8 Best Golf Courses in Old Lyme

Old Lyme and the surrounding region in Connecticut offer a distinctive mix of private country clubs, public courses, and historic layouts that appeal to golfers seeking variety and challenge. While Old Lyme features several prominent clubs, nearby towns provide additional opportunities within a short drive. Together, these courses highlight the depth of golf culture in southeastern Connecticut, blending carefully maintained fairways, strategic course design, and club amenities that appeal to experienced players and newcomers.

Old Lyme Country Club stands out as the town’s central golf destination. The nine-hole course offers a traditional New England layout with tree-lined fairways and greens that require precision. Although compact, the routing is well thought out, providing a mix of holes that test both short and long game. The course is in excellent condition, with smooth greens and fairways encouraging consistent play.

In addition to the golf course, Old Lyme Country Club features tennis courts, paddle tennis, and a swimming pool, creating a broader recreational hub. The clubhouse provides dining and social spaces that support year-round membership activity. As one of the most established golf courses in Old Lyme, this club offers both convenience and community for local players.

Located near the Connecticut River and adjacent to Old Lyme’s Black Hall River, Black Hall Club is a private, 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Known for its challenging layout, the course incorporates natural terrain with rolling fairways, well-placed bunkers, and undulating greens.

The course is consistently ranked among the best in Connecticut due to its architectural pedigree and attention to course conditions. Its proximity to tidal marshes and estuarine landscapes adds a unique scenic quality.

Just across the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, Fenwick Golf Course is one of the oldest public courses in New England, established in 1896. This nine-hole course features a traditional seaside links style, with open fairways and steady coastal breezes that add difficulty. Despite its modest length, strategic shot placement is critical due to small greens and subtle contours.

The historic setting gives Fenwick special appeal. The course is intertwined with the small Fenwick borough, creating a sense of intimacy and tradition. Golfers here value the course not only for its play but also for its historical significance.

Cedar Ridge Golf Course in East Lyme offers a nine-hole layout that balances accessibility with challenge. The course features open fairways, moderate elevation changes, and a straightforward design that appeals to both beginners and more seasoned players looking for a shorter round.

Practice facilities and a pro shop support player development, while seasonal events encourage community involvement. Cedar Ridge is not as demanding as some other area clubs, but its convenience and approachable style make it a valuable addition to the golfing landscape near Old Lyme.

Located in East Haddam, Fox Hopyard Golf Club offers a championship-level course that has become a favorite in southeastern Connecticut. Designed by Roger Rulewich, the course covers more than 530 acres of rolling terrain, blending wooded sections with open meadows. Each hole presents unique challenges, with water hazards and well-placed bunkers keeping players engaged throughout the round.

Fox Hopyard is also known for its upscale amenities. The clubhouse features a highly regarded restaurant and event facilities, while the course is meticulously maintained. For those looking for a high-end golf experience just a short drive from Old Lyme, Fox Hopyard consistently delivers.

Located in Waterford, Great Neck Country Club combines a strong golf tradition with modern amenities. The 18-hole layout features tree-lined fairways, challenging doglegs, and greens that demand accuracy. The course measures over 6,600 yards, offering a competitive but enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.

Great Neck also emphasizes its social and recreational facilities. The club includes a restaurant with a strong reputation in the region and event spaces that host weddings and gatherings. The challenging golf course and vibrant community setting make it a standout option near Old Lyme.

Situated in Groton, Shennecossett Golf Course is one of Connecticut’s most historic public courses. Initially built in 1898 and later redesigned by Donald Ross, it offers a classic layout with wide fairways, subtle green complexes, and stunning views of Long Island Sound. The seaside location means wind is a constant factor, requiring golfers to adjust their play accordingly.

The course is recognized for hosting both recreational players and regional tournaments, reflecting its balance of accessibility and challenge. Shennecossett’s reputation as a historic, well-maintained course has made it a destination for golfers across New England.

Goose Run Golf Course, located in Groton and operated by the U.S. Navy, offers a nine-hole layout with a practical and straightforward design. While smaller in scale than some regional courses, the course layout includes open fairways, manageable hazards, and greens that reward precision without overwhelming casual players.

Its proximity to other recreational facilities and welcoming environment make Goose Run a suitable choice for golfers of all skill levels. Although it may not carry the same prestige as private clubs, it holds a valuable place in the local golf scene by providing accessible play.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Old Lyme, Tammy Tinnerello can guide you with expertise and insight. Since 2016, Tammy has built her reputation as one of the Shoreline’s most respected agents, known for her skilled negotiation, deep market knowledge, and genuine integrity. Tammy understands how to match clients with homes that align with their passions, whether that means proximity to Black Hall Club, a quiet inland neighborhood near Rogers Lake, or a residence that places you minutes from Old Lyme Country Club.

Reach out to Tammy Tinnerello today to start your next chapter.