Irex482

Blue Fox Run has 3, nine hole courses named Red, White and Blue. All are relatively short and flat and are separated by the Farmington River that bisects the west Blue course from the White and Red east courses. That said, we played Red than White today. Blue was closed for whatever reason. The Red course, which is very short, at 2723 yards from the tips, was the worse conditioned course I’ve ever played on. First off, the tee boxes were uneven with a mix of crab grass or no grass. I had difficulty finding a level spot to stand. We were lucky to find green grass on the fairways, and where there was grass it was mostly crab grass. Granted, Connecticut is currently experiencing drought conditions, but I’ve played weeklysince May, every week at different courses, and all were in great condition. Not su Blue Fox. Not only was there very little grass in the fairways, the bunkers, or should I say what used to be bunkers, were one third sand and two thirds grass. The greens were somewhat okay but some were burnt out with brown and green spots. A tropical storm came through Connecticut a week ago but the course has not been cleaned up much. On the Red 2nd, a dead tree and branches were still lying on the ground just off the putting surface. I could go on but can’t. It’s too painful to describe. What once was a decent course has declined to nothing more than a cow pasture…. minus the cows.

Played The Windham Club for the first time yesterday, really enjoyed and highly recommend it. Although located “in the sticks” it’s an easy, quick drive from a variety of state roads. As a public course, their rates are reasonable and many discount golf programs list this course. The course, built in 1922, with some holes redesigned within the past 5 years, has wide, mostly evergreen lined fairways, large greens and just enough bunkers and some ponds to make it challenging. The layout is split by an occasionally used public road that has to be driven on or crossed several times during a round. The road also has to be played over on several holes but only from the back tees.

For first-time players most of the holes are easy to see how-to-play but some need a look-see or local knowledge. It would be nice if the scorecard had individual hole layouts as there are some holes with hidden dangers. The course layout meanders all over the place so attention must be paid to directional signs to the next hole. Cart paths, where needed, are mostly gravel and on many holes the transition from cart path to fairway was quite bumpy.

As for the staff, they were friendly and professional. One met us at the bag drop area and loaded our bags onto carts just like private club do. The clubhouse has a decent golf shop, nice bar and very large banquet facility, which was in use the day we played.

Finally, I’d like to inform readers that some older reviews stated the fairways had boulders in them. The only boulders I noticed were in the rough. Also, my GPS worked fine on the course.

Based on ratings, reviews and word-of-mouth, our foursome expected an exceptional round of golf on a beautiful course. However, many factors ruined an otherwise beautiful, sunny day.

10th HOLE: This was our biggest issue. When we checked in with the starter he stated that the par four 10th hole was closed due to irrigation repairs so we were to skip 10 and go directly to 11. There were no signs on the 10th directing us so we stayed on the cart path until it ended then tried to cross the fairway to get to the 11th hole cart path, but the cart’s GPS would not allow fairway access. It just shut down. We asked a nearby repair crewmen what to do and he said “they were supposed to shut the GPS off.” They didn’t. Anyway, we actually had to back-up across the whole fairway, at a creep, until we reached the 11th hole cart path. It cost us 10 minutes not to play this hole. I feel that the group in front of us had similar problems and this is where a backup started. I firmly believe it is incumbent on any golf course that they notify you, when you make a reservation, that a portion of the course is closed. Had we known this we might not have driven 90 minutes to play that day.

TREE REMOVAL: From the moment we drove into the course parking lot we noticed something wrong. There were trees down everywhere. It looked like a tornado came through. Per an employee, the course hired a tree removal service this spring who would harvest the good trees and remove the dead, diseased, and unwanted trees. He said that thousands of trees were already removed. However, it appeared to be a haphazard clear-cut. While some trees along the fairways and parking lot were removed, tree stumps were all over the chewed up woods, partial trees still stood, large branches and ground cover were everywhere and wide swatches of trees were removed far back into the forest. It was ugly and I hope the tree removal company cleans up their mess. Had we been notified upon making our reservation we would not have driven 1.5 hours (one-way) to what we heard was once a beautiful course set into the deep woods. Otherwise, the course was in excellent condition and is quite scenic, however the mass cutting of trees along the fairway perimeters was not a pretty sight.

SLOW PLAY: We should have known we were in for a bad day when the starter informed us that we had an outing of 3 foursomes in front of us, so he delayed our start by 15 minutes to give them a head start. It didn’t help. By the back nine we were waiting 5-10 minutes at each tee for the slow group to get out of range or to leave the green. No ranger was ever seen so we ended up playing a 5 hour round (for 17 holes…see below) that should have been 4 max.

PUTTING GREENS: The course has two and both were being used for youth lessons. Glad to see young kids taking up golf, but no putting/chipping practice for us this time. They could have let us know or posted a sign.
CART PROBLEM: Things started to go bad on the first hole where my cart jerked, sputtered and ran slow when I was halfway to the green. I had to go back, very slowly, for another cart, which was fine.

CARTS: All the carts are GPS equipped and provide distance info as well as regulating where the carts can be driven on each hole. Due to rain the day before, we were restricted to cart path only, edge of fairway or full fairway depending on the hole. Sometimes the carts worked, as allowed on a hole, while on others we got us stuck and had to back out very slowly in reverse.

Anyway, it was a good day spoiled. We’ll be back, but defiantly not this year.

I've played this course for 10 years and it a good course but, it does have a few issues. The course layout is funky with back-to-back par 5's on both nines. Then there's the issue when playing only 9 holes that leave you out in the boonies with a long walk or ride to the clubhouse.

I also found a few policies upsetting. One petty gripe of mine (that happened a few times) was being not being able to start playing when the 1st fairway was clear or the group in front of us was on the green or were teeing off from #2. We were given some lame excuse why we couldn't tee off. And we were hitting from the whites and couldn't hit the green anyway. Come on guys.

Another gripe is MCC's inflexibility regarding discount golfing program restrictions, which MCC dictates. For example, my golf partner was subbing in the men's league and wanted to use his golfing program certificate. He was told he couldn't because the program (MCC's restriction actually) required an 11 am or later tee time. There's was 1030. So for 30 minutes they made him pay full price. He told me he would never play there again.

This is a very short course, 5944 yards from the tips, (5370 white, 4570 gold, 4015 red) but the tightness of the fairways, many water hazards, sand traps within driving distance off some of the tees and the small greens make it very challenging as did the first cut, which was at least 6-8 inches throughout the course. Most of the tee boxes were beat up and irregular. There were also a lot of old sand traps around the course that were filled in with grass making for more surprising problems. Traffic noise from the nearby interstate 84 was loud and annoying on 8 holes. There are a lot better courses nearby to play with better conditions and layout.

On the plus side, the staff was friendly and helpful in letting us bypass a women’s league that was starting just before our foursome. The 19th hole has very large, multi-level patio where bands play 4 nights and Sunday afternoon.

A nine hole course. Played here for the first time then returned the next day for another 9 and I will be back many, many times. Great thing about this course is that it is less than 30 minutes from the Hartford routes 91-84-2-3 interchanges and just 5 minutes off a Route 2 exit. Rates are very reasonalbe. Paid $20 w/ cart through my Golfing Magazine membership. A good value though senior rate is $21 weekdays so I only saved a buck. Course is well maintained (although the 1st cut was high and balls were lost when they should have been found). Fairways are wide, sand traps minimal, rough between fairways mostly mature trees without junk under them, greens mostly flat with some back-to-front slope, layout is challenging and staff is great, especially Cary in the pro shop. Short first hole could lure player to think course is a piece of cake, which it isn't. Most early holes are pretty flat but later holes have some elevation changes. Island green on the par 3 fourth is their signature hole. TPC Sawgrass island green is easy compared to this hole. Shot to green could be over or near a fairway tree. Yardage ranges from 100 to 145 dependign on tee box used. Forunately green is big, although the margin of error is small. Club house is very simple with minimal amenities. Course has the feel of a family-owned facility; friendly, competitive and inviting. I like it.

I've played Blackledge - Gilead Highlands many times and everytime I play I'm frustrated, mad and confused as to why there are cart path only restrictions on holes 4, 10, 12, 16 & 17. I can understand some restrictions when the course is wet, but not when it's dry. Having to walk from my cart to my ball, with 2-3 clubs, on these holes greatly slows up play. It was evident today (a weekday) because there were seniors ( men and women) playing. As a senior myself, I can't walk as fast as I did 20 years ago. The uphill/downhill trek from cart-to-ball-to-cart added an extra 15-30 minutes to our round, which took 5 hours despite a ranger patroling the course. I play over 30 courses each year and none have these unusual cart path restirctions that Blackledge has. I'd like to see a response from the course re: this subject.

The weather was perfect but the course was in bad shape, hopefully due to spring conditions. Driving on the fairways was like running an off-road obstacle course. They were full of moguls, lumps, bumps and tree roots. And the dirt/gravel/wood chip cart paths were no better. They were potholed and full of large stones. Our golf cart suspension really got a workout.

As for the course itself, it can be very challenging with quite a few funky holes and others that will test your courage, skills, shot making and club selection.

The staff was very pleasant especially Suzy in the bar who gave me a lesson in beer selection. The pro shop attendant also helped an average golfer play the first hole. A cross fairway stream 200 yards off the white tees is tempting to carry but he advised laying up to 180-190 yards which I did but my partner didn't and ended up wet.

I will be back in a few months to see if they lumps and bumps were just frost heaves and the cart paths were smoothed out.

Great course, always in good shape. Fall rates were in effect bringing out many more people. Had a frost delay but the starter managed to get it to +30 minutes by our 10 am tee time. We finished in 4.5 hours with minimal waiting. Some holes were still full of leaves and 1st cut was high causing us to search hard and long for normally findable balls. Nice GPS equipped electric carts but cart access to some fairways (#5 the worse) was restricted causing delays in hitting shots. Carts in a restricted area will stop and the only way out is to back up. Pace-of-play could be improved if the carts were allowed closer to the greens and on more of the fairway. Still an awesome course to play. One of the best public courses in Connecticut.

Timberlin is a great course to play. The fairways, the day I played, were in great shape and the greens were sloping, in many cases, but fair. The back nine is more scenic (for example; the 17th tee box) and has more water holes.

As for your golfing game; your tee shots must be accurate, depending on which tee set you hit from, as there are fairway bunkers within driver range on most holes. If you’ve never played Timberlin I suggest you visit their website and check out the on-line “Yardage Book” for advice and yardage on each hole.

The only complaint I have is the condition of the cart paths. They are a mix of asphalt, gravel, dirt or no cart path at all throughout the course. Most of the asphalt cart paths have potholes and uneven surfaces that require your fullest attention to drive on. Additionally, the transition from many tee box asphalt cart paths to the fairway is worn down, lumpy bare earth. Also, the man-made cart paths from many greens to the next tee box were like an obstacle course as you wind your way over or around tree roots. My suggestion is to replace most severely damaged cart paths with gravel. It’s cost effective and I’ve seen it used successfully on quite a few public courses in Connecticut.

Recently I played at Fenwick GC, a 9-hole public golf course that has been on my bucket list for some time. The course is located in the Borough of Fenwick, which is part of Old Saybrook. I was impressed with the courtesy of the employees, the condition of the course, the fantastic water views and the classic, old beach style houses surrounding the course. I would call this course a mix of links and New England style course design. That is, near salt water, flat with few trees and mostly small greens but there are no sand dunes, pot bunkers or tall grass mounds.

Getting there is easy. By car just come through the center of Old Saybrook and follow RT 154 over the South Cove causeway. The course is on your left and the parking lot on your right. There is no clubhouse, just a starter’s shack and they do not rent golf carts but do provide free pull carts or you may bring your own. Many residents of the Borough of Fenwick have their own carts, for golf or just getting around, so don’t be surprised to see carts and pedestrians on or near the course. The course winds through the majestic homes and streets of the borough and the cart paths and streets are open to the public. As mentioned in the previous review, the course is open year-round…weather permitting. The rates are very reasonable.

Fenwick’s flat layout and length is perfect for all skill levels and ages. There are three sets of tees; blue (2904), white (2607) and red (2378). If playing 18 you just use a different set of tees for the “back nine.” The holes are not very long, the 9th is the longest at 545 (blue). The 1st is 433 (blue) the 8th is 443 (blue) and the remaining six holes are all less than 350 yards. There are three par 3 holes, two are back-to-back. To the right of the 2nd hole is the former home of actress Kathrine Hepburn. For those who remember “Kate” here’s your Kodak Moment. Most of the holes are pretty flat with wide fairways, a few bunkers and small greens. Several holes are interesting such as the par 5 (blue) fourth, a beautiful but challenging hole. Your tee shot from the water’s edge must carry water, a marsh and a street. Another curious hole is the par 3 sixth where a narrow berm bisects the entire fairway just in front of the green. No bump and run here. The finishing hole is a par five 545 yard hole from the blues, 505 (white) or 453 (red).

For an outstanding 19th hole do stop at the outdoor, marina bar at the “Fresh Salt” restaurant located in the Saybrook Point Inn, Spa and Marina. You go right past it after you cross the causeway on your way home.

If you are staying or visiting at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun casinos and are looking for a round of golf at reasonable prices, look no further than the Norwich Golf Course. This public course is less than a half-hour drive from either casino. I’ve been playing here since my submarine days in Groton and I love the course, the great conditions, friendly staff, fair pricing, and a great 19th hole for food and drink. Although not a long course (6228 yds from the tips) it has enough challenges to overlook the shortness but also makes it more playable for the average player. I rate this course 4 stars out of 5. The golf course, which opened in 1910, features typical New England style golf; rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, a bit of water and many blind tee shots. For you techies, the course has a website that features flyovers for each hole. The course has a putting green and an off-site driving range nearby and there is a snack shack located, between the 3rd, 4th and 10th, 11th holes. The last two seasons were terrible for CT golf courses due to drought conditions. Fortunately, this season rain has be plentiful and the courses are in great condition.
If you’ve never played here before here are some helpful hints on select holes that can save you strokes.
#3. This dogleg left hole off an elevated tee is tricky. You want to hit your tee shot towards the left edge of the clubhouse where the 150 yd plate is about 210 yards from the middle tees. On your approach you should know that there is a deep valley before the tabletop, 2-tier, back-to-front green.
#4 Keep left-center off the tee then aim for the “rose” target that is behind the green. (Norwich is nicknamed the “Rose City.”) The green slopes back-to-front so stay below the hole on your approach.
#5 Stay left-center off the tee as the fairway slopes right into the woods if you hug the right edge. A slice here is a lost ball.
#7 Stay right on your approach to avoid the three bunkers along the left side and behind the green.
#8 A blind tee shot so aim just left of the right side trees. A large bunker guards the left, front side of the green.
#10 A dogleg right. Hit you tee shot to the left of the right side tree line, then it’s a straight shot to a flat green.
#11 There’s a small brook in a deep valley 50 yds before the green. It is unseen from the tee box.
#12 Your second shot on this par 5 is a blind shot to green down in a valley.
#13 Although only 100 or so yards off the tee, this elevated green is tricky. You’ll probably need one or two clubs less off the tee but don’t go too long as there is little room behind the green.
#14 This dogleg left has a unseen, small brook 50 yards in front of the green so plan your second and approach shots carefully.
Here is where you cross a street to complete the last three holes that can be visually figured out, although, the par three 18th can be tricky being uphill with unseen bunkers left and right of the large green.

Gillette Ridge is getting better and better since new management took over in 2016. I began playing this course five years ago and the current conditions are the best I’ve seen.

With normal spring rains this year, courses in CT are coming back after 2 years of drought conditions and Gillette Ridge has definitely benefited from the extra water. The fairways were lush and the greens smooth and true. The grass around many of the tee boxes and secondary cut near the greens were so soft I felt like taking my shoes off just to feel how smooth they were. Many thanks to the course superintendent and the worker-bees.

Rates are reasonable and greens fees include a cart. Although the course is walkable, on many holes there are some very long distances from the green to the next tee box so taking that cart may be a sensible choice.

I find Gillette Ridge a challenging course where course management and course knowledge is critical especially those holes with water or carries over waste areas. Knowing when to or where to lay-up can help avoid high scores. The par 4 sixteenth is especially difficult for the average golfer due to a waste area across the fairway about 130 yards from an elevated green that is protected by 2 bunkers in front of the green. Even with a great drive, your second shot must be a just as good to clear the waste area and land on the green. I’ve resigned myself to a layup here and consider a bogie equal to a par on this demanding hole.

Severe brush cutting in many waste areas has taken the fear factor out of these holes. The short, par four 5th hole is an example. The gully in front of the green has been clear-cut so losing a ball here may actually be found unless it lands in the brook, that is.

To sum things up; I found the rates very reasonable. It's a challenging course and in great condition, but it requires some course know-how and shot selection to make you round less frustrating.

After years of neglect, Black Birch GC (formally Banner GC) is making a comeback and is fast becoming a very good golf course. I played there yesterday and was impressed with the layout and evidence of ongoing improvements to the course. The layout is among rolling hills with tree-lined fairways instead of unplayable rough, which is common on many of the courses I play. This gives players a second chance on errant shots instead of a penalty for a lost or unplayable ball. There are six small ponds that come into play but most can be easily avoided or managed. See TIPS below.

The greens were in excellent condition as were the various sand traps. The grass in the tee boxes and fairways is quickly growing in and new seeding was evident everywhere. Keep in mind that Connecticut has been under severe drought conditions for the past two years, and growing grass is difficult without help from Mother Nature. I played over 30 CT golf courses last year and most had burnt grass and bare spots throughout the course. Also, mid-April is too early to judge grass conditions in CT as I have not even had to mow my yard this year.

The staff was extremely friendly, rates are reasonable, and the grounds near the clubhouse picturesque. Another bright spot that comes to mind is their website where a new “flyover” view of the first 5 holes can be seen. The remaining holes will be added soon per the pro shop. I highly recommend this course and will certainly play there again.
TIPS:
Hole #1: There is a small, unseen pond that is reachable off the tee box along the right side of the fairway 200 yards from the green, so stay left or hit your drive over it.

Hole #7. A small stream bisects the fairway 145 yards from the white tee markers making it 155 yards from those markers to clear this hazard. Additionally, 185 yard from this stream is a pond that comes into play, so a layup may be necessary for a shot to the elevated green.

There were 14 players backed up at the 16th hole tee box with another group of players biding their time on the 15th green. Why?

It was the second week in April and we had a Monday morning tee time, just before 9 am, and went off right on our tee time. Play was a bit slow but on schedule for a four hour round. By the time we reached the 10th hole our wait-time became longer and longer but because of the course layout we could not see why. By the time we reached the 16th it became unbearable but we could now see why everyone was backed up. There were two foursomes of women from a morning women’s league that teed off before 9 on the back nine and were now just reaching the 17th tee. They had taken over 4 hours to complete nine, yes nine holes. There was no ranger on the course. Of course!

I’ve never had this problem before at Portland but, be assured, if I need to book a Monday morning tee time it will be after 11 am.

Played Pines course for second time in two years. Palms backed up and too expensive at $65 for conditions. Very little staff interaction, you pay through a bulletproof window to a town employee. Went out as a twosome with 2.5 holes from a twosome in front of us . Caught up to them after 4 holes due to slow foursome in front of them. Extremly slow play with no ranger to help.

Tee boxes were bumpy and bare. Finding right tee markers not easy at first as paint on markers was faded or missing. We had the same problem last year.

Fairway "grass" cut too short and looked like crab grass over bare spots. Greens very lumpy with seeded bare spots everywhere. Reading greens were next to impossible.

Quit after 12 holes and 3.5 hours of very slow play. Continuing would have meant a 6 hour round.

On the good side however; the sand traps were soft sand and well groomed. Many new palms planted and signs of renovations on the course (mounds edging some fairways) is a good sign. Maybe the course needs a bit of watering and better maintenance but they won't see me again.

Two years ago Gillette Ridge closed due to mismanagement. Just this week it became fully open and is better than ever as a new management team has rejuvenated this once, great course. The fairways are lush (in spite of the drought the state is experiencing) the greens smooth and true, the sand traps full and fluffy. A lot of the rough has been trimmed back and workers were on the course cutting back even more. Trees are being trimmed or cut down, cart paths repaired and broken down cart path bridges replaced. They’ve even moved the tee sets up to a more realistic distance for the average golfer, whereas in the past they were back too far making the course very difficult. Now it is more playable and enjoyable. They’ve also charging very reasonable rates, especially for seniors and juniors. Eighteen holes weekdays (with a cart) is $35 for seniors, $20 for juniors. I highly recommend this course and please think about playing it soon before the word gets out how good it is.

Due to the many blind tee shots, doglegs, slope, deep woods, between fairway rough and hidden gullies, course knowledge is very important at Portland to post a good score and avoid those big numbers on many holes. Every time I play this course I learn something new about how to hit to a particular hole so this review is a short essay from what I’ve learned. Although not all-inclusive these following hole-by-hole hints should be helpful for the average player, especially first-timers. For graphics and more detailed course information I advise purchasing the Course Guide Book in the pro shop. It’s well worth the small cost especially if you plan on playing Portland again.
#1 – Up and downhill and the #2 handicap hole. Nothing like starting off your round on the second hardest hole, which is a blind tee shot off the tee. Just keep it left center fairway off the tee and you’ll be safe. There’s a big slope down the fairway right side that will kick balls left. #2 - Keep your ball center fairway till the top of the hill then approach the green from the plateau at the top. #3 – A dogleg right with danger to the right off the tee. A layup to the plateau about 115 yards from the green is a smart choice. After that anything hit left on approach shots should funnel right towards the green. #4 – All uphill so choose your clubs accordingly. Stay center fairway and avoid the left side as it slopes sharply down left. # 5 - Short but very dangerous. Another blind tee shot but make sure any group in front of you is on the green before teeing off. Being all downhill balls will roll a long way. Less than driver is advised off the tee, especially if you use a club you are accurate with. Aim for the left edge of the big tree on the right side of the fairway. The left side of the fairway is big-time trouble: woods and sand traps. #6 – A short, downhill hole with birdie possibilities if you avoid the right side of the fairway as there are trees and a pond long on that side. #7 – Aim for just left of the center, fairway tree. Going right of the tree is not as bad as it looks as there’s bailout room over there. #8 – Pin placement is usually behind the front bunker so coming in from the left is a smart play. Off the right side of the green is bad news and big numbers. #9 – Yet another blind tee shot to a dogleg right. Stay on the left side of the fairway off the tee as there are 2 bunkers and a large tree down the right side blocking an approach from this side.

#10 – Your next-to-last blind tee shot is a dogleg left and a safe tee shot is right center fairway. Gamblers can try to cut the left corner, but the bunker on that side is large and long and missing the corner is a lost ball. #11 – A straight shot uphill but danger lurks down the left side all the way to the green. Conversely, a big side slope to the right of the green can funnel shots to the dance floor. #12 – A double dogleg; first to the left then slightly right. Center fairway is good off the tee but don’t be too aggressive and out drive the fairway. Your second shot needs to avoid the right side of fairway where it drops off sharply into rough so aim just to the right of the big tree on that stroke. #13 – The #1 handicap hole and your last blind tee shot. This deceptive, dogleg right hole is evil. There’s a pond at the end of the dogleg that will eat up long balls so less than driver off the tee is prudent for average hitters. However, tee shots hitting the right side of the fairway side slope will funnel balls into the fairway valley. Your second shot is all uphill to a slightly flat back-to-front green with one sand trap left and another long. So choosing your weapons off the tee and on your second shot are critical to escape with par on this tough hole. #14 – A nice, downhill par 3 but there’s danger lurking along the left side. On the up-side, balls hit right will funnel left towards the short grass. #15 – An uphill shot off the tee to a slight dogleg left. Keep your tee shot right center then approach the green from the left. Be aware that there’s a steep drop-off to the right of the green-side bunker. #16 – a dogleg right with OB right. Center fairway is safe but balls hit too far down the left side will skitter off into the woods. #17 – A fairly easy par 3 if you get past the three bunkers surrounding the green. The green sits in a bowl, so as long as your ball lands near the green you should end up on the playing surface. #18 – This is a slightly left dogleg with several choices off the tee. Do you try to drive (147R, 222W, 232G, 242B yards) over the bunkers 175 yards from the green or layup in front of them? A layup may seem safe but there’s an unseen, shallow ditch about 50 yards in front to the sand traps that can catch a worm burner or short shot. Personally, I choose to layup then hit my second shot on or near the green. Once past the sand traps an approach to the green, down the left side, is best as a large tree near the green protects it on the right side. I hope this information helps.

Last fall I attempted to play Connecticut National, but due to a booking mistake (see my 9/16/2015 review below) I did not. Yesterday I played there and I’m glad I gave the club another chance and this good review. It’s a great course and was well worth my 75 minute ride in terms of the course itself and cost. We paid $44 (18 holes w/cart) which included a $5 food voucher. Connecticut National is located in the “sticks”, i.e. rural Putnam, the extreme northeast corner of Connecticut/CT. However, it is easily accessible by highway (I-395) or back roads (I-84 & RT 44) from central CT. Have a GPS handy as once off the main road (RT-44) finding the course could be difficult. If you are coming from the casinos (Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun) CT National is a short ride and a lot less money than the casino-owned golf courses.

This beautiful, public golf course should be on your golfing bucket list. Once on the course the peaceful quiet and pure air is immediately noticeable and the views superb. This is pure, colonial New England with fieldstone walls and deep woods surrounding the layout. It’s the type of course where you can soak up nature and truly forget the job or yard work.

The course is designed as a links style course: wide, rolling/sloping fairways, tall, wispy grass throughout and plenty of fairway bunkers. The layout is challenging due to the elevation changes, blind approach shots and undulating, slick greens. Your drives need to be precise to avoid the many fairway bunkers and grassy lumps. Your approaches spot-on so you land and keep the ball on the slick greens and below the hole. There are six ponds to contend with but none overly troublesome.

Course knowledge is crucial and I was fortunate to have playing partners who had played here before to guide me. One hole in particular, the 312 yard par 4 eighth, is a real challenge in course management. From an elevated tee your view of the valley and hills in the distance is spectacular. However, your view to the small green below is scary. There’s a small pond of the right side of the green, out-of-bounds, deep woods and a stone wall down the left side but an ample landing area in front of the green. Don’t get greedy on this hole. The smart club choice off the tee is a club you can control that leaves you a wedge to the green. Being all downhill you will gain distance yet control with a long iron or hybrid.

The course is long: Black 6935 yds, Blue 6321, White 5913, Gold 5002 and Red 4815. The finishing hole is a long par 5. Its 688 yds from the tips and 527 from the whites. Fortunately it’s all slightly downhill. The course is walkable but you’d better be in shape to handle the elevation changes.

In conclusion here are some basics: Large gravel parking lot, friendly staff, low rates, putting greens, driving range, restaurant w/ outdoor dining overlooking the 18th hole, immaculate tee boxes, lush fairways (despite limited rain in weeks) Pace of play? We got off on-time and finished just under 4 hours. Would have been even less if not for spending time looking for lost balls. Which reminds me: bring extra balls. The tall grass on fairway mounds and rough will eat any wayward shots. Searching for ball in this grass is most often fruitless.

This course must be beautiful in the fall. Go Play!

I immediately had the feeling that this course is a laid back version of a more expensive private club . What courses have a horse shoe pit next to the club house? Texas, maybe. What courses have foot golf? None that I know of. And, what is foot golf anyway? Well, basically it’s like golf but without clubs and small balls. Soccer balls are used and alternate tee boxes are integrated on every hole. There is no green, only a hole about 24” wide set nearby the regular green. I’ve never seen it before but there’s even a league that plays at Copper Hill. It does not disrupt the regular play. One person was playing as we were finishing up. Please don’t get turned off by the foot golf. I don’t know the details but I’m sure foot golf is reserved for special times.
The conditions on the course were great: immaculate tee boxes, lush fairways, just cut greens and soft/full sand traps. A week of rain then warm temperatures really helped improve all courses in the area. Yes, there were a few bare spots but with less than an month into the growing season Copper Hill looked real good. Although a nine hole course, playing it twice and using a different set of tees, gives the player an altered perspective on many holes. The rates are very, very reasonable (ask for their specials) and getting a tee time was a breeze. It’s a very walkable course if you want the exercise.

Its length from the four sets of tees is 3039-2737-2548-2331. There are 2 par 5’s, 5 par 4’s and 2 par 3’s. From the blue tees the longest par 5 is 473 yard and the shortest 3 is 176 yards. The fairways are very wide and mostly flat with intimidating, small ponds, all right off the tees on four holes. The greens were slightly undulating, cut just right and the pin placements were fair and reasonable. The gravel cart path could use more gravel but I expect that to happen as the season moves forward.

There is a compact pro shop, a comfortable bar with good, inexpensive food and patio dining. The staff was extremely friendly.
The course is easy to find, as it is off I-91the off route 20 west of Bradley International Airport. It’s a great place to play a quick round under nice conditions. I'd play this course again.