8.35

TPC River Highlands

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
1928
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Stadium
Unknown
Par
70
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
11
City
Cromwell

Score

8.35
Design
40%
8.3
Conditions
25%
8.8
Desirability
15%
8.5
Scenery
10%
7.7
Fun
5%
8.2
Uniqueness
5%
7.5

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 131

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 11

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
$
$
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

TPC River Highlands hosts the Travelers Championship, one of the best-attended PGA TOUR events, and the final four holes are considered some of the most thrilling closing stretches in professional golf.

About

TPC River Highlands, designed by Pete Dye and subsequently redesigned by Bobby Weed, is a private, par-70 championship course spanning 6,841 yards. Set over 148 acres of rolling terrain and mature trees, it features Bentgrass from tee to green. The venue has hosted the Travelers Championship annually since 1991 and is recognized for its scenic lakes, challenging finish, and Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification.

Caddie Tip

The course rewards disciplined play—it's vital to manage your game off the tee, as many holes are lined by mature trees and subtle doglegs. On the finishing stretch (holes 15–18), play conservatively unless you have momentum, as water hazards and pressured approach shots can quickly turn a good round into a struggle.

The Main Challenge

The most notable challenge is the four-hole closing stretch, especially holes 15–17, which play around a large lake. These holes require precise shot-making, as the risk of water and difficult angles put pressure on even the best golfers. The greens are quick and well-protected, demanding a consistent short game and well-thought-out strategy.

The Good

Golfers rave about the unforgettable finishing stretch on holes 15–18, where water hazards, dramatic contours, and great spectator sight lines produce high drama and lasting memories. The conditioning of the course and the overall challenge for players of all skill levels are consistently praised.

The Not So Good

Many visiting golfers note that the private status makes access challenging for non-members, and some wish for more public play opportunities. During tournament setup, rough length and green speed can be tough for average players, occasionally leading to complaints about playability for higher handicaps.

Signature Hole:

#

16

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Hole 16 is a 171-yard par 3 that plays entirely over water to a green surrounded by a small lake. With minimal fairway and nearly no fringe to stop errant shots, it is a quintessential do-or-die hole. The putting surface slopes subtly back toward the water, making club selection and distance control critical for safely finding the green.

Clubhouse

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The modern clubhouse features upscale dining, private event space, locker rooms, and a fully stocked professional shop. Additional amenities include outdoor terraces, lounges, and attentive service, catering to both regular member play and large-scale tournament needs.

Practice Facilities

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TPC River Highlands provides a large, well-maintained driving range, short game area, and putting green, all designed to match tournament standards. The facilities are spacious enough to accommodate large crowds for PGA TOUR events and are maintained to a high level for members’ daily use.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Connecticut
U.S.A.