Best 2013 Memership deals near Hartford, CT?

UnderPar18 · October 26, 2012

Exploring my options for the 2013. What memberships do you think are the best for the money near the Hartford area. I live in Vernon so 25 min drive max is where I want to be. Also I don't want to spend over $2k. Range included would be nice

kc10 · November 2, 2012

[i]Wintonbury Hills..cart/range included in price.[/i]

Cohiba1 · November 11, 2012

Wintonbury Hills is over 2K. Check out Manchester Country Club.First year members save 20%

daverain1 · November 18, 2012

Blackledge has 36 holes, was inside your budget I believe, and just a run down 83 from Vernon.

DischInABox · January 11, 2013

I just joined Manchester. I was deciding between there, Indian Hill in Newington, and the yearly pass at Rockledge in West Hartford (I live in Newington). I chose Manchester for a few reasons. Cost was first. 20% and a young executive membership was only $1,100. Rockledge was $1,800 for out of towner. Also, it doesn't come with use of the practice facility, so you still have to pay for balls. Indian Hill, even though it's right down the street, was $3,000 for an under 40 membership, with a range fee and food/bev minimum on top of that. I just don't think I'm ready for that kind of commitment as I'm finally committing to the game at 34 years old, so I'm not very good. Maybe when my HCP gets to between 10 and 15 I'll look at something more exclusive. But I digress.

For my $1,100, I get unlimited use of the course and practice facility. It's only about 15-20 minutes from my house. The course is walkable, and fits my skill level as well. They have members only leagues and events. Also, they do club storage which for me is great, since a lot of times in the spring and summer, especially after we put the clocks ahead, I'll be going after work. There were only two negatives to the course when I looked into it. First, playing 9 holes is a little tough. The 9th hole is about 1/2 mile from the clubhouse. So you should probably cart it if you're only playing 9. Also, the driving range is a bit of a hike from the clubhouse as well, but not too bad.

UConnGolfer · February 8, 2013

I am planning on joining Manchester as well. Not the longest of courses but has some challenging holes and with the unlimited range balls included, their young executive deal can't be beat.

WhiteyPoo · March 11, 2013

my buddy and I are joining Manchester this year as well. Such a good deal from what everyone has told me that plays or played there frequently. Never played there myself, but I'm excited for this year.

DischInABox · March 13, 2013

Only thing I was worried about was the distance of the range from the clubhouse. My goal is to make golf part of my fitness plan, so I'll be walking more often than not. Drove by it today and there's an area on the road where you can park, hit balls, and drive back, which is great.

BTW, with a bunch of us joining, we should all play sometime.

UConnGolfer · March 13, 2013

That's correct, you can purchase a range bag for a buck or two and just drive over to the range

UnderPar18 · March 29, 2013

[quote name='DischInABox' timestamp='1363205476' post='6605963']
Only thing I was worried about was the distance of the range from the clubhouse. My goal is to make golf part of my fitness plan, so I'll be walking more often than not. Drove by it today and there's an area on the road where you can park, hit balls, and drive back, which is great.

BTW, with a bunch of us joining, we should all play sometime.
[/quote]

I joined for the 2nd year this season at Manchester CC so if anyone is looking to play ever send me a PM. I play 9 after work two days a week and try to play 18 on both days of the weekend. I walk and don't waste any time (I hattttte slow play!)

DischInABox · April 2, 2013

I just spent my first day at Manchester. Got my bag tag, locker, and hit some balls at the range. Ended up speaking to John, the head pro for quite a bit. I was asking him about playing 9 holes and how it seems pretty infeasible considering how far out #9 is. He said members can play a "long 9," which is Holes 1-4, and then 14-18. You end up with a par 39 because you play the four par 5's but only one par 3, but you also end up finishing at 18, which is a huge plus, considering how far the walk from #9 is.

UnderPar18 · April 4, 2013

[quote name='DischInABox' timestamp='1364943419' post='6747309']
I just spent my first day at Manchester. Got my bag tag, locker, and hit some balls at the range. Ended up speaking to John, the head pro for quite a bit. I was asking him about playing 9 holes and how it seems pretty infeasible considering how far out #9 is. He said members can play a "long 9," which is Holes 1-4, and then 14-18. You end up with a par 39 because you play the four par 5's but only one par 3, but you also end up finishing at 18, which is a huge plus, considering how far the walk from #9 is.
[/quote]

That's what I normally do if I am pressed on time. I always make sure I am not cutting any groups off as well if I do do that. I personally like the long walk in if it is nice out because its that much more of an exercise. How were the greens rolling? I'm going to play of Sunday most likely. Let me know if you ever want to play.

DischInABox · April 6, 2013

Greens were great. Although, walking along the fairway on 15 this Wednesday, I stepped in a small hole and ended up taking quite a spill. Very mild fracture of my left ankle. So I have to stay off of it as much as possible for a week or so. At the time it was more embarrassing than anything, but the next day it blew up like a balloon. Not the first experience of the year I was hoping to have!

WhiteyPoo · April 7, 2013

Oh man that sucks! I thought I had it rough getting some blisters the first time walkkng this year.

The greens are rolling pretty fast, and surprisingly true for this early. This wind lately is really hardening them up too.