Driving from Boston to New York City

[shaneyank]

course along the way?

I'm visiting Boston this week for work. I'll then drive to NY on Friday (dropping the rental car at JFK by 8pm).

Since it's a long drive, I'm considering playing a round along the way.

Are there any "once in a lifetime" courses I'll pass by? Bethpage is unfortunately not along the way and is too far beyond my drop off point. I'll never get there in time to play anyway.

Any suggestions in Connecticut?

(If there is not a "once in a lifetime course", I'm still interested in playing a good course.)

[BNich0622]

Not too many once in a life time courses in CT, but definitely some nice courses to play, Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield is one to play, Richter Park (can't remember the town) also a very nice course, if you were in the RI area Foxwoods course Lake of Isles would be worth play especially in the summer months. Connecticut has a lot of good courses, nothing that is a once in a life time play, but some good places to play. Also check out ctgolfer.com. You can find any course in CT both public and private along the route you are traveling.

Wintonbury Hills is close by GR, very open on the front nine, a little more trouble on the back nine. I wasn't overly impressed with my first playing. I played two-three weeks ago. One of the best kept courses throughout the year, but nothing special this time of the year. Gillette makes you hit different shots, play a to b to c golf can be very long from the back tees and during the summer is in very nice condition, my favorite (most accessible) course in the state.

[geoangus]

what is your route from NY to Boston? I-84 or I-95?

I haven't played there, but Richter Park in Danbury is consistently listed as one of the top public courses in CT. Hartford area has many courses, including Wintonbury and Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield. I can't speak of their spring condition, but I preferred Wintonbury over Gillette during the summer months.

If you're travelling along I-95, there are not many public courses along the southeastern CT shoreline. Lake of Isles would be considered one of the top courses in the state. It's approx 15 minutes off of I-95. In season, you're looking at a $180 round, but you can get out now for $129. I would also recommend Fox Hopyard in East Haddam, another course annually rated near the top. In Groton, there is a hybrid of a Donald Ross design, Shennecosset.

In RI, there is also Meadowbrook, about 5 minutes from the highway.

Check the New England region page, there's been some recent discussion of the CT and RI courses.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/forum/147-new-england/

[Imp]

Lake of Isles just airated (according to a different thread). I'd skip it this time around, or, call ahead to be sure.

As others have said, there's nothing 'memorable' for the public courses down here. There's Newport National in Middletown RI which is very good and also as others have said, Meadowbrook in RI just minutes off of 95. Don't know how either are right now, haven't played them yet... might play either Newport National or Meadowrook on Sunday. Shouldn't be that busy on Easter.

--kC

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='shaneyank' timestamp='1333342919' post='4628337']
Bethpage is unfortunately not along the way
[/quote]

Isn't there a ferry from CT to the far east side of LI?

[dporto]

There are two ferries from CT. to L.I. NY. If the idea is to pick up Bethpage on the way to NY city, the Bridgeport CT to Port Jefferson NY, would be the one to take. Google Cross Sound Ferry for times/schedules. There is also a New London CT to Orient NY, but that's way too far east to be practical.

[magicmatt]

another vote for newport national if you have time. or just stop at mohegan.

[dartboss04]

[b]Meadow Brook (Richmond, RI)[/b] - I played on Monday and that condition was fair. The greens were running slow (not punched yet).

[b]Lake of Isles (Ledyard, CT) [/b]- As IMP said, they just aerated on Monday. It's too bad, I played Sunday and the greens were terrific. Actually had a round scheduled on Monday as well, but they moved the aeration date up. If you haven't played this course and are close enough another time, it's worth the trip, definitely.

[b]Fox Hopyard (East Haddam, CT) [/b]I haven't played there yet this year, but if the condition is good I would recommend it.

[b]Great River (Milford, CT)[/b] - You are getting close to NYC at this point, but this course is always in the top 5 as well. I believe there was post saying the greens were punched and sanded recently.

[b]Gillette Ridge (Bloomfield, CT) [/b]- I played a couple weeks ago. The greens were in decent shape for this time of year. Personally, I'm not a fan of the setting amongst the corporate campus, but there were some memorable holes.

[b]Wintonbury HIlls (Bloomfield, CT)[/b] - I played a few weeks back. The greens were hairy, much different than they typically run, and they were also already charging in season rates. The overall course condition was good though.

As geoangus said, there has been a lot of discussion of the CT courses recently in the New England forum. There are many worthy stops peak season. It's just hard at this point as they are all hit or miss in the spring. Even the courses I've described could be in much better shape since I've played them.

[rblmp32]

[quote name='magicmatt' timestamp='1333541348' post='4646393']
another vote for newport national if you have time. or just stop at mohegan.
[/quote]


What are we doing golf related at Mohegan besides visiting their super expensive golf shop?