OT: 3 favorite public CT golf courses

[mauconnfan]

Big YES to top 3. Waverly is OK, and have heard of Blackstone only from Mass Pike signage... never heard of Kettlebrook. What about course that was at Fort Devins (not sure what it is now)? Lots of decent Cape courses too. Oh, almost forgot Crumpin-Fox!

You know what haven’t played Red Tail as of yet. Supposed to be great I hear!

 

[uconnfan68]

It’s been a few years but there’s a little pitch and putt up in NH called the Shattuck. Excellent for beginners

I've heard a few dozen balls might help you finish 18.

 

[mauconnfan]

I've heard a few dozen balls might help you finish 18.

These days I might believe that 68!

 

[NYC_HUSKY22]

Blackledge-Hebron
Tallwood-Hebron
East Hartford

A bad back has done me in, but over the years I've enjoyed these courses

Used to work at Blackledge in High School. Loved that course. Worked maintenance my last summer before college, and it was so much fun (besides the early mornings and incredibly hot days). Could get lost in that place for hours with all 36 holes. When the carts would come in at the end of the night my buddy and I would go out and play a few holes before the sun went down. Some of my favorite memories from when I was younger.

When I'm home - we typically play tallwood now. They have a great deal for twilight golf, and we can typically get out for 7-9 holes walking.

 

[uconnfan68]

These days I might believe that 68!

It’s on my list, but not sure if I’m ready for it. Heard of lots of blind shots, and lots of forced carries. Too much for me these days.

 

[Greathusky]

1. Oxford Greens
2. Keney Park
3. Wintonbury

 

[Pawsox]

I've heard a few dozen balls might help you finish 18.

Played there with Jack McConachie (pro at Pine Valley in Southington) years ago. Was playing to an 8 handicap then and pro at Shattuck asked me how many balls I had in my bag. Thought it was a very strange question. I told him I had about 8 to 10. He laughed and said, "I'll see you after 9." Damn, if he wasn't right.

 

[storrsroars]

Played there with Jack McConachie (pro at Pine Valley in Southington) years ago. Was playing to an 8 handicap then and pro at Shattuck asked me how many balls I had in my bag. Thought it was a very strange question. I told him I had about 8 to 10. He laughed and said, "I'll see you after 9." Damn, if he wasn't right.

Thought about playing it when I lived in MA, but never did. What's the deal with the 11th? Never seen a par 5 at less than 430 yds.

 

[SC Husky]

I usually play a couple of tournaments a year at Torrington. I took a membership at Canaan with their Special rate and the new owner is already doing a lot of work. Put in a couple of collection ponds. Cut A drainage brook through the seventh fairway an they are making a double green on 2. A lot of ground under repair but it will be worth it in the end.
Ferrarotti’s daughter bought Stonybrook. They are gutting the clubhouse to make a restaurant and new pro shop.

Canaan is my favorite. I know it’s not the best or nicest. But my buddies and I have played there since the mid-80s. We still try to get together and head up to play whenever I’m home. Paulie Julian was the best!

 

[uconnfan68]

Played there with Jack McConachie (pro at Pine Valley in Southington) years ago. Was playing to an 8 handicap then and pro at Shattuck asked me how many balls I had in my bag. Thought it was a very strange question. I told him I had about 8 to 10. He laughed and said, "I'll see you after 9." Damn, if he wasn't right.

How many did Jack use? Played in a work league at PV years ago. Jack was a good guy.

 

[aburks41]

Played a twilight round last night (2nd time out this season). Sunk a 12ft putt for birdie on a par 3. The next hole was a par 5. I shot a 10.

 

[mauconnfan]

How many did Jack use? Played in a work league at PV years ago. Jack was a good guy.

Jack was a great guys. The owners son ran the bar and helped out but didn’t help all that much the course was on Jack and when he had the assistant I think Rick something. He would always check me and my buddies for coolers at PVGC but we were too creative for him lol. Fun course played it a lot back in the day. Never a big fan of 12th 13th holes. But all in all always in good shape.

 

[Pawsox]

Jack was a great guys. The owners son ran the bar and helped out but didn’t help all that much the course was on Jack and when he had the assistant I think Rick something. He would always check me and my buddies for coolers at PVGC but we were too creative for him lol. Fun course played it a lot back in the day. Never a big fan of 12th 13th holes. But all in all always in good shape.

Jack still gives lessons at Hawks Landing in Southington and Rick Dibiaso just started working at Shuttle Meadow. Jack was/is a great golfer. His short game was the envy of a lot of the pros in the area. Miss Pine Valley a lot.

 

[Pawsox]

How many did Jack use? Played in a work league at PV years ago. Jack was a good guy.

Just one. Jack had serious game back then.

 

[EnochRoot]

For 20 years, Manchester CC was my home course. Still a fave along with the Knob.

Played a twilight round last night (2nd time out this season). Sunk a 12ft putt for birdie on a par 3. The next hole was a par 5. I shot a 10.

39 years ago, when I was 12 I played a round of golf at Manchester CC. Probably shot a 120, but on the 5th hole par 3, I teed up a 5 iron and launched it to within 2 feet of the pin. I proceeded to bogey the hole.

Golf is fun, but yeah...what aburks41 said.

 

[mauconnfan]

Jack still gives lessons at Hawks Landing in Southington and Rick Dibiaso just started working at Shuttle Meadow. Jack was/is a great golfer. His short game was the envy of a lot of the pros in the area. Miss Pine Valley a lot.

Dibiaso went to Mattatuck with my buddy back in the day so they knew each other well. And yes Jacks short game was well known in the CT PGA. Miss Pine Valley as well as the White Birch and 1698 (?) bars on West Street.

 

[Hoops91]

East of the river - not including Casino courses

Shanny
Quarry Ridge
Blackledge

 

[Huskyhoops25]

Canaan is my favorite. I know it’s not the best or nicest. But my buddies and I have played there since the mid-80s. We still try to get together and head up to play whenever I’m home. Paulie Julian was the best!

Paullie was one of a kind! RIP. The new owner has done quite a bit with the course. Looking better by the day.

 

[TheDude]

I don't get back home much but when I do we always play Fairview farms. I think it is a good track. A bunch of my buddies have been playing in a Thursday afternoon league there for years. When we were young we'd usually play 9 holes at Eastwood or Stonybrook(Rich Bredice is a gem of a guy). Mostly we played Green Woods in Winstead. My dad was tight with the Stazowski brothers and was a regular there for 40 years. We used to watch Bobby Gage play there. He was a really good golfer from a young age.

Maybe I know you, graduated Gilbert, Bobby Gage was the batboy for our babe Ruth team. with his dad as coach, Charlie Gage, I think. Bobby moved to Florida and became a great golfer

Norwich
Shennecossett
Rolling Meadows

Will try to play Canaan CC. Going there tomorrow to watch a ball game (Wolcott tech). I think I knew Bob Stazowski

 

[TheDude]

Paullie was one of a kind! RIP. The new owner has done quite a bit with the course. Looking better by the day.

Any relation to Bill Julian

 

[QDOG5]

@TheDude, I'm a Torrington High grad class of '80. Two of my best buddies are Wolcott Tech grads. If Bobby was your BR batboy we should be around the same age. Bobby made the PGA tour one year. I walked with his group for nine holes at the Western Open. I talked to him at the end of the round. Nice guy. He didn't remember me but remembered my dad(who played at Green Woods 3-4 days a week). BTW, watching Gage golf that day is the most fun I've ever had at a golf tournament. He was paired with two other pros who were not household names and there were about ten of us walking around following them. They all shot about level par. It was like a private clinic. I'd strongly suggest going to GHO on a Thursday or Friday afternoon and following a lesser known group.

 

[HuskyFich]

The lack of love for Shennecossett GC on this thread is appalling.

 

[uconnfan68]

The lack of love for Shennecossett GC on this thread is appalling.

I haven’t played there since 1974. I hear it’s different. First multiple birdie round, and first birdie!

 

[Huskyhoops25]

Any relation to Bill Julian

I don’t know, but Pauline’s brother Earl was the owner of Canaan. If Bill is from Winsted then they probably are related.

 

[Mike1984]

Just wrapped up a round at Crestbrook, great course for the first time playing.

1) Lyman-Jones
2) Wintonbury
3) Raceway

Honorable Mention:

Cedar Knob, Hunter Memorial, Hawk's Landing, Keney Park and East Hartford

Also, Grassmere in Enfield is a hidden gem. A little 9 hole course with some of the best conditions and pretty cheap for what it is.

Crestbrook used to be one of the top courses in the state like 15 hrs ago. I grew up playing there. Was a great well maintained course with fast slopey greens until the superintendent left for another course and the town took over. That course has potential!