The Vue

I booked this round at the Tee Off advertised fee of $40 (cart included). I prepaid $18. However when we arrived Laurel View stated that their charge was their holiday fee of $60 and that Tee Off should have updated their advertised rate accordingly. In addition Laurel View did not recognize our full $18 deposit. Instead they demanded $57 from each of us. Consequently I lost $9 ($3 each) of my deposit. That plus the difference from $102 that Tee Off indicated due at the course resulted in an over charge of $69 that we did not expect to pay. Therefore Tee Off owes me a $69 credit ($60 - $40 x 3 + $3 x 3).

Thank You.

Because Laurel View starts with a relatively tame par-4, it’s tempting to get ahead of ourselves. I do hope for a birdie here, admittedly, given a good approach shot. But the party ends quickly at the second hole, a par-3 of moderate length and difficulty. Then, three strong holes follow: the third, a downhill par-4 whose fairway and green are protected by a pond; the fourth, a great par-5 playing to a tight landing zone and a plateau green; the fifth, a monster par-4 peppered by hazards. What follows at the sixth–a short and open four-par–-is a welcome breather. Next, though, at seven is a brute of an uphill par-3 and likely the hardest par on the course for most players. The square footage of the five enormous bunkers around this green is impressive, their fortress-like defense intimidating. Just a GIR at the seventh may seem cause for celebration. The par-5 eighth changes it up with a downhill tee-shot to an expansive but well-guarded fairway; the rest of the hole is about negotiating the fairway’s angles on your way to the green. Nine climbs a steep fairway and concludes the front with a hard uphill approach to a fortified green similar to the seventh. This may be seen as no small coincidence, as the sprawling putting surfaces at seven and nine comprise one huge double green, St. Andrews style.

And something out of St. Andrews somehow seems to fit this golf course, especially on the front side, because its openness in many places almost gives the illusion, oftentimes, that you’re playing a links (especially when the trees are bare and their presence is less significant, as it was today). Above all, Laurel View possesses nice ground movement, exceeding that of the average course by a solid margin, and its architects enhanced the terrain with excellent green complexes, themselves featuring a varied, flowing, and well-modulated vitality on and everywhere around the putting surfaces. Bunker design, too, is outstanding on every hole here, as one would expect from a Geoffrey Cornish layout.

It is December, though, and course conditions on most tracks don’t live up to the quality of their layouts. Conditions were basically fair today in nearly all respects, though I’m sure they’ll be much better come springtime. I haven’t played here since last summer, but it appeared to my eye that many of these bunkers, though not all, still need more work. The clubhouse renovations, however, look great.

Some conclusions:

Though the playing experience fell short of optimal today, this course keeps impressing me as one of the best Geoffrey Cornish designs in Connecticut. It’s long and challenging, but also quite fair. I look forward to playing here again next year.

With all the course improvements, It is more interesting and challenging layout.

Loving it!

Good course. Front 9 is a bit easier for walking and be ready for some hills in the back 9.

They are clearly working on updating the bunkers, but they still need work. Otherwise beautiful course, the greens and fairways are in great condition, and an overall fun place to play. Tough to walk the back 9 holes, very hilly, but the front 9 walking was nice. We were not able to finish 18 because of daylight, I think at the time we went out 18 should have been a discounted price.

Never a problem getting onto this track. Staff is friendly and helpful. I am enjoying the new “Vue”! They opened up a lot of the course and you can see clear across Hamden now.

This is my second time playing Laurel View on a beautiful fall day. Course was in overall good condition - fairways were healthy and lush, greens were also healthy except for unfixed ball marks which is just poor golfer edicate. Course was busy, but not overly crowded and good pace. Cart paths are very rough in spots. Few lost balls due to lots of leaves on the fringes, but fairways and first cut of rough were cleared. Very good course for the $$$.

End stages of the course makeover is quite evident, can't wait for next year here!

Certain holes were very wet due to poor drainage. Booking the course the details were vague, the Hot Deal does not include cart. Would probably not play this course again.

Clubhouse hard to find during renovations. They just let a senior tournament off on the front nine so I had to play the back nine. Catching up to them on the 11th hole was super slow so had to quit for the day.

I’ve loved this course for years, but it wasn’t being maintained well. They have taken care of that issue and have really improved dramatically over the last 2 seasons. A great layout with no holes near streets or highways. A beautiful piece of land and a fun course to play!

Course has really been upgraded and is in excellent condition. I keep telling old friends to come out and give this place a second chance. Upgrades are obviously in progress inside and out on the course. We will be back

Nice day to walk the course in cooler weather. Course is in good shape and building improvements are underway. Great place to try if you have not been here in a while. Hope they do a good job clearing the leaves because I will back soon!

Massive changes have been made to the course in the past 2 years. Trees have been removed, opening up the layout, making it a little more forgiving. But it is still quite challenging. The greens are in excellent shape, as are the fairways. About half of the traps are renewed and good, the others need work. The cart paths are rough, but I say spent the money on the course first!

The facility is also being completely redone, and will be open for events next year

I highly recommend Laurel View, after a long period of it going downhill

A great golf course for the price. Fairways and greens were in great shape. Some fairways bunkers could have had a little more attention. But all and all, the course challenges you in many ways. Good use of sloping land, a few nice doglegs, water in play on a few shots. Even a really cool double green.

The only thing stopping me from giving this course a 5 star rating is the fairway bunkers, which maybe they are suppose to be more like a waste area? Really I wouldn't mind it, but it was confusing. Are they sand bunkers or not sand bunkers. Either way, very enjoyable round.