Wintonbury Hills and Gillette Ridge, anyone played them this year?

[connecticutgolfer]

I feel ashamed to say I have never played these 2 courses. Anyone play them this year and what are your thoughts on conditions, customer service, etc?

I live in CT, but I am an hour away. Should I make the hour trek to play these tracks?

Thanks

[BNich0622]

Yes and yes. I played Wintonbury way back in March, and the course was in great shape for that time of year. It was my first time there, the front seemed white open the back is a little more tree lined. Nice golf course. Gillette Ridge is my favorite of the two. I really like gillette Ridge. Haven't gotten a chance to play it in a while though unfortunately. You can generally find good deals to play at GR, but finding a good deal to play Wintonbury is a little more difficult.

[twtolley]

Can't speak for Wintonbury (had a tee time, but was unable to make it). However, I did play Gillette three weekends ago and had a lot of fun. The course was in decent shape - the only glaring CON that comes to mind was the sand. For and Arnold Palmer course, I expected the traps to be in much better condition. They were muddy and very compacted... I highly recommend checking out activegolf before you go as they have good deals for the course. You'll have to update the thread if you play GR, if its in good shape, I'll be making the trek from Boston again and soon.

One other thing worth mentioning: Depending on your location in CT, Meadow Brook in Richmond, RI is a friggin' GEM! 7400 yds from the tips and was on its way to immaculate condition when I played there the same weekend as GR.

Let me know how it goes!

[geoangus]

I haven't played either this year, but as someone who lives approx an hour away down at the mouth of the CT river, they were definitely worth the drive. I think I prefer Wintonbury, but the one negative there is that the layout of holes 1-4 and 10-13 is pretty much the same.

And as regards to the Meadowbrook comment, absolutely a course you should check out.

[connecticutgolfer]

I appreciate the replies. I cant wait to check out these 2 tracks out very soon.
Its a shame I havent had any takers to get a regular group started for connecticut courses.

[twtolley]

I'd be game for a regular group if it included New England outings. I just wouldn't be able to commit to playing in CT on a regular basis.

[dartboss04]

I played both early this year so I can't speak for their current condition but both are great courses. I prefer wintonbury as I enjoy the setting a bit more. Gillette is a nice but you meander through a high end housing development, can order curbside to go from Ruby Tuesday's on the 8th, and are surrounded by the cigna and metlife campuses throughout. It doesn't feel like as much of an escape for me there. Put that layout in the woods and I would pick gillette.

[WhiteyPoo]

I played Wintonbury about two weeks ago. It was in great shape. It rained earlier in the day so there were two holes that were cart path only. Greens were rolling great and pretty firm.

[BNich0622]

I played i the spring when everything was still yellow and grass hadn't really started growing yet, but I would like to go back sometime this summer. It's always in tip top shape as I am told. Wide open front nine, much tighter back nine.

[twtolley]

I played Gillette Ridge for the second time last Wednesday. While the course has a wonderful layout, I thought they could've done a much better job with the conditioning.

I know they went through a management change, but the fairways/bunkers seem to be struggling. I hope they get it together because I thoroughly enjoy the course.

[Smithj36]

Wintonbury is in a different class than Gillette Ridge in my opinion.

[DNice26]

I've played both.....I think I enjoyed Wintonbury a bit more. It is a bit challenging in spots but also gives you the opportunity to get some back. The condition has always been nice when I've played there......bit pricey though for me from out of town.

[dartboss04]

Wintonbury has good rates through ezlinks.

[DNice26]

Thanks!

[geoangus]

all this chatter about Wintonbury, and hearing that a friend from work was playing there today required me to take the day off myself and join him. Looking forward to it