A Round Of Golf At This Connecticut Course Comes With Sweeping Views Of Long Island Sound
Golf is already a pretty good excuse to spend a few hours outdoors. But imagine looking up between shots and finding yourself distracted by beautiful views of the water.
That might make concentrating on your next swing a little difficult.
One Connecticut golf course combines a round on the fairways with sweeping views of Long Island Sound.
Now that’s what caught my eye. There’s something appealing about playing somewhere the scenery is almost as memorable as the game itself.
And let’s be fair, not every round goes according to plan. A few missed putts feel a lot less frustrating when you’ve got something lovely to look at.
I love the thought of enjoying the surroundings even when the scorecard isn’t looking particularly impressive.
1. A Donald Ross Classic That Anyone Can Book
Some golf courses make you work for every good shot. This one has been doing it for over a century.
The secret is in the design. Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton has the unmistakable influence of Donald Ross, the legendary architect who worked on the course in 1916 and 1919.
And the best part? You don’t need a private club membership to play it.
Known affectionately as Shenny, this municipal course welcomes the public and operates through Groton Parks and Recreation.
The layout has 18 holes and plays to a par of 71. From the back tees, it stretches 6,562 yards, giving golfers plenty of room to enjoy themselves while still demanding some careful decisions.
Ross was famous for making players think before swinging. His strategically placed bunkers and tricky greens are a big part of the experience.
Those elevated greens can be especially interesting. Hit the wrong approach, and a seemingly easy hole suddenly becomes much more complicated.
Beginners can enjoy a relaxed round, while experienced golfers have enough challenges to keep things interesting.
That’s the charm of Shenny. It offers a taste of classic golf architecture without the private-club atmosphere, and even a familiar course can surprise you on your next round.
2. Save Your Best Swing For Holes 16 And 17
Some stretches of a golf course are especially memorable. At Shennecossett, the 16th and 17th holes are strong contenders, thanks to their sweeping waterfront views.
These holes bring the sweeping views that give the course its reputation. The Thames River and Long Island Sound open up right alongside your round.
The 16th green deserves special attention. It sits on a spot overlooking both the river and the Sound, so lining up a putt suddenly feels very scenic.
Try not to rush through this part. Even if your scorecard looks rough by then, the view offers a nice reward for making it this far.
Bring a phone or camera for a quick photo between shots. Just keep the pace moving so the group behind you stays happy too.
I like that the course saves this stretch for late in the round. It feels like the closing chapter of a good book, when everything finally comes together.
Wind off the water can also play a role in your shot choices. So enjoy the scenery, but keep an eye on those flags before you swing.
3. Keep An Eye Out For Submarines And A Famous Tall Ship
Ever seen a submarine during a round of golf? That’s a real possibility at this course.
Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton offers something you don’t usually expect between tee shots. With busy waterways nearby, golfers occasionally get a glimpse of submarines passing through the area.
Imagine lining up a putt, glancing toward the water, and spotting one moving past. That’s certainly one way to lose your concentration!
And submarines aren’t the only interesting visitors.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a magnificent tall ship with towering masts, can also make an appearance in the surrounding waters.
Of course, these sightings aren’t guaranteed. Naval vessels have their own schedules, and golfers just happen to be in the right place at the right time.
That unpredictability adds a little extra excitement to a round.
One visit might offer nothing but peaceful water views. Another could give you a story you’ll still be telling your golfing buddies weeks later.
It’s also a nice reminder that golf doesn’t have to be all about the scorecard. Sometimes the most memorable part of the day happens when you’re not even swinging a club.
And if a submarine happens to distract you during a missed putt, at least you’ve got a pretty original excuse!
4. Four Farm Holes Grew Into Something Much Bigger
Back in 1898, this course was just four holes on a farm. Local resident Thomas Avery owned the land where it all began.
Over the years, the layout kept expanding. Eventually it grew into the full eighteen-hole course golfers enjoy today.
The name has deep roots too. Shennecossett comes from the Pequot Tribe and means level land.
The town of Groton bought the property on April 10, 1969. That purchase turned it into a municipal course open to the public.
I believe that choice still matters today. Plenty of historic courses stay private, so having one in public hands feels like a gift to local golfers.
The state has plenty of old places with stories. Still, few let you walk the same ground as a farm course from the 1890s while chasing a par.
Knowing the history adds something to each round. That tee shot feels a bit more meaningful when you know how humble its beginnings were.
5. The Land Swap Golf Magazine Couldn’t Stop Praising
Trades can be tricky, but this one worked out beautifully. In 1997, Shennecossett made a land swap with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
The course gave up three holes in the deal. In return, it gained three new holes along the Thames River and Long Island Sound.
Golf Magazine called it one of the deals of the century. That’s high praise for a real estate swap, and the views back it up.
Those waterfront holes changed the feel of the back nine. They added the coastal scenery that people now connect with the course.
It’s a fun reminder that golf courses can change over time. Even a classic Ross layout got a modern twist thanks to a smart trade.
Next time you reach the water holes, think about that deal. Somebody at the negotiating table definitely made the right call.
I’d say this swap ranks right up there with the best trades in sports. No draft picks needed, just a little land and a lot of water views.
6. You’ll Be Following In Some Very Famous Footsteps
Arnold Palmer played here. So did Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, and Francis Ouimet.
That list reads like a golf history class. Each of these players helped shape the game, and they all teed it up at Shennecossett.
Part of that story connects to the Griswold Hotel. This grand summer resort opened in 1906 beside the course.
The hotel no longer stands, but its spot still matters. The 16th green now sits where the hotel once welcomed summer guests.
I love that detail so much. You can putt on ground that once held a grand resort, with legendary golfers possibly walking nearby.
Of course, their skills won’t magically rub off on your swing. Still, it’s fun to picture the old days while you search for your ball in a bunker.
Shennecossett Golf Course keeps that sense of history alive without feeling stuffy. It’s a public course with a famous past, and that mix gives every round a little extra spark.
7. Warm Up On The Practice Green Before Facing Those Bunkers
Bunkers are everywhere on a Ross course, so a warm-up helps. Shennecossett offers a putting green and a short-game area to sharpen your touch.
There’s also a driving range for loosening up those big swings. A few practice shots can save you from a nervous first tee.
Know the rules before you go, though. The range, practice green, and other practice areas are only for Season Pass Holders and golfers who paid for a round that day.
So you can’t just stop by to hit a bucket for fun. Book your round first, then use the practice space as part of your day.
I’d spend extra time on chips and putts. Elevated greens with plenty of movement can turn a decent approach into a tricky finish.
Bunker practice is smart too. The course features strategically placed traps, and Ross clearly wanted golfers to think before swinging.
A short warm-up won’t fix everything. But it might turn one double bogey into a bogey, and that feels like a win.
8. Grab A Bite And Some Gear Before Or After Your Round
Eighteen holes can build a serious appetite. Luckily, the Par Four Restaurant sits right on site at Shennecossett Golf Course.
It’s an American restaurant, which makes it an easy stop before or after a round. You won’t need to drive anywhere to refuel.
I like a course with a spot to sit and talk about the round. That’s where good shots get bigger and bad shots slowly disappear from memory.
The on-site pro shop helps too. Forgot a glove or ran low on golf balls?
Swing by before heading to the first tee.
Bunkers and water views can eat up a few balls, so stocking up is a smart move. Better to buy extras now than borrow from your playing partners later.
Groton Parks and Recreation runs the course, so it keeps a friendly, community feel. Local golfers and visitors share the same clubhouse and the same stories.
Plan a little extra time for this part of the day. A relaxed meal can turn a round of golf into a full outing.
9. Plan Your Tee Time And Make A Day Of It
Long Island Sound makes a pretty perfect finish line.
Fancy playing a course that has hosted some serious golf talent? This one has quite a reputation.
Over the years, Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton has welcomed major tournaments, including the Connecticut Senior Open.
Its reputation goes well beyond local golfers, too. Golfweek ranked it among the state’s top public-access courses in 2026.
And local players clearly appreciate it. Readers of The Day voted it Best Golf Course for five consecutive years, from 2021 through 2025.
Planning something with a bigger group? The course also accommodates company outings, fundraisers, and organized tournaments.
For regular rounds, booking ahead is a smart move, especially on weekends. Tee times become available seven days in advance, giving players a chance to plan their visit.
The course operates year-round when conditions allow, although playing hours vary with daylight. Morning rounds are a good option for golfers who enjoy getting an early start.
The pro shop is at 93 Plant Street, Groton, 06340, making it easy to get your visit organized.
And save some attention for the closing stretch.
The views toward Long Island Sound from the 16th and 17th holes might be the best reward of the entire round.
