The best golf courses in Connecticut, USA

Country Club of Fairfield is a historic, private links-style course on Long Island Sound, designed by Seth Raynor and opened in 1921. It features classic British Isles-inspired holes, bold bunkering, and ocean views. The course is renowned for its exclusive membership, strategic design, and well-conditioned layout, making it one of Connecticut’s most prestigious clubs.

The Course at Yale, built in 1926 and designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor, is renowned as one of the country's premier university golf courses. The layout weaves through dramatic woodlands and rolling terrain, featuring deep bunkers and classic template holes. Universally respected, it provides a strategic and challenging experience that has captivated generations of golfers.

The Stanwich Club is a renowned private course in Greenwich, Connecticut, originally designed by William and David Gordon in 1964 and later renovated by Tom Fazio's team. Known for its challenging, tree-lined layout on former farmland and slick bentgrass greens, Stanwich has hosted multiple USGA championships and remains a magnet for top-level amateur and professional events.

Great River Golf Club in Milford, Connecticut, is a high-end championship course designed by Tom Fazio in 2001. Stretching over 7,000 yards along the scenic Housatonic River, it is known for its challenging layout, elegant conditioning, and its hosting of collegiate and professional events. The course offers a parkland setting with modern amenities and hospitality.

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.

Round Hill Club is a prestigious, private 18-hole parkland course in Greenwich, Connecticut, designed by Walter Travis and opened in 1924. Known for its elegant setting, tree-lined fairways, and classic golden-age architecture, the course offers a challenging yet fair layout that appeals to experienced players and club members alike. Membership is by invitation only.

Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, designed by Charles 'Steam Shovel' Banks, is a classic 18-hole parkland course featuring template holes modeled after famous designs by Seth Raynor and C.B. Macdonald. Known for its immaculate bentgrass greens and tree-lined fairways, Tamarack blends strategic variety and traditional architecture for an engaging golf experience.

Brooklawn Country Club is a renowned private course in Connecticut, established in 1895 and redesigned by legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast in 1930. The course features a classic parkland layout, tree-lined fairways, and a reputation for championship-level conditioning. Brooklawn has hosted multiple USGA events and is noted for its traditional design, strategic complexity, and storied history.

The Patterson Club is a private 18-hole parkland course in Fairfield, Connecticut, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1947. Renovated by Rees Jones in 2010, it stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features strategic bunkering, man-made lakes, and well-groomed bentgrass playing surfaces. With a rich history, the club offers a classic, challenging New England golf experience.

Hartford Golf Club is the oldest golf club in the Hartford area, founded in 1896 and featuring 27 holes of classic parkland golf. The course is a blend of Donald Ross and Devereux Emmet design, with a storied history and a recent renovation by Bruce Hepner. Its well-conditioned fairways and greens, coupled with a traditional club experience, make it a standout in New England.

Bull's Bridge Golf Club is a scenic private course in South Kent, Connecticut, designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio in 2004. Sitting atop a ridge in the Litchfield Hills, it offers panoramic views, challenging terrain, and perfectly manicured Bentgrass greens and fairways. The course is noted for its strategic design and tranquil, secluded setting.

Lake of Isles North Course, designed by Rees Jones and opened in 2005, is a premier resort layout ranked among the top in Connecticut. Offering 18 holes stretching over natural rolling terrain with island greens and exceptional views, the course blends strategic architecture with lush conditioning and is noted for its daily-fee and casino guest accessibility.

New Haven Country Club, founded in 1898 and redesigned by Willie Park Jr. in 1921, is one of the oldest and most storied private clubs in the USA. Its 18-hole, par-70 course incorporates dramatic elevation changes and large, fast greens overlooking Lake Whitney. The classic layout blends fun playability with sneaky challenge, earning high praise for both its tradition and conditioning.

Wampanoag Country Club is a classic Donald Ross-designed private club founded in 1924 in West Hartford, Connecticut. Known for its strategic layout, excellent conditioning, and tree-lined fairways, the course has hosted numerous state and regional championships. The course is revered for its original Ross features and prestigious, family-friendly atmosphere.

Wee Burn Country Club, established in 1896 and redesigned by Devereux Emmet, is one of Connecticut’s oldest private clubs. The parkland layout features pristine fairways, fast greens, and strategic bunkering. Recent renovations by Tom Fazio enhanced classic features and improved playability. The layout winds around the stream named by Andrew Carnegie, offering a storied, challenging round for its members.

Shorehaven Golf Club is a private 18-hole course in Norwalk, Connecticut, established in 1924 and designed by Robert White with input from Willie Park, Jr. Set along the shoreline of Long Island Sound, the course offers a blend of challenging play and scenic coastal views, supported by a well-maintained layout, modern practice facilities, and a classic country club experience.

Keney Park Golf Course, designed by Devereux Emmet (front nine, 1927) and Robert "Jack" Ross (back nine, 1931), is a historic public 18-hole parkland layout in Hartford. Its classic 1920s features and recent renovations deliver a walkable, fun test with varied holes, mature trees, and a solid reputation for friendly service. Ideal for all skill levels with practice facilities and a spacious clubhouse.

Gillette Ridge Golf Club is a public course in Bloomfield, Connecticut, designed by Arnold Palmer. Opened in 2004, it showcases a bold and challenging layout with dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and strategic bunkering. The course offers a memorable golf experience, blending natural beauty with demanding shot values and is recognized among Connecticut’s best public golf destinations.

Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is Pete Dye's first New England design. Opened in 2005 and regarded as one of the best municipal courses in New England, it features a harmonious blend of open links-style and classic parkland holes routed beside a reservoir and woodlands. With a par of 70 and stretching 6,711 yards from the tips, it showcases Dye's trademark strategy and playability for all skill levels.