South Course at Lake of Isles

Lake of Isles' two courses comprise a great example of pre-Recession golf course design and construction. The mid-2000s were the peak of the market as influenced significantly by Tiger Woods and the professional game. Golfers wanted tough-as-nails courses and high-end experiences everywhere, not just for themselves but for groups of friends and clients. And at Foxwoods, Rees Jones delivered.

The South Course occupies the less dynamic (though still quite severe in places) piece of property, with a number of elevated tee shots and greens. Sinewy fairways, thick rough, big and deep bunkers and lots of hazards come together to form a course where you'd better be on your game if you want to play anywhere near your handicap. The name of the game is to hit it long and straight off the tee and hit it high into the greens. The reward for doing this is exquisite putting surfaces without a ton of movement and where you can make some putts if you leave yourself in a good spot.

At the risk of declaring the course a torture chamber, it does have plenty of nice views and some compelling holes. The par-5 fifth and par-3 16th are two good examples.