
Fenwick Golf Course is a public 9-hole golf course located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. It is Connecticut's oldest golf course, established in 1895 or 1896, and is known for its unique, historic design and challenging play due to seaside winds. The course offers scenic views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, lighthouses, and stately mansions, including the restored home of actress Katherine Hepburn. Fenwick Golf Course does not have a traditional clubhouse, but it provides free pull carts for golfers to use during their round.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA |
| Address | 580 Maple Ave, Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475, Middlesex County |
| Year Established | 1895 or 1896 |
| Course Type | 9-hole, par-34 |
| Yardage | 2,904 yards |
| Course Conditions | Well-kept, firm fairways, fast greens |
| Views | Long Island Sound, Connecticut River, lighthouses, stately mansions, including Katharine Hepburn's home |
| Amenities | No clubhouse, free pull carts provided, no golf cart rentals |
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What You'll Learn
- Fenwick Golf Course is Connecticut's oldest public golf course, established in 1895 or 1896
- The course is 2,904 yards and a par-34, with tiny greens and challenging seaside winds
- There is no clubhouse, but there is a starter's shack and free pull carts available
- The course has scenic views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, and lighthouses
- The course is well-kept, and the staff is friendly

Fenwick Golf Course is Connecticut's oldest public golf course, established in 1895 or 1896
Fenwick Golf Course, located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is the oldest public golf course in the state, established in 1895 or 1896. The 9-hole course is known for its unique and historic golfing experience, offering stunning views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, lighthouses, and stately mansions, including the restored home of actress Katherine Hepburn.
The course is well-maintained, with a length of 2,904 yards and a par-34 rating. It presents a challenging yet enjoyable test for golfers, characterized by tiny greens and seaside winds that demand precise iron play. Fenwick Golf Course embraces the traditional style of golf, reminiscent of the days of gutta-percha golf balls, sand tees, and hickory-shafted clubs.
The course is open to the public, and while it does not feature a clubhouse, golfers will find a starter's shack, free pull carts, and a friendly staff. The absence of golf cart rentals aligns with the borough's pedestrian-friendly nature, as residents often use carts for getting around or leisure strolls through the majestic homes and streets of Fenwick.
Fenwick Golf Course is more than just a place to play golf; it's a journey through time. Golf enthusiasts seeking a blend of history and natural beauty will find this course a must-visit destination. The course's long-standing tradition, combined with its scenic surroundings, creates an unforgettable golfing experience that has attracted golfers for well over a century.
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The course is 2,904 yards and a par-34, with tiny greens and challenging seaside winds
The Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a 2,904-yard, par-34 course. It is Connecticut's oldest public golf course, established in 1895 or 1896. The course is well-maintained, with firm fairways and fast greens. It is characterised by tiny greens and challenging seaside winds, which can make play more difficult. The course design incorporates scenic views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, lighthouses, and stately mansions, including the restored home of actress Katharine Hepburn.
The Fenwick Golf Course offers a unique 9-hole experience, providing a glimpse into the history of golf. It is known for its links-style golf and unmatched views of the Connecticut coast. The course does not feature a traditional clubhouse; instead, it has a starter's shack, and golfers can utilise free pull carts or bring their own. The course winds through the majestic homes and streets of the borough, with cart paths and streets open to the public.
The conditioning of the course is praised as ideal for a public course. The fairways are firm, providing excellent golfing turf. The greens are designed to roll fast enough to challenge downhillers without being excessively quick. The course demands precision and strategic iron play to navigate the tiny greens and unpredictable seaside winds effectively.
Golfers can enjoy the views and sounds of the surrounding area while playing. The absence of a clubhouse and the presence of pull carts contribute to a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of golf in the 1920s. The course is walkable, and golfers are encouraged to stroll and appreciate the unique setting. The combination of its historical context, scenic views, and challenging gameplay makes the Fenwick Golf Course a desirable destination for golf enthusiasts.
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There is no clubhouse, but there is a starter's shack and free pull carts available
Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a unique 9-hole, par-34 course that is open to the public. It is Connecticut's oldest public golf course, established in 1895 or 1896. The course is 2,904 yards long and offers stunning views of the Connecticut coast, including the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
Although Fenwick Golf Course does not have a traditional clubhouse, it provides a starter's shack for golfers to use. Additionally, the course offers free pull carts for golfers to use during their round. This is convenient, as the course is best experienced on foot to appreciate the history of golf and the breathtaking scenery.
The absence of a clubhouse and the provision of free pull carts contribute to the unique character of Fenwick Golf Course. The course is known for its challenging yet rewarding play, with tiny greens and unpredictable seaside winds that demand precise iron play. The conditioning of the course is excellent, with firm fairways and fast greens that offer a challenge without being overly difficult.
The staff at Fenwick Golf Course are very friendly, and the course is well-maintained. The experience is reminiscent of golf in the 1920s, with unique hazards like the wall of sod on hole #6. The course winds through majestic homes and streets of the borough, with cart paths and streets open to the public.
Overall, Fenwick Golf Course offers a delightful blend of history, scenery, and challenging golf. The lack of a traditional clubhouse and the availability of free pull carts add to the charm and uniqueness of the golfing experience at Fenwick.
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The course has scenic views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, and lighthouses
Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is Connecticut's oldest and most historic public golf course. It was established in 1895 or 1896 and has been open to the public for well over a century.
The 9-hole course is 2,904 yards long and has a par of 34. It is located where the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River meet, providing golfers with scenic views of the coast. The course also offers views of lighthouses and stately mansions, including the restored home of actress Katharine Hepburn.
The course is known for its tiny greens and challenging seaside winds, which make surgical iron play a necessity. The fairways are firm, and the greens are fast, adding further difficulty. The course is well-maintained, and the staff are friendly.
There is no clubhouse at Fenwick Golf Course, but there is a starter's shack, and free pull carts are provided. Many residents of the Borough of Fenwick bring their own golf carts or use them to get around the borough, so it is common to see carts and pedestrians on or near the course. The cart paths and streets are open to the public.
The Fenwick Golf Course website provides information on scheduling tee times, and all playing privileges are at the discretion of the Borough of Fenwick.
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The course is well-kept, and the staff is friendly
The Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is the oldest public golf course in the state, dating back to 1895 or 1896. It is a 9-hole course with stunning views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, lighthouses, and stately mansions, including the restored home of Katherine Hepburn.
The course is well-kept, with firm fairways and fast greens that provide a challenge for golfers. The tiny greens and seaside winds add an extra layer of difficulty, requiring precise iron play. The course is walkable, and free pull carts are provided, although some choose to bring their own carts.
The staff at Fenwick Golf Course is known for their friendliness and hospitality. They ensure that golfers have a pleasant experience and can provide insights into the history of the course, which has been a fixture of the community for over a century.
The course has a unique, old-school charm, reminiscent of golf in the 1920s. It is a step back in time, with its links-style layout and the absence of a clubhouse, replaced by a starter's shack. The surrounding area is also car-free, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, the Fenwick Golf Course offers a delightful blend of a well-maintained course, friendly staff, and a rich historical context, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Fenwick Golf Course is open to the public.
Fenwick Golf Course is located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, United States.
Fenwick Golf Course is Connecticut's oldest public golf course, established in 1895 or 1896. It is a 9-hole, 2,904-yard par-34 course with tiny greens and challenging seaside winds. The course offers scenic views of the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, and Kathryn Hepburn's house.
There is no clubhouse at Fenwick Golf Course, only a starter's shack. They do not rent golf carts, but they provide free pull carts, and golfers are also allowed to bring their own carts.
All playing privileges can be revoked at the discretion of the Borough of Fenwick.




















