Farmingbury Hills Golf Club

Not going to find 9 holes with cart for only $12 anywhere

The course has some great challenging holes. The greens were in good shape but fairways were somewhat barren. The outdoor patio area is very large and has a nice menu as well as many different beer selections.

The town of Wolcott, where this course is located, was originally known as Farmingbury, according to the town’s website. And within Wolcott is the beginning of the Mattatuck Trail, cited as “one of Connecticut’s finest hiking trails.” That’s no surprise after you’ve played Farmingbury Hills Golf Course, because here—if you choose to walk—you’re going to be on quite a hike. Consider taking the cart option here, as most do.

Playing here today reinforced the excellent impression I had of the Farmingbury Hills layout on a first play last fall. The course is strategic for the most part: assess each hole’s strengths and weakness, and then find the best route to the cup. On many holes, you can play the bounce(s) and effectively take advantage of playing down one side of the fairway or another—or similarly into the green. Still, when played from its hardest configuration (and from the blues), FH also demands a lot of your game, with a slope of 120 and a course rating of 68.5 versus par of 70—doubly impressive for a nine-hole track. Yet the width of these holes makes it accessible for nearly all players. Though built in 1920, it’s exactly the kind of layout to which modern designers now gravitate. All told, this layout seems clearly—I would say—one of the top five nine-holers of the twenty in Connecticut. It boasts variety, playability, and great scenery, not to mention several quite tough but excellent holes.

A fly in the ointment right now, though, is the conditioning of the fairways. They’re a bit patchy and fairly thin in areas. Overall, they’re in decent and still-playable condition. The rough is about the same. Much better are the greens and most of the greenside rough, both of which are getting enough water. The greens, though, seemed surprisingly slow on downhill putts. Yes, tough summer conditions are responsible, to an extent, but comparatively this course falls slightly below the norm I’ve seen over the past three weeks.
I did enjoy playing here again today, having had a lot of fun trying to puzzle out the holes, which is no easy task. Particularly enjoyable is the stretch from three through seven. Nine, too, is a cleverly designed and strategic closer—a 431 four-par—that ranks with some of the best long four-pars around.

Another huge plus here is the East Street Eatery, set out on a well-shaded patio overlooking the 9th fairway/green—with excellent views. Nearly every table filled up at lunchtime (when I departed). Both the restaurant and the busy course seem quite popular; moreover, the general atmosphere was pleasant on this perfect summer day. Great atmosphere!

One of the most scenic courses in Connecticut, FH offers tremendous views of the surrounding hills, one in particular reaching to Meriden. The setting is a nice bonus.

Undeniably, Farmingbury Hills is a strong value. I’ll be back in the fall.

Other notes, comments, and opinions::
A) Pleasant, friendly lady staffer at check-in.
B) Excellent, careful Covid-19 precautions and procedures.
C) Better pro shop set-up than last year; now right next to restaurant.
D) Unfortunately, pace of play was quite slow today: 2 and ½ hours for nine holes. My foursome was patient in light of our waiting on nearly every tee, as was the group behind us. Using a marshal would certainly be a help in these situations.
D) I was grouped with three pleasant, engaging players and we enjoyed each other’s company (they’re seen in two of the accompanying photos).
E) Noticed some new, paved cart paths. Nice!

Good course for Nine holes, combination of challenging and reasonable

Great little public course Greens are in great shape

The greensAll the best around for a nine hole or even an 18 hole

The course is getting better under new management. Tee boxes, fairways and greens all play well with consistent turf. Good local course for 9 holes. Play can be a little on the slower side some times.

Good price, some interesting holes, and a great price. Pace of play was great. Playing conditions could have been better. Would play here again.

Not too expensive and not too challenging! Easy to get in a rhythm while playing. Better to play the 9 twice for 18 rather than just 9.

Greens were in great shape. Fairways need attention but we’re not bad. Very scenic course. The food and service were EXCELLENT! A must play for a quick 9.