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Player at Lyman Orchards Golf Club
Rating Snapshot
About
Lyman Orchards is a popular Connecticut destination most known for the nearly 100 varieties of pick-your-own fruit but it also offers two championship 18-hole golf courses and a nine-hole course. One of the longer courses was designed by Gary Player and the other by Robert Trent Jones. Lyman Orchards' Player Course is a seemingly mild 6,600 yards from the tips but don't let the yardage fool you, this layout is a tough but fair test. There are over 30 bunkers strategically placed along the small greens and deciduous trees and beautiful white pines line the fairways. Routed through the orchards across gently rolling hills, the golf course is as scenic as it is challenging. The terrain provides the course with plenty of ups and downs, as well as great views, especially on the 11th and 13th holes.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 71 | 6725 yards | 72.7 | 133 |
| Blue | 71 | 6325 yards | 71.0 | 130 |
| White | 71 | 5890 yards | 68.9 | 129 |
| Red (W) | 71 | 4900 yards | 68.3 | 113 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 72.8/134 | 404 | 373 | 380 | 190 | 397 | 351 | 223 | 584 | 381 | 3283 | 383 | 211 | 426 | 210 | 502 | 357 | 187 | 520 | 567 | 3363 | 6646 |
| Blue M: 69.7/129 | 370 | 364 | 336 | 175 | 345 | 341 | 186 | 567 | 358 | 3042 | 344 | 185 | 415 | 176 | 474 | 317 | 155 | 498 | 509 | 3073 | 6115 |
| White M: 67.9/121 W: 72.9/123 | 349 | 332 | 324 | 153 | 307 | 315 | 174 | 455 | 343 | 2752 | 303 | 166 | 395 | 146 | 455 | 299 | 142 | 484 | 491 | 2881 | 5633 |
| Gold M: 63.6/110 W: 67.6/112 | 290 | 291 | 200 | 135 | 261 | 301 | 141 | 378 | 258 | 2255 | 244 | 135 | 302 | 141 | 409 | 253 | 116 | 422 | 421 | 2443 | 4698 |
| Red M: 60.8/100 W: 62.0/106 | 244 | 244 | 196 | 112 | 224 | 207 | 110 | 305 | 240 | 1882 | 175 | 121 | 230 | 118 | 314 | 191 | 102 | 297 | 314 | 1862 | 3744 |
| Handicap | 9 | 11 | 3 | 17 | 7 | 5 | 15 | 1 | 13 | 2 | 14 | 4 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 18 | 8 | 6 | |||
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 35 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 36 | 71 |
Course Details
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Reviews
Reviewer Photos
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On the opening hole, the second shot plays straight uphill to an unbunkered green. Fortunately, the green is large. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/23/2025
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Three may not be a hard hole when you keep the ball in play, but otherwise it is unsympathetic to missed shots. It’s the #3 index here. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/23/2025
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A view from the tee at the sixth hole. It is a surprisingly difficult test–if mainly for its blind, downhill second shot. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/23/2025
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One of my playing partners (“L.”) prepares to hit his putt on the ninth as his friends look on. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/23/2025
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Birdie! (…and on to the back nine) Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 08/23/2025
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The tenth is a robust par-three of 386 yards. It will fight you tooth and nail from tee to cup. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/18/2025
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Thirteen: One of several outstanding par-3s here, stretching up to 217 yards, downhill. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/18/2025
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15th, Par-4, 346: Set on the lowest section of the Player, this may be the prettiest hole on the course. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/18/2025
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Another view of the 15th from behind its green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/18/2025
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Seventeen is strategic par-5. Its character feels like that of a linksland hole. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/18/2025
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18th, par-5, 554: The fine and beautiful finisher at the Player, and the #6 index among many challenging golf holes. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 05/18/2025
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An intimidating par-4 that starts the round, the first plays 404 yards, uphill all the way to the green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2024
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The fourth supplies a kind of “break” as the #17 index. Par-3, 190 yards. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2024
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Hole five, a 397-yard four-par, threatedns with a tight driving zone, followed by a brushy pit that must be traversed on the approach. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2024
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Six requires a blind second shot down to this green set by the woods. Par-4, 351. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2024
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The par-3 eleventh stretches 211 yards downhill to a green protected by bunkers. Stretching out beyond that is a hilly Connecticut landscape. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2024
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A close-up view of green eleven. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2024
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The third hole is a brutal par-4 that plays over a brushy, deep pit. The view here looks backward down the fairway, toward the abyss. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/24/2023
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At the par-4 sixth, the fairway “runs out” alongside the green, where most pitch shots will be blind down the the putting surface (situated to the left, out of view). Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/24/2023
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The seventh, a classic downhill par-3 that drops precipitously to a well-defended green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/24/2023
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A view from tee eight, looking up toward the driving zone on a monstrous par-5. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/24/2023
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Tee-to-green, the eighth concludes with a third shot (typically) over a sizeable waste area. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/24/2023
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The closing eighteenth: as aesthetically pleasing as it is difficult. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/24/2023
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Photo submitted by u314159836253 on 01/22/2023
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The Player’s 2nd is a straightaway par-4. A stream crosses its fairway; the green is well-guarded. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2022
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The fourth: a challenging par-3 of about 200 yards. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2022
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Six is a scenic par-4 playing to an elevated fairway, its green hidden below in a small dell. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2022
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Eight demands this tough tee shot to a perched fairway, requiring a carry of some 200 yards from the blues. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2022
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The eighth fairway, as seen from the high right-side rough. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2022
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Under late afternoon shadows, a view from the ninth fairway into its green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 09/22/2022
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The opening hole glides uphill all the way to its green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/13/2022
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Seven travels 228 yards downhill. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/13/2022
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View from the blue tee at eight: Par-5, 578. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/13/2022
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Green eight is set behind a large, marshy depression. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/13/2022
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Fourteen is a downhill five-par of 493. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/13/2022
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Eighteen qualifies, a long, uphill par-5, qualifies as strong closer. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 04/13/2022
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Five: par-4, 397. Plays downhill to a two-tiered fairway, then farther downhill to a well-defended green. First-rate hole. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/29/2021
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Five: A view of its green, from the left rough. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/29/2021
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Seven: A fine three-par with big contouring--reminiscent of Scotland-- around the green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/29/2021
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Eight: Par-5 of 592. One of the longest par-fives in Connecticut. And one of the toughest. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/29/2021
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Eight: A view over the large thicket that precedes the green. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/29/2021
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Eighteen, 40 minutes prior to sunset: A 554-yard par-5, with its green set upon a large plateau. Photo submitted by AptlyLinked on 10/29/2021
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Tee shot on par 5 #8 Photo submitted by u314159379595 on 08/08/2021
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Photo submitted by John4576224 on 07/26/2020
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Photo submitted by u1732467322 on 07/15/2020
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Photo submitted by nugentmk on 07/05/2018
Considering all the rain...
The course was soggy, bunkers were eroded and some standing water on the back 9 made it more of a challenge than normal. That said, the weather was great and it will help dry out the course. Pace of play was slower than normal given conditions. Staff was friendly and helpful as they usually are. So not the best round given the wet weather lately but certainly playable.
Fantastic Layout
I live over an hour away from this course, but play it 2-3 times per year. It is a fantastic layout and a great value. Cheaper, but in my opinion much better than the Jones course. The course design makes you carefully place shots and think about where you want to hit your next one from. All in all, Lyman Player Course is a must-play for fall golf.
Players Course
The golf course is very challenging with a lot of blind shots The golf course paths need to be re-done with the bridges going over Brooks. Need to have a beverage cart on the course. No ranger in sight to get pace of play moving faster.
Hole Map
My only complaint...no hole map either on card or the hole signs... As a first timer, it's difficult to know the layout...
Could be better
This course has always been over priced for the quality.... I like the layout but there seems to be little attention to keeping up the overall landscape. Don't play here often because of that.
Fun course, fun round, a little slow
Great course in really good condition. Pace of place was slow, but it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, so I didn’t expect it to be quick. I would definitely play again!
Tight Fairways But Very Well Maintained
I played nine holes after work and was able to jump on quite easily by myself. The staff at the desk said that I had to take a cart (was included in price), presumably to keep up with pace of play, but afterwards I was told that it is normally not necessary.
The course was in terrific shape, albeit with tight fairways and landing zones. The greens were tough to read, as some were quick while others seemed slower. If it's your first time playing, be aware that some holes have unpredictable layouts that even the card can't properly show. I lost a number of balls because I anticipated a different landing space than what was actually in front of me.
Overall, was definitely a great course and would go back for sure.
Blind course
Eh it’s ok. Upkeep of the course is questionable. The course is set up with lots of blind spots. But it be nice if they prune some of the spots for safety reasons. They were also having a tournament on the jones course so some guests were little rowdy and inconsiderate during the tee box and on the greens.
Thank you for playing. We have tree crews coming in soon to take care of some of the over-grown areas. Once you've played it once, the blind shots become easier to navigate. Hope to see you soon!
Monday on the Player course
When we play at Lyman we typically choose the Player course. We are accustomed to how it needs to be played (keep the driver in the bag on 2-6). We got a hot deal from Monday and four of us played for about $37 each if you add in the fees.
Course was in really good shape. It was very windy so playing a challenging course already made it that much more challenging. Three of the par threes are downhill so the wind either really hurt you or helped you a lot.
Since it was Monday there was no issue with pace of play. We let one single by us early and never had anyone play up on us until 17.
It took me a while to embrace this course. Now after playing it so many times I prefer it over the Jones course.
Thank you for playing. Your experience is very similar to a lot of our staff. Once they play the courses several times, the Player becomes their favorite. It's nice to hear this perspective!
Beautiful views
We found the course very difficult since this is the first time we had played and very few of the greens are visible from the tee. The course map the pro shop provided was essential. Great setting and spectacular views from some of the holes. It would be an especially great course to play in the autumn. Elevation changes make the course very challenging.
Thank you for playing! You are correct about playing the course in the fall, not only do the views get even better, but you can grab an apple right off the tree during your round making for a truly unique golfing experience. Hope to see you back soon!
Great time
This was my first time playing this course. I am an average golfer at best. This was by far one of the top 3 courses i ve played . We had an excellent time course was in great shape can t wait to play again.
Thank you for playing and for the kind words, we are happy you had a great time!
Lyman Player Course
Lyman is in great shape, afternoon rates are very fair and in my opinion one of the best values in the state.
Goats needed
Sand traps had rocks in them and the mowing of the rough was terrible. There was lots of clumps of grass left over from mowing, making it difficult to find a ball.
Player Played Perfectly
Played the Player Course in the heat 95 degrees the Saturday of memorial Day weekend. Great early season rate. The course was in superb shape, even if our game was not :-) Enjoyed the day.
Great designed course
Challenging, great lay out. Have to be acurate with your shots. Awesome views,
Thanks for your review. Hope to see you again soon!