Gillette Ridge - Bloomfield, CT

[cbaldell]

Has anyone played? Recently? How is the course these days?

 

Going to be in the area and I've heard good things.

 

Thanks!

[SteveGottaGimme]

The course is in rough shape. The bunkers and greens are both terrible. It seems like they don't care. All it really has is a nice layout

If you want a nice course in the area I would try Wintonbury Hills.

[leerob3]

[quote name='SteveGottaGimme' timestamp='1403278310' post='9539469']
The course is in rough shape. The bunkers and greens are both terrible. It seems like they don't care. All it really has is a nice layout

If you want a nice course in the area I would try Wintonbury Hills.
[/quote]

Agree, they just stopped caring, you notice it right as you check in. No range balls, disinterested staff, shoddy course conditions. It's a shame as it really is a great layout with some great holes. Would also recommend Wintonbury, greens were in great shape.

If your going to hit balls before you play at Wintonbury make sure to give yourself some extra time as the range is a good distance from the clubhouse.

[zild1221]

I just played with a guy two days ago. Said he played Gillette Ridge and he walked off after the first 9 even though he paid for 18. Miserable condition. I just played Wintonbury for the first time the other day. Amazing course. Great shape. Staff left a bit to be desired but wasn't bad. 4.5 hour round on a Sunday wasn't bad either.

[daverain1]

[quote name='cbaldell' timestamp='1403277594' post='9539395']Has anyone played? Recently? How is the course these days?

Going to be in the area and I've heard good things.

Thanks![/quote]
Haven't played there is year but it's universally disliked, just a bad design. The course is too penal - lots of peninsula greens when missing the green by a yard puts you in the hazard. When the greens are firm and not holding it's unfair - land it on and it bounces into hazard, and can't play to bounce it in due to design.

They softened it up some a couple years ago by removing some bunkers and changing some greens, but still not fun.

[JLock819]

It is a complete disaster. Greens have some disease and the bunkers haven't been raked in about 5 years. Steer clear at all costs. Wintonbury, while a little more expensive at $79 on weekends (you can purchase an advantage card to reduce your rates if you're going to play there a lot), but well worth it. Greens are rolling perfect.

[cbaldell]

Well that settles it. I'm playing Wintonbury Hills.

[JLock819]

Bump...heard Gillette is reopening next weekend...anyone have details?

[MaxF1]

I've been working there for the past two weeks. I haven't heard an official opening date but I expect around the second week of June.

[MaxF1]

Gillette Ridge now has the back nine and the practice range open.

[Smithj36]

How is course coming along? Nice layout there but prior management company was useless and place became a dump.

[MaxF1]

How is course coming along? Nice layout there but prior management company was useless and place became a dump.

[MaxF1]

The course is under new management, Century Golf Partners (Arnold Palmer).

 

The course is improving daily and the golfers seem happy it's open. As you said it was a dump and it will take time. The greens were the hardest hit by the lack of maintenance and being closed for almost two years.