Golf in the State of Connecticut
Considered part of New England, "Constitution State" Connecticut is bordered to the north by Massachusetts, Rhode Island to the east and New York to the west. Its 182 golf courses are predominantly in the metropolitan areas of the capital city with close to half being in Hartford. Other notable centers include Torrington, Greenwich and Fairfield.
The challenging Lake of Isles North Course, North Stonington calls itself the ultimate golf experience and has been ranked as one of the top courses in the country. Westwoods Golf Course, Farmington, boasts a fun golf outing for those of all levels including a practise green and driving range. Chanticlair Golf Course, Colchester challenges golfers to test their accuracy on the fairways, avoiding water hazards and sand traps. Cedar Ridge Golf Course, East Lyme is an executive course offering "great golf in less time." The scenic and challenging 18 hole public Candlewood Valley Country Club, New Milford boasts "unmatched signature guest service" on all levels. Three sets of tees are provided for golfers of many abilities at the championship 18 hole H. Smith Richardson Golf Course, Fairfield.
Top professional golfers from Connecticut include Ken Green, born in Danbury who had 5 tour victories in the 1980's. Dick Mayer, from Stamford, learned his trade from Claude Harmon of New York City and is a seven time tour winner, winning the US Open and playing in the Ryder Cup. Born in New Haven, Glenna Collett-Vare dominated women's amateur golf during the 1920s. Today, the player with the lowest scoring average on the LPGA receives the Vare Trophy in her honor. Julius Boros, hailing from Fairfield, is a World Golf Hall of Famer. Doug Ford, born in West Haven, was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2010 and has a pair of major victories to his name. Billy Burke, from Naugatuck, has an unusual grip as he lost two fingers on his left hand - nevertheless he won 13 matches on tour.