In continuing our feature of the Hartford Connecticut area and some of the best leisure activities we have found a must play golf course in Gillette Ridge. This is a course that gives you a public feel in your wallet, but a country club experience from the course to the clubhouse, this is a true gem.
What really makes this course one of the most unique courses we have played in some time is the surroundings of the course. Arnold Palmer designed the course that encompasses tree-lined fairways, water hazards and an office building of a major insurance company. Gillette Ridge was named to honor Francis Gillette, a local 19th century reformer, politician and business leader, whose house still stands on the site.
There are four sets of tees at Gillette Ridge, making the course play anywhere from 7,191 yards at the tips to 5,582 from the forward markers. The course has been given a slope of 135 and a rating of slightly over 74 from the back markers.
From the first tee box, the holes at Gillette Ridge stack up like a true golfing paradise. Better not get lulled into a reverie by the natural beauty and magnificent sculpting of the holes, many of which are self-contained. There are plenty of good golf shots that need to be played. This is a course that will challenge even the best handicappers.
The 17th hole is one that we have to mention because it is a monstrous 577-yard dogleg par-five. This hole will offer a close up view of the Isamu Noguchi Sculptures at Cigna. The large stone sculptures present an intriguing sight to the right of the fairway. This is one of the most unique items I have ever seen at a course.
The 18th hole at Gillette Ridge may be the best finishing hole in the state. It's 478 yards from the tips, and the tee shot must be on the money or you will likely finish your round a little bit higher on the scorecard than anticipated. The approach will be made to a narrow green protected by a large pond to the right and bunkers. This is a hole where you will just enjoy letting it rip, it was by far our most favorite on the entire course.
What golfers will really enjoy about Gillette Ridge is their Country Club atmosphere as you finish your round and starts right in the clubhouse. The food served at the Grill Room is one of the best your will find at any public golf course and they offer some selections that would not be found at some of the best courses anywhere.
Our first selection from the menu is a must if you are a fan of Calamari. It is lightly breaded, tossed in olive oil and served with sweet and hot peppers and cooked perfectly to order… A great way to start the 19th hole in style for $10.00.
For those who want a quick sandwich for lunch, Gillette Ridge continues to deliver the Country Club selections with not two or three sandwich options, but 10 that include two wraps and even a half-pound PGA burger.
If you are lucky enough to play the course in the twilight hours, then you probably will want to stay for dinner and we highly encourage trying the Grill’s 14 ounce New York Strip steaks as the amount of food on the plate will have you just as amazed as you will be with the course itself. Served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables and a choice of mushroom demi-glaze or peppercorn bourbon reduction, this is a dish that will rival some of the best steakhouses in the country. It is also great that you can get all of this and not have to pay $40.00 for something less than what you expected. This delicious choice is available for just $19.00.
While some will prefer a nice steak or sandwich, we must say any course that does seafood with excellence is an award winner in our books. The pan seared Salmon served with wild rice and steamed vegetables is more fish than most can handle. It is a huge portion for an unbelievable price of $15.
If a summer pleasure trip or business brings you to Connecticut, then this is your place for a relaxing afternoon and evening. They offer one of the best experiences from beginning to end that any course will offer.
Gillette Ridge is just minutes from downtown Hartford and is probably one of the closest courses for those in town on business at the Convention Center. If you are not staying at the Downtown Hartford Marriott, we suggest booking a reservation as this is Hartford’s premiere hotel. You can also visit our feature at www.pointedmagazine.com
For more information on the Gillette Ridge Golf Course, please visit their website at www.gilletteridgegolf.com or contact the clubhouse at 860 726-1430
Gillette Ridge Golf Course
1360 Hall Blvd. (Route 218)
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 726-1430
Holes: 18
Architect: Palmer Course Design Co.
Directions: From I-91, Exit 35 (Route 218), head west on Route 218.
Rates:
Monday-Thursday $65
Twilight $40
Friday-Sunday $80
Twilight $50
