Swing into Action: Best Public Golf Courses in Connecticut

Lyman Orchard Golf Center, Middlefield, CT

Lyman Orchard is the best pick your own fruit spot in Connecticut, and also is an excellent golf course. This scenic course features 18 holes spread out over rolling hills water traps and other hidden challenges. This course was designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who was known for water hazards and bunkers to create strategic play. Weekday and weekend fees are different, and do be sure to book a tee time online.

Copper Hill Golf Course, East Granby, CT

With options for nine and 18 holes, Copper Hill Golf Course offers an abundance of tee times all day to fit in with your schedule. Their on-site academy also offers private trainings, group lessons, and a driving range all to take your game to the next level. Junior golf camps are also available for kids ages five to 16 who are interested in golf.

Indian Springs Golf, Middlefield, CT

Enjoy the nine-hole Indian Springs Golf course, which is par 36. Indian Springs also features a putting green, driving range, and practice area if you’d like to warm up or hit a few balls after a game. Tee times can be booked online to ensure you play when you want, and prices vary based on the day of the week and whether you are walking or riding in a golf cart.

Connecticut National Golf Club, Putnam, CT

Connecticut National Golf Club is a challenging course, but also not overly difficult for novice golfers. The stunning course is well-maintained and features rolling hills, sand traps, and some areas with tall grass. Weekday walking prices are reasonable and tee times can be booked online. Both nine-hole and 18-hole games can be played. 

Harrisville Golf Course, Woodstock, CT

Harrisville Golf Course is a nine-hole course suitable for beginners or intermediate golfers. It features a well-equipped shop with golf gear and balls and facilities for re-grooving clubs.

Buena Vista Golf Course, West Hartford, CT

Buena Vista Golf Course is a nine-hole course, with options for par 30 for the short course and par 31 for the long course. The terrain at Buena Vista Golf Course is hilly with sand traps. This is a great option for those learning golf or someone seeking a quick yet moderately challenging game. They also are teen-friendly and offer discounted rounds for students on Wednesdays several months of the year.

Pequot Golf Club, Stonington, CT

Enjoy Connecticut’s beautiful rolling hills and lush forests at the Pequot Golf Club, which provides great views of the terrain along with an excellent game. This 18-hole course is par 70 and was designed by Wendell Ross and even played by the famous Jack Nicklaus. After playing a round, why not stop by Pequot Grille for a meal of a sandwich, salad, or burger.

Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, Greenwich, CT

Designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course provides numerous amenities, such as a pro shop, restaurant, putting green, and chipping green, for every golfer. This 18-hole par 71 golf course has a variety of course features, with the front nine being a longer course, and the back nine providing a tighter course through hills. Rates vary depending on the tee time and age of the player and tee times can be reserved online. 

Shennecossett, Groton, CT

Shennecossett is an 18-hole golf course located on hills overlooking the Long Island Sound. The golf course accepts drop ins or reserved tee times (both online and over the phone) and often hosts tournaments. Shennecossett also features a delicious bar and restaurant, Par 4 Restaurant, that serves lunch and dinner and has occasional authentic Greek food nights. 

Key Insights at a Glance

• Connecticut offers many public golf courses for players of all skill levels.
• Lyman Orchard is a scenic course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
• Copper Hill Golf Course offers options for nine and 18 holes, with private lessons available.
• Indian Springs Golf course is a par 36 course with practice areas available.
• Connecticut National Golf Club is challenging but suitable for novice golfers.
• Harrisville Golf Course is a nine-hole course for beginners or intermediate players.
• Buena Vista Golf Course offers options for short and long courses, great for learning golf.
• Pequot Golf Club provides great views and was designed by Wendell Ross.
• Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers amenities for all golfers.
• Shennecossett is an 18-hole course overlooking the Long Island Sound, with a restaurant on site.