Red at Tunxis Country Club

The Red is a fine layout, on the long side but fairly straightforward, and primarily a good ball-striking test. The greens aren’t tough to assess, with only a few of them having moderate breaks to read. You'll need a bit of finesse to chip and pitch around most of these greens, while sand play will be a bit tougher. Like many 60’s-vintage golf courses, the emphasis is on longer holes with big bunkers and greens that mostly meld into the terrain–emulating, perhaps, the Trent Jones style. Only the eighth green is significantly raised above grade. Surprisingly, then, this layout slopes at a stout 129, though much of that has to be due to the longish or just plain long par-4s. The seventh, one of those four-pars, does have a fairway flanked by a large pond, but across the rest of the course the chief hazards are the huge trees and some sizable fairway bunkers, which aren’t overused. The Red’s best aspect is its emphasis on driving, whereby long and straight and "somewhere-in-the-fairway" should supply the good ball-striker an advantage. The eighth, a 201-yard par-three, isn’t distinctive by any stretch, but it’s a very good test as well.

I enjoyed the Red’s tranquil and handsome setting today on a chilly autumn afternoon. The course was uncrowded and the pace excellent. Although I basically expected it, what was impressive was the noticeable improvement of conditions here since my last visit (August 19th) when the fairways were very much baked. Today, fairways were in good condition, save for the second (partially) and the fourth. Also improved were the roughs, now lusher and more consistent. Only the greens lagged, but this was simply because they have been aerated not long ago. In less than a week, the course should be in good overall condition.

Great experience at the red course this weekend. I felt the conditions were nice and it was challenging for a beginner like me. Lost 2 balls on the same hole but it’s all good, can’t blame the course for that. Anyways, overall had a blast and the pace of play was fine. In and out rather quick. Already booked for next weekend.

It was a rainy and chilly day but it was fun. Played my best round and got my lowest score ever. I enjoy the course, it helps me practice on my game. When a quiet day like it was due to the weather, it gave me a chance to take my time and take some extra shots for practice. I will definitely go back.

Great 9 hole course. Course was in pretty good shape but not as nice as the White or Green. 4/5 stars for sure!

Great place to go always enjoy it’s a great practice course on red course which the white and green course is great if you have groups and more competitive and where the good golfers like to play and easier flow. Love the red course because I am by myself most of the time and gives me a chance to get better at the game of golf.

The prior week we played this same course and there was a group of 6 players two groups ahead of us. No Ranger making a 9 holes round 2 hour 40 min. Sept 4th we played in 2 hours flat. Made for an enjoyable day.

Perfect option for a foursome made up of my neighbor and our two kids. Pace was good. Course was challenging enough yet forgiving enough to enjoy

The Tunxis facility was hosting a tournament on the other, eighteen hole courses today, which had the parking lot full. Overall,Tunxis seems to be enjoying red-hot popularity.

The bottom line for me here comes down to course conditions, as I’ve always liked the Red’s layout and probably always will. The White and Green courses were in excellent condition when I played them both about eight weeks ago, and, from setting foot on the Red Course (at least) at that time, conditions appeared excellent on tees, greens, and fairways.

The White and Green courses looked good again today–both up-close and from the drive in and out. The Red was not so. Many of the tees were rough and the fairways very spotty. The greens were above average but not always smooth. Roughs were often sparse. In short, disappointing.

On the bright side, the staff is very friendly here. The woman I met at the counter today when checking in on my early afternoon tee time was outstanding.

I’m not sure why the Red’s good conditioning has fallen off (the drought is only part of it, to be sure, as other courses I’ve played are basically fine). I’m hoping it returns.

I had never played the Red Course (9 hole) before so because my time was limited I decided to give it a try. The conditions were not nearly as well kept as the White or Green Courses. Greens were ok though, just smaller.

Hopeful for a quick 9 to beat the heat. Pace of play was anything but. Not horrendous, but definitely not great. The course was in so so condition.

Best part was being paired with a single from Barbados. Super enjoyable company, and very competent golfer. I’m sure she would agree…with the first part!