What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State? (Connecticut)

Hunter Golf Club 

Connecticut may be known for its scenic New England charm, but when it comes to golf, not every course lives up to the state’s reputation for rolling hills, historic landscapes, and pristine playing conditions. While Connecticut boasts some gems like Wintonbury Hills and Lake of Isles, there are also a few tracks that frustrate players more than they delight. From poor maintenance to awkward layouts, these courses stand out for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a look at the three worst golf courses in Connecticut.

1. Hunter Golf Club (Meriden)

On paper, Hunter Golf Club should be one of the better municipal courses in the state. It’s a long-standing course with a central location, affordable rates, and a layout that challenges both beginners and seasoned players. Unfortunately, the reality is much different.

The biggest complaint from golfers centers around maintenance—or the lack thereof. Tee boxes are often uneven and worn down, bunkers regularly resemble compacted dirt rather than sand, and the fairways frequently struggle with patchy grass. Greens, which should be the pride of any course, are notoriously inconsistent, making putting more about luck than skill.

Customer service also receives mixed reviews, with many feeling the staff lacks the attentiveness and friendliness expected at a public facility. While Hunter has potential, its neglect over the years has led to frustration for locals who want to love their hometown course but simply can’t.

East Hartford Golf Club

2. East Hartford Golf Club (East Hartford)

East Hartford Golf Club suffers from the kind of reputation that no course wants: being remembered more for what it used to be than what it is today. Once considered a solid option for affordable public play, it has seen a noticeable decline in upkeep.

Golfers often note the overgrown roughs and inconsistent fairways, where you’re just as likely to be hitting out of mud or weeds as you are from grass. Drainage is also a recurring issue—after even moderate rainfall, the course tends to hold water like a sponge, leaving soggy lies and unplayable areas.

Another major issue lies in its uninspired design. The layout lacks variety and character, often leaving players with a sense of déjà vu from hole to hole. Combined with sluggish pace-of-play concerns, East Hartford Golf Club has unfortunately fallen well behind competing public tracks in the region.

Copper Hill Golf Club

3. Copper Hill Golf Club (East Granby)

Rounding out the list is Copper Hill, a course that divides opinion but too often leaves players disappointed. Located near Bradley International Airport, the course markets itself as an accessible community golf experience, but it struggles to deliver a quality round.

Golfers frequently cite poor conditioning as the most glaring issue. The fairways and greens are inconsistent, with brown patches common during the summer months. Bunkers are often neglected, and tee boxes can be riddled with bare spots. On top of that, the course’s tight and quirky layout feels more like it was squeezed onto the property rather than thoughtfully designed, leading to awkward transitions and some safety concerns when holes run too close together.

To its credit, Copper Hill has a dedicated group of local players and junior programs, but when compared to other public golf offerings in Connecticut, it falls short of expectations.

Final Thoughts

Connecticut is fortunate to have a strong selection of golf courses that showcase the state’s natural beauty and provide memorable experiences. Unfortunately, not every track makes the cut. Hunter Golf Club, East Hartford Golf Club, and Copper Hill Golf Club are three that consistently struggle with maintenance, design, or overall playability, leaving golfers frustrated instead of fulfilled.

For those looking to tee it up in the Nutmeg State, it’s worth seeking out better-maintained alternatives like Richter Park in Danbury or Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield—courses that highlight what Connecticut golf can and should be.