Connecticut might not be the first state you think of when planning a golf trip, but it should be. The Nutmeg State is home to some of the most beautiful, accessible, and well-designed public golf courses in Connecticut. Whether you’re a local looking for your next weekend tee time or a visitor exploring new fairways, Connecticut offers a range of public courses that combine scenic beauty with challenging layouts and affordable rates.
As a long-time golf enthusiast, instructor, and course reviewer, I’ve spent hours researching the top public golf courses in Connecticut. This article shares those insights to help you make your next round one to remember.
Why Choose Public Golf Courses in Connecticut?
One of the biggest reasons golfers turn to public courses is accessibility. You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars in annual fees to enjoy a quality golf experience. In Connecticut, this holds especially true. Many public golf courses in Connecticut rival the design, conditioning, and scenery of private clubs, but at a fraction of the cost.
What’s unique about Connecticut is the variety of golfing landscapes. You’ll find everything from coastal layouts near the Long Island Sound to wooded parklands inland. The state has courses designed by legendary architects like Pete Dye, Donald Ross, and Rees Jones. Plus, with the small size of the state, many of these top public courses are just a short drive apart, making weekend golf trips incredibly convenient.
Here’s what makes them special:
- Affordability: Play great courses for under $60.
- Accessibility: Easy booking with online tee times.
- Scenic variety: Wooded parklands, waterfront holes, and rolling hills.
- Architectural pedigree: Courses designed by legends like Pete Dye, Donald Ross, and Rees Jones.
Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced golfer, public courses in Connecticut offer you a chance to enjoy great golf without the barriers often associated with private clubs.
Top Public Golf Courses in Connecticut (Ranked & Reviewed)
1. Wintonbury Hills Golf Course – Bloomfield
Wintonbury Hills is widely considered the best public golf course in Connecticut. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, this course delivers a world-class layout with rolling fairways, water hazards, and thoughtful bunkering. Located in Bloomfield, it blends championship-level play with natural beauty.
Wintonbury Hills has a par-70 layout and is known for being both playable and strategic. Beginners won’t feel overwhelmed, but experienced players will find enough complexity to keep them engaged. The practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green, are solid, and the pace of play is usually smooth.
Highlights:
- Designed by Pete Dye
- Par 70 layout with elevation changes
- Practice range and putting green
- Green fees range from $30 to $65
What makes it shine is the mix of playability and challenge. It’s forgiving enough for beginners, yet strategic enough for seasoned players. If you play only one course this year in Connecticut, make it Wintonbury Hills.
2. Keney Park Golf Course – Hartford/Windsor
If you enjoy playing courses with a bit of history, Keney Park is one you shouldn’t miss. Located on the border of Hartford and Windsor, Keney Park Golf Course dates back to the 1920s. It was originally designed by Devereux Emmet and later improved by Robert Ross. A major renovation in recent years restored its classic charm while bringing the course up to modern standards.
Keney Park is a municipal course managed by the City of Hartford, but don’t let that fool you, it’s one of the top-rated public golf courses in Connecticut. The layout is walkable and enjoyable for players of all levels. With its tree-lined fairways, rolling greens, and welcoming staff, Keney Park offers an old-school golf experience that’s hard to find these days.
Highlights:
- Renovated Devereux Emmet and Robert Ross design
- Managed by the City of Hartford
- Walkable layout, great for beginners
- Green fees starting around $35
Keney Park is often praised in forums and golfer reviews as a “must-play” municipal course. With wide fairways and beautiful tree-lined views, it offers a peaceful, no-pressure round for players at any skill level.
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3. Great River Golf Club – Milford
For those who want a more upscale experience without joining a private club, Great River Golf Club in Milford is an excellent choice. This course was designed by Tom Fazio, one of the most respected architects in modern golf. It’s known for its pristine conditions, challenging layout, and scenic views of the nearby river.
Great River is a bit more expensive than other public golf courses in Connecticut, with green fees that can reach $100 or more during peak times. But for that price, you’re getting a top-tier golf experience. The fairways are lush, the greens roll fast and true, and the entire course layout tests your course management skills.
Highlights:
- Championship-level course design
- Riverfront views with water in play on several holes
- Immaculate fairways and greens
- Fees range from $75 to $110
Although pricier than most public courses, Great River delivers an experience that rivals top private clubs. The bunkering is bold, and course conditions are consistently excellent.
4. Lake of Isles – North Course – North Stonington
Nestled near the Foxwoods Resort Casino, Lake of Isles is another high-end public course that makes a strong case for being among the best in the state. The North Course is open to the public and was designed by Rees Jones. It’s a visually stunning course with water hazards, island-green par-3s, and a layout that moves smoothly through the wooded Connecticut landscape.
Playing here feels like a getaway. The course is managed by Troon Golf, which is known for maintaining elite courses worldwide. Service is top-notch from the minute you check in, and the facilities including the clubhouse and pro shop are impressive.
Highlights:
- Island-green par 3s and rolling terrain
- Managed by Troon Golf
- Public North Course (South is private)
- Green fees start at $75
What sets Lake of Isles apart is its luxury-level service and facilities. From bag drop to clubhouse, the experience is seamless. A great pick for a weekend getaway.
5. Shennecossett Golf Course – Groton
For golfers who appreciate history and value, Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton offers a unique blend of both. Originally built in 1898, it’s one of the oldest public golf courses in Connecticut and still showcases classic design features thanks to Donald Ross.
What makes Shennecossett stand out are its coastal holes, which were added in the 1990s. These holes offer views of the Long Island Sound and bring a seaside feel that’s rare for public courses in the state. The rest of the course plays through a more traditional layout with tree-lined fairways and small greens.
Highlights:
- Classic layout with links-style feel
- Coastal holes with Long Island Sound views
- Excellent pace of play
- Affordable green fees (under $40)
Despite its age, the course is well-maintained and offers a nostalgic round with beautiful seaside holes added in the 1990s. It’s a municipal course that punches well above its weight.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few more public golf courses in Connecticut worth checking out:
- Richter Park Golf Course (Danbury): A challenging course set around a lake with tight doglegs and fast greens.
- Gillette Ridge Golf Club (Bloomfield): The only Arnold Palmer-designed course in the Northeast, known for bold elevation changes and dramatic holes.
- Connecticut National Golf Club (Putnam): Semi-private but open to public play. It’s long, scenic, and very well-kept.
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Choose Your Course
If you’re new to golf or still building confidence, I recommend starting with more beginner-friendly layouts like Keney Park or Shennecossett. These courses are walkable, forgiving, and very welcoming.
Intermediate players can enjoy more variety at Wintonbury Hills or Great River. These courses offer more complexity without being overly punishing. Advanced players looking for a challenge should definitely try Lake of Isles or Great River for a true test of skill.
Booking is simple for most of these courses. Many offer online tee time reservations, and weekday rounds often come with lower rates. If you’re playing on the weekend, it’s best to book a few days in advance.
My Personal Recommendation
If I had to recommend just one course to try, it would be Wintonbury Hills. The design is smart, the greens are fair, and the overall experience feels premium without the premium price. It’s no wonder it’s consistently ranked as the best public course in the state.
That said, if you’re into classic golf design, Keney Park offers a timeless feel with modern upkeep. For luxury and resort vibes, Lake of Isles is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the best public golf courses in Connecticut include Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, Great River Golf Club in Milford, Lake of Isles – North Course in North Stonington, and Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton. These courses are highly rated for their design, maintenance, scenery, and accessibility.
Yes, several public courses in Connecticut are budget-friendly. Keney Park, Goodwin Park, and Shennecossett are known for offering rounds under $40–$50, especially on weekdays or with resident discounts. They offer great value without compromising course quality.
Keney Park Golf Course is an excellent choice for beginners. Its forgiving fairways, walkable layout, and affordable green fees make it perfect for those still learning the game. Goodwin Park Golf Course in Hartford is also beginner-friendly and offers practice facilities.
Lake of Isles – North Course is widely regarded as the most scenic public golf course in the state. Surrounded by water, woods, and elevation changes, it delivers a resort-like atmosphere. Shennecossett also offers coastal views of the Long Island Sound, which many golfers find breathtaking.
Yes, most public golf courses in Connecticut allow online tee time bookings through their official websites or platforms like GolfNow or TeeOff. It’s recommended to book in advance for weekends or holidays to ensure availability.
Yes. Near Hartford, you’ll find Keney Park, Goodwin Park, and Gillette Ridge. Near New Haven, options include Sleeping Giant Golf Course in Hamden and Laurel View Country Club, both of which are open to the public and offer a relaxed playing environment.
Most public golf courses in Connecticut do offer rental clubs, especially larger or resort-affiliated ones like Lake of Isles and Great River Golf Club. However, it’s always best to call ahead or check the course website to confirm availability and pricing.
Yes, Wintonbury Hills Golf Course is fully open to the public, including non-residents. While Bloomfield residents may receive discounted rates, non-residents can book and play without restriction. It remains one of the top-rated courses available to all golfers.
Several courses in Connecticut boast designs by legendary golf architects:
Wintonbury Hills: Pete Dye
Lake of Isles: Rees Jones
Shennecossett: Donald Ross
Gillette Ridge: Arnold Palmer
Keney Park: Devereux Emmet and Robert Ross
These designs enhance playability and strategy across all skill levels.
Most public golf courses in Connecticut require golfers to wear collared shirts and golf-appropriate attire. Jeans, tank tops, and non-golf footwear are generally discouraged. Some municipal courses are more relaxed, but it’s best to check the dress code on the course’s website before you go.
Conclusion
There’s a reason more golfers are discovering the charm of public golf courses in Connecticut. These courses provide high-quality golf in beautiful settings, all without the cost or exclusivity of private clubs. From historic layouts to modern championship designs, there’s something here for every type of golfer.
So whether you’re a local or planning a golf trip, don’t overlook what Connecticut has to offer. Grab your clubs, book your tee time, and enjoy some of the best public golf the Northeast has to offer.
