Blackledge Country Club - Gilead Highlands
About
Gilead Highlands, or the "New Course," joined the original golf course at Blackledge Country Club, Anderson Glen, in 2000. They share the same parkland setting but the courses are unique in character. The "Old Course" provides a more traditional round while Gilead Highlands is slightly shorter, but also a bit more challenging. The heavily wooded landscape can prove to be quite formidable and there are also a few water features that come into play throughout the golf course. The layout offers an interesting variety of holes from fun par 3s to demanding par 5s. The course begins with one of the front nine's most difficult par 4s. This dogleg right hole requires a tee shot with perfect placement to the left center of the fairway. Long hitters will enjoy this one, but be cautious of the out-of-bounds on the right.
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
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Gold/Championship | 72 | 6537 yards | 71.4 | 130 |
Blue/Middle (W) | 72 | 6129 yards | 73.4 | 130 |
White/Middle (W) | 72 | 5714 yards | 73.4 | 130 |
White/Middle | 72 | 5714 yards | 67.6 | 118 |
Red/Forward | 72 | 4951 yards | 64.1 | 110 |
Red/Forward (W) | 72 | 4951 yards | 69.2 | 122 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black M: 71.4/130 | 435 | 157 | 485 | 320 | 398 | 383 | 493 | 160 | 390 | 3221 | 537 | 175 | 506 | 189 | 393 | 410 | 347 | 389 | 370 | 3316 | 6537 |
Blue M: 69.3/123 W: 75.7/137 | 400 | 147 | 455 | 305 | 376 | 356 | 470 | 157 | 377 | 3043 | 503 | 142 | 495 | 158 | 377 | 379 | 320 | 367 | 345 | 3086 | 6129 |
Gold M: 67.6/118 W: 73.4/130 | 369 | 133 | 436 | 275 | 359 | 325 | 455 | 142 | 366 | 2860 | 464 | 142 | 454 | 148 | 358 | 346 | 301 | 320 | 321 | 2854 | 5714 |
Silver M: 64.1/110 W: 69.2/122 | 309 | 113 | 405 | 255 | 288 | 285 | 400 | 131 | 311 | 2497 | 397 | 119 | 401 | 114 | 327 | 248 | 277 | 298 | 273 | 2454 | 4951 |
Handicap | 5 | 15 | 3 | 13 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 12 | 6 | 14 | 8 | 10 | |||
Par | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
Handicap (W) | 5 | 17 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 12 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Bar, RestaurantAvailable Facilities
Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet FacilitiesReviews
Reviewer Photos
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The first hole, as seen from green two. It’s a strong opener for Gilead. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/12/2023
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A par-3, the second tumbles downhill to a fairly wide green with a pair of bunkers on the right. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/12/2023
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The fourth fairway bends around the trees to reach this well-bunkered green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/12/2023
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Green six is protected by this left-side bunker; a falloff lies behind the green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/12/2023
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From behind the seventh, a beautiful par-5 and also a challenger. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/12/2023
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Green nine from behind. Par 4, 390, playing downhill on the second shot. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 07/12/2023
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One (435 yard par-4): The first fairway is broad and doglegs right, but it’s still no simple target to hit. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 11/26/2020
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First fairway: A view of green one in the foreground, and, in the background, green two. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 11/26/2020
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Second: A par-3 of 157, its green is receptive to solidly hit iron shots. But don’t go right. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 11/26/2020
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Seventh green: Conclusion to a bending four-par (383 yards) offering a birdie opportunity. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 11/26/2020
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Eight: A par-3 of 160, protected by two flanking bunkers. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 11/26/2020
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Nine: This bunker is some 30 yards short of the green, but it’s positioned to create an optical illusion from a distance. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 11/26/2020
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Two: Extensive bunkering to the right of this short 3-par, and the green can be hard-to-hold. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/01/2020
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Par-5 third: Featured are a sprawling fairway bunker (unseen on right), an immense tree in the fairway, and several options to get to this green—some better than others. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/01/2020
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Five: Looking back to tee at the quintessential Mungeam driving hole: subtle but vigorous. This longish dogleg-left has a right side FW bunker and favors a draw. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/01/2020
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Seven: excellent example of playability in course design, as the marsh demands a forced carry, but with a somewhat forgiving landing strip beyond. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/01/2020
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Eight: A beautiful, secluded environment and a straightforward par-3, but one of high quality. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/01/2020
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Nine: Here are some of the qualities that make this one of Connecticut’s most aesthetically pleasing courses: tall trees, rolling terrain, and compelling contours green-side. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 06/01/2020
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View of 17th fairway Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/02/2019
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From behind the 12th green Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/02/2019
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View back down 17th fairway Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/02/2019
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From 16th tee (22-yard-wide fairway) Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/02/2019
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Up the 10 (par 5) to its green Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/02/2019
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From the rough: Green 14 Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/02/2019
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9th Green: Gilead HIghlands Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/26/2019
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Fairway 1: Driving Zone Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/26/2019
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Gilead Highlands: 2nd Green Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/26/2019
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Opening to 8th Green: Gliead Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/26/2019
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1st Green from behind (drop-off in front) Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/26/2019
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Photo submitted by CTLegacy on 06/21/2013
WOW!!!
I played the Highlands course ... And about three holes in, I thought about some of the state park courses I've played in the past that would have only needed like $1M in annual maintenance to be spectacular. Well Blackledge is that place.
I didn't have a bad lie all day. The greens - even with HARD rain earlier that day - rolled smooth and true. The routing is really cool to take advantage of the terrain. A handy old-school yardage book came in handy when I needed to judge a couple carries. This is just golf for golfers. I'll be back, over and over again.
Great Condition
We hadn't played the Gilead Highlands course in several years. I was pleasantly surprised at the condition of the course. The twelfth hole features a new green that makes the hole much better. For drinks and/or a meal go to the main restaurant across the street. We ate outside and had a very nice lunch.
Nice Course
Some great holes. I do think the booking fees added are too expensive.
real nice course
The golf course was in great shape. The greens rolled perfect. I really enjoy playing the course.
A little too much "target golf" for my liking.
First time playing Gilead Highlands. Conditions were great and greens were soft and receptive (kinda slow). Played with a local member and withouthis guidance, we would've been in trouble. Decent amount of blind shots and trouble you can't see off the tee.
course workers
The course was in good shape but was a very frustrating to play with all the workers cutting grass and working everywhere. Found this to be very strange on a Friday at noon time. Very noisey and not relaxing.
Quiet course
Played Gilead Highlands. Very nice course, very quiet area. Course is in great shape. Greens were consistent speed.
I try to play here several times a year.
One of my favorites!
Gideon Highlands Review
I've played a dozen wonderful rounds of golf this spring at the classic Anderson course at Blackledge Country Club but since there was an event there Wednesday, I decided to play the Gilead Highlands course.
The Gilead course (like the Anderson course) is in excellent condition. The greens are pristine and rolling beautifully. The fairways and first cut of rough are beautifully mowed and the course played nicely even after the recent rains.
Of course the staff is always friendly and I had the most enjoyable afternoon in the heart of CT.
Try either course at Blackledge CC, you won't be disappointed!
Gilead course excellent holes nice scenery
Highly recommend very satisfied . Course was in solid condition better than most in May with the tough winter .
Good Solid Course
Technical and fun! Overall good value although I was a bit surprised by some of the grass being burned so early in the season.
Great Course
Love the layout! Well Maintained course. Fast greens.
Front nine super. Back nine difficult.
Really like the front nine. The back nine presents some of a challenge because generally cart path only. I have difficulty breathing so makes it more difficult even with a cart.
All around great course to play.
Greeting by a very pleasant pro was an excellent start. Excellent starter and we were off for a great day of golf. The course played true to it's 4:20 play time and we were never pulled or pressed. A great mixture of holes and challenges with true greens insisting on a good read.
course in good shape
greens still a little slow ,sand needs to be cleaned up
great features and some really interesting holes
back nine is particularly interesting and challenging
Conditions
Greens were sill coming in. Fairways and tees were good
Great early season round
Plated the second day they were open in 2015. Course was in pretty good condition with snow only in one bunker. Play was very fast for a 9:00 am Sunday tee time. We followed two group off the first tee and they moved out quickly. Carts were not out and it walked well, about seven miles.
More of a target golf course which I really like as you play every club in the bag. Will look to play again when the course is mid season conditions. I can imagine the greens getting quick.
Great value
I really enjoyed playing Gilead Highlands course. I went for a 12 o'clock tee-time and was surprised at with as many golfers that were there how smooth I was able to play 18! No hold ups nothing ! The course was well maintained and the staff was friendly. The fairways and the greens were nicely marked out as the well as the next tee-boxes. I will be back again!
Blackledge
I play this course a lot because it's close to home. Great deal here ($24 for 18 with cart). Course was in good shape but the wind raised problems with the leaves. Nothing the course could have done about that but it was just one of those windy fall days. Without the wind, they probably could have kept the course cleaner. Did see a lot of equipment being used so they were trying. Greens were in really good shape and fast.
Cared for course
Always professional people, course cared for well.