Chanticlair Golf Club

A nine hole course. Played here for the first time then returned the next day for another 9 and I will be back many, many times. Great thing about this course is that it is less than 30 minutes from the Hartford routes 91-84-2-3 interchanges and just 5 minutes off a Route 2 exit. Rates are very reasonalbe. Paid $20 w/ cart through my Golfing Magazine membership. A good value though senior rate is $21 weekdays so I only saved a buck. Course is well maintained (although the 1st cut was high and balls were lost when they should have been found). Fairways are wide, sand traps minimal, rough between fairways mostly mature trees without junk under them, greens mostly flat with some back-to-front slope, layout is challenging and staff is great, especially Cary in the pro shop. Short first hole could lure player to think course is a piece of cake, which it isn't. Most early holes are pretty flat but later holes have some elevation changes. Island green on the par 3 fourth is their signature hole. TPC Sawgrass island green is easy compared to this hole. Shot to green could be over or near a fairway tree. Yardage ranges from 100 to 145 dependign on tee box used. Forunately green is big, although the margin of error is small. Club house is very simple with minimal amenities. Course has the feel of a family-owned facility; friendly, competitive and inviting. I like it.

Great variety and memorability throughout. Conditions were excellent as was the scenery. Very friendly and professional staff. Would happily play there again any chance that I get. Also offer excellent PGA private instruction along with group and beginner/intermediate weekly clinics and summer junior camps.

Not a bad course for the value if you're walking. Unfortunately its only a 9 hole course and the hole locations are almost always the same. Wish the greens were more challenging.