Green at Tunxis Country Club

Although Tunxis Plantation GC is set only about a half mile from downtown Farmington, it stands aloof from the town’s suburban character: the general feel of the place is distinctly rural. Precious few saltboxes, Cape Cods, or split-levels appear in the vicinity of these forty-five golf holes. In effect, it’s easy to appreciate the pleasing sense of isolation, which is enhanced by the handsome, partly forested setting for the fairways and greens. The Tunxis Green Course, however, forms a cohesive whole, even though--back in the 90s--it melded an older Tunxis nine with a brand new one.

The Green Course contrasts with the White--the other 18-hole course here. While the White Course is a more rigorous, “target” test of golf (as it is often best played from point A to point B), the Green should better please the adventurously skillful player—as its water hazards are typically less threatening and its options to play strategic golf are more plentiful. But do not be deceived, as the numbers are not lying: the White’s rating is tougher on slope, while the Green’s course rating is higher. In my estimation, these two layouts play equally difficult.

The Green encompasses a range of demanding holes from the par-5 second, with its tight, dog-legged fairway and its small, fortress-like green, to the short and strategic par-4 eleventh, which pesters you with trees and imposing mounds on one side and, on the other, a water hazard stretching over a hundred yards.

Holes two through seven are all challenging; they form the backbone of the entire course, especially because each is so well-designed. Yet the back nine holds its own, too, scattering tough holes at both ends (ten and eighteen) and through the insertion of the toughest holes—all par-4s—down the back stretch. These are the tight 13, the dogleg right 14th, and the brutal #2 handicap index, the 16th. It doesn’t help that each of these holes will play long for most golfers, nor that green 13 seems disproportionately small (it’s a mere 15 yards wide) while green 14 is sternly two-tiered.

It's notable, too, that this course’s slope rating from the blues is a relatively high 129. Accordingly, only a couple of holes at Tunxis—the ninth and seventeenth (both birdie holes for the taking)—might be called tame; everything else should have good players working, generally, to earn their pars.

Even if the front side is quite open, you won’t always be able to pick the shot shape that may yield optimal results off the tee. Take, for example, holes five and six, which favor a fade that should start from the fairway’s left side and not veer too far right. On holes two and four, on the other hand, you’re better served by drawing the drive.

Changes:

A balance between openness and confinement (in the form of dense trees alongside some of the fairways) has always defined the Green Course. Now, however, the balance appears to have shifted.

The front nine’s first hole is now more open on its right flank: a forested acre between it and hole eighteen has been largely cut down. While I don’t know the reason for this, the small number of trees left on this parcel does seem to better complement the front side’s open character.

Even though the front side (open) versus back (much tighter) dichotomy has never been absolute, the Green Course now feels like a more unified layout, largely because the only stretch of tighter, woodsy holes occurs from 13 through 16.

Conditions:

Good overall. While the greens lagged a bit due to the effects of aeration (they still ran pretty smoothly), the fairways and greenside roughs were good. Tees were average, as several of the back side’s boxes need work.

Some conclusions:

Stimulating the golfing brain and delighting the senses through some fine aesthetic touches, Tunxis Green delivers a pleasing test of golf.

It seems clear that Architect Al Zikorus pursued, here, a hybrid course that blends standard parkland with a kind of UK energy (which is more parkland, again, than links), if one that remains sturdily straightforward. Scattered fairway bunkers, liberal use of mounding, the occasional pond, and well-protected greens--all lend some variety, but the character remains traditional. All of this adds up a top course from Zikorus’ wide-ranging output in Connecticut. For it is Tunxis Green’s well-executed and logical design that lingers in the memory, and which leaves me feeling the way I did when I began playing here thirty years ago.

Didn't know what to expect, but had a good time. Played the Green Course. Only things that didn't make me give a higher score was we didnt see a drink cart the whole 18, and the kitchen closed pretty early. Greens were pretty good and overall well maintained

First time playing there and we will be back. Excellent condition,not crowded. We were early and the tee was open so we were told to go out as soon as we were ready.. Had a great time.

Not hard course, fairways a bit used up at this point in season. Nice layout but could use signs to find next hole. Friendly staff. Good food and beer. Greens in decent shape. Bring your own water on the course!!!!!

Good practice course. Used to be very good years ago.

Good conditions despite drought the past few weeks. Bunkers are kind rough and the rough is super thick.

My third time playing the course and I like it a little more each time. The greens are not perfect but they are good and they put nice. I especially like the layout. Just seems to have a lot of character. A few holes really make you think.

Great course for walking, has its share of challenges without being to difficult.

the course was in great shape and the greens were good as well.

I had booked a tee time online and was able to get out on course within a minute or two of my start time. Pace of play was great. Finished 18 holes in under 4 hours. The course was in great condition.

Course is in great shape given the drought we've had this summer, staff was watering Fairways, rough, and greens liberally. Only not was many of the tee boxes were shaggy & could have used a cut. Course was nearly empty at mid day on a Tuesday & we (2some) played 18 in 3 hrs.

Photo is view from 11th tee...

Water water every where nary a drop to drink. Fountains all over the course which did not work except for the fountain by the 16th hole. But when you looked into it you saw green scum that you saw in the ponds. I get the fact that last year we had a pandemic. Many courses did not put out the 5 gallon water jugs. But when you have water fountains which get their water from wells on the property, I might be able to understand why they were made inoperable last year. But this year? Then to have one with green scum in it?