beautifully maintained greens. The rippling terrain and water features create a great test for golfers of all skill levels.

Rolling Hills offers a range of amenities, including a full-service clubhouse, a pro shop, and an on-site restaurant with a casual dining menu. Although the course is private, it does offer guest access via invitation or sponsorship from a current member. Green fees are not posted, as they are based on membership status.

The Golf Club at Oxford Greens

The Golf Club at Oxford Greens is a public course that provides an outstanding experience for golfers of all levels. This 18-hole course combines a traditional layout with many modern features including open fairways, water hazards, and large greens that test accuracy and precision.

The green fees are very reasonable, especially for the quality of the course, ranging from around $45 to $75, depending on the time of day and season. Oxford Greens also has a welcoming clubhouse, a driving range, and an excellent pro shop.

The Country Club of Waterbury

The Country Club of Waterbury is a private course in Waterbury that has been serving golfers since 1899. Designed by Donald Ross, it is a classic example of his style, featuring challenging doglegs, water hazards, and fast greens. With a strong emphasis on tradition, this 18-hole, par 71 course is perfect for those looking for a challenging but enjoyable round of golf.

The clubhouse is one of the finest in the state, offering fine dining options and luxurious amenities. Membership is required, and green fees are not available for non-members.

Keney Park Golf Course

Keney Park Golf Course, situated in Hartford, is one of Connecticut’s oldest public golf courses, with roots dating back to 1927. Designed by the famed architect Devereux Emmet, the 18-hole, par 71 course is ideal for golfers of a variety of skill levels. With a reputation for affordable pricing and well-maintained greens, Keney Park is popular among local golfers.

Green fees are very reasonable, with rates generally ranging from $25 to $50. The course has a newly renovated clubhouse with a restaurant and a golf shop for all your needs and its convenient location within Hartford makes it especially accessible.

The Course at Yale

The Course at Yale, set in the historic town of New Haven, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious, beautiful, and challenging golf courses in the United States. Designed by the legendary architect Charles Blair Macdonald and later restored by Rees Jones, this course features dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, and strategic bunkers. The course is a par-70, 6,800-yard layout that will challenge even the most experienced golfers with its classic design featuring challenging fairways, long par-4s, and strategically placed bunkers. The course has hosted many high-profile events and is often ranked among the best in the state.

The course is located on the Yale University campus and is open to the public for a modest fee. Member pricing typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the season. Yale’s campus provides a stunning backdrop for the course, and golfers will enjoy its historical charm.

Wampanoag Country Club

Wampanoag Country Club, located in West Hartford, is a private club with a well-regarded 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross in the early 1920s. The course is challenging but fun, with treacherous water hazards, mature trees, and a series of doglegs that require precision and strategy.

The club’s amenities include an upscale clubhouse, dining services, and an extensive golf shop. Access to the course is limited to members and their guests. Wampanoag Country Club offers an intimate golfing experience in the heart of the state.

Lyman Orchards Golf Club

Lyman Orchards Golf Club offers two distinct 18-hole courses: the Jones Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., and the Apple Nine, a shorter, more relaxed layout. The Jones Course is a par-72 course measuring over 7,000 yards, featuring water hazards, bunkers, and elevation changes. It is a popular venue for local tournaments, thanks to its challenging layout and excellent conditioning. The golf club is also known for its picturesque views, with several holes overlooking the surrounding orchard.

The Apple Nine provides a more straightforward, enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels. Green fees for the Jones Course range from $60 to $150, depending on the time of day, while the Apple Nine is more affordable at around $30 to $50.

Connecticut’s top golf courses offer an impressive range of designs, landscapes, and amenities for golfers of all levels. Whether you seek a challenging course designed by a legendary architect or a tranquil round of golf set in nature, the state's golf scene delivers, from private clubs to public goods. The courses listed above each bring something unique to the table, and with their proximity to major cities, they provide convenient access for players from both near and far. Is it tee time yet?