The Walking Scorer

This is a Donald Ross course on the shores of the Long Island Sound.  It is quintessential Donald Ross, with smallish greens and subtle challenges.  The land is mostly flat, being at the Connecticut shore, but there are two notable uphill par 3's.   It really shows off the skills of the designer to make a challenging course with interesting shots on fairly ordinary ground.  It's a shame that it doesn't show up so well in pictures.  And my opinion is definitely colored by the fact that I shot a good score with three of my old golf buddies on a nice summer day. There is history here, too.  The clubhouse walls are covered with plaques commemorating the winners of the various club championships and other events since 1919, and some of the names are also on plaques in the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Which is another tribute to the designer. More pictures .

This Troon-managed Rees Jones design is the public course at Foxwoods (the South course is private).  It seems like there are lots of lakes, but from the name it must be a lot of islands in a big lake.  The cart path crosses water over lots of wooden bridges, and goes past a lone tombstone in the woods The rough is lush and high, and caused a few very high scores.  The fairways are wide enough, but lined by dense woods.  I had occasion to search for a ball once, and came out with both pockets and both hands full after only seconds of searching, and leaving a lot more behind.  I've never seen so many golf balls except in a golf shop or on the range. There are tee shots with forced carries, even when not over water and the greens are elevated and well-bunkered. A difficult test, with severe penalties for bad shots.  Worth playing again, though. More pictures .