It’s spring! While many of us delight in the first pops of green in our gardens, others are eager to hit the greens — on the golf course that is.
While, thanks to COVID, almost all private clubs have waiting lists for new members, we are very fortunate to have some excellent public courses in our area. From fun 9-hole, par 3 courses to those offering greater challenges, the list is impressive:
Carl Dickman, Par 3, in Fairfield
An ideal, 9 hole course for juniors, seniors, and new golfers but enjoyed by all. Enjoy a short round as you walk and carry or pull your golf bag, with sea breezes from Long Island Sound keeping you cool. Beautifully maintained practice putting green is also available.
Fairchild Wheeler, Bridgeport
The Wheel, as it is known, offers two great courses - The Red and The Black, each with their own unique challenges. Home to Men’s and Women’s Leagues, Nike Junior Golf Camps and the First Tee of Metropolitan New York, there are plenty of opportunities to join a four-some. Driving range, pro shop, snack bar and grill round out the offering of the Wheel.
Griffith E Harris Golf Course, Greenwich
The “Griff” is the only public golf course in Greenwich, CT. Championship caliber at 18-holes, there are four tees from which four very active men’s and women’s clubs play each week during the season. Early morning walk-ups can play the back nine with out reservation! Driving range, putting green and chipping area with sand trap will keep your game in top form.
H. Smith Richardson, Fairfield
This 18-hole championship golf course, with large undulating greens, will challenge you with uphill, downhill, short, long, straight and doglegged holes in a gorgeous setting. Smith, this premier Fairfield facility, also offers golf instruction for adults, with programs like spring tune-ups and happy hour clinic, and for juniors with week long (April vacation and summer) camps. Private instruction and league play is also available. The new 25-bay driving range - with 300+ yard range - offers the perfect place to work with any club in your bag. Plus, it’s heated for year-round practice and offer Toptracer technology to help analyze your swing.
Longshore Club Park, Westport
Purchased by the Town of Westport in 1960, Longshore Club Park is a true town jewel. From its tree-lined Augusta style entrance, to its Long Island views, this 5,800 yard course is thoroughly enjoyable. Men’s and Women’s Leagues, plus a ladies 9-hole league and junior programs. Instructional programs are run by Westport Parks & Recreation. Pro shop, driving range and restaurant available.
Oak Hills Park, Norwalk
Amid the natural setting of Oak Hills Park is this 18-hole course, offering 6,407 yards of golf (Par 71). A golf shop, golf academy, restaurant, nature trails and tennis facility are also found in Oak Hills Park.
Orchards Golf Course, Milford
A sporty 9-hole layout, fun for players of all abilities, wonderfully affordable, and in top
Condition. Weekday and week-end rates for residents, non-residents and loyalty members.
Richter Park, Danbury
Award winning Richter Park Golf Course is one of the finest public courses in the tri-state area. With water hazards on 14 out of 18 holes and four sets of tees to choose from, your challenge awaits. Putting and chipping areas, plus a driving range. Afterschool spring programs and summer camps are available too.
Ridgefield Golf Course, Ridgefield
The 18-hole course features rolling hills, tree lined fairways, ponds, challenging greens, and local views. The front nine is more wide open tee to green, while the back nine is less forgiving off the tee. Spring ladies golf clinics and summer programs for juniors are quite popular. Practice range for irons only.
Short Beach Golf Course, Stratford
Another ideal, 9 hole course for juniors, seniors, and new golfers. Enjoy a quick round or sign your beginner up for a camp or clinic at this town-operated facility.
Sterling Farms, Stamford
Sterling Farms is an 18 hole public golf facility laid out over 144 acres of a once active dairy farm. Noted for its meticulous condition, layout, heated driving range and amenities, the facility gets top ratings within Fairfield County year after year.
Tashua, Knolls and Glen, Trumbull
The original Tashua Knolls 18-hole course features mature trees, original stone walls, a 200 year old Church and cemetery, and just enough water to make things interesting! The adjacent 9-hole Tashua Glen adds two additional tees per hole (yellow at 3,750 yards and green at 2,200 yards, making it a family-friendly course. Two putting grees, a chipping green, a driving range and an indoor training center make this facility a golfers’ haven.