Last weekend I made the trip to Connecticut and the first course I played was Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange, CT. Having grown up here I pretty much knew what to expect but I was shocked to hear long time club pro Brian Fitzgibbons had left for a club in Massachusetts. Best of luck to him in his new position. I received one of my two golf lessons from him.
Grassy Hill Country Club Review
Conveniently located of I-95, the Merritt Parkway and Route 1 (Boston Post Rd), this course provides a great public venue at a reasonable price.
(Sign at the entrance of the club)
The course offers three sets of tees (two mens and one ladies) with the Blue Tees playing 6,208 and a rating/slope of 122. What makes this course unique is it's ability to challenge but still be fair. The combination of wide open and tree lined allows some room for error but can also cost you a stroke.
Why Play Here?
If you're in the area, this course is worth the $60 admission on Holidays and Weekends with a cart. I paid $45 and walked my 18. The service was outstanding. I did not have a tee time and the paces was slow but they allowed me to join a 3-some on the 3rd hole and finish my round on 1 & 2. Needless to say I was thrilled to not sit behind the 3 foursomes that had teed off on one.
Since I have been playing here the greens have always been in excellent shape. I would go as far as saying some of the best I've played on a public course and I would even rival them with a private course or two. They are big, roll true and have the right amount of undulation to make it challenging but fair.
The Par 3's
When I bring friends out here I'm always curious to see how they handle the four par 3's Grassy Hill throws that them. The 6th hole, a 158 yard, par 3 might be one of the most challenging par 3's on any public course. If you play this course and only take one word of advice from me please let it be this, keep your ball below the hole on this green! Easier said then done but you've been warned. In my group I saw 3 putts (none of them mine) roll from the back of the green, by the hole and onto the fringe. I was pleased to escape this hole with a 4.
(The 175 yard, par 3, 3rd hole)
As you can see above there is not much danger but each par 3 will offer an elevation change which will force you to choose your club wisely.
What Else...
The 612 yard, par 5, 5th hole is entertaining. With OB (and a major road) on the left, an undulating fairway, and tree lined right make for an interesting hole. Get yourself to the green with a birdie or par putt and you've done great. The green offers little surprises except for a bunker left and a small creek behind it.
(The 612 yard, par 5, 5th hole)
I have pointed out there are some difficult holes (the par 3's, the 2nd hole, and 15th offer all you can handle) but the course does reward you with some scoring holes. The 319 yard, par 4, 4th hole allows you a chance to have a wedge in on you second shot, keep it below the hole and you have an excellent shot at birdie. The 14th hole, 335 yard, par 4 also gives you the opportunity to score.
(The 14th hole, a 335 yard, par 4)
Overall
A course I have returned to and will continue to return to when I'm in the area. There are plenty of hotels in the area and a few other courses near here that would make for a good golf weekend (especially with downtown Milford, CT in the summer).
The snack bar is reasonably priced (my 2 packs of crackers, soda, and Gatorade were $4) and I was in and out quick. They do have a driving range and practice green. The range is irons only and green is right near the first tee box.
The cost is what you would expect to pay for a course this quality. Play during the week or walk if possible to save some money but I was please to give my $45 to this public facility.
Location: Orange, CT
Cost: $60 on the weekends with cart
Slope/Rating: 70.8/122
Proshop: Yes (was being redone when I was there by the new pro)
Range: Yes. Mats and irons only
My Score: 90 (so close to breaking that for the first time this year!)
Play Again: Absolutely. I love this course and recommend it to anyone.
Notes: I played after they received several inches of rain a few days earlier and was surprised with the condition of the course. I expected it to be much soggier but they did a great job. There were soggy parts but I felt they controlled them the best they could and it made for an enjoyable round.
Played here before? Leave a comment so everyone knows what you thought of it!
Cool Great place, nice ambiance... this is good to start your weekend to unwind from work.
Posted by: Golf Cart Parts | 09/14/2010 at 10:08 AM
Glad you agree with this place. It's one of my favorite courses to play! Thanks for reading and commenting!
WAM Golf
Posted by: WAM Golf | 09/14/2010 at 10:58 AM