From traditional private clubs to approachable public courses, Fairfield County, Connecticut, offers golf experiences for a range of playing abilities and lifestyles. Some courses welcome daily tee times, beginner clinics and casual nine-hole rounds. Others center around membership, tournaments, dining, racquet sports, swimming and year-round social activities.

The county’s golf landscape is closely connected to its geography. Shoreline golfers can play near Long Island Sound in Westport, Stratford and Norwalk. Farther inland, Ridgefield, Danbury, Monroe, Newtown, Trumbull and Wilton offer wooded and rolling layouts shaped by Fairfield County’s hills, ponds and mature New England landscape.

For people moving to Fairfield County, course access may become one part of a broader lifestyle decision. Frequent golfers may prioritize a short drive to a private club or full practice facility. Occasional players may prefer a location between several public courses, while seasonal residents may value lower-maintenance living near golf, dining, lakes, beaches and town centers.

This guide focuses on public courses and a representative selection of private clubs with enough public-facing information to verify their facilities and membership structures. Fairfield County also contains additional invitation-only clubs that disclose few details beyond their guest and contact policies.

Fairfield County Golf Courses at a Glance

Public Golf Courses in Fairfield County

Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield

Course access: Public.
Number of holes: Two separate 18-hole layouts, traditionally identified as the Red and Black courses.
Tee times: Public reservations may be made online or through the golf shop.
Course character: The two-course facility gives golfers more variety than a typical municipal property. The Red Course measures 6,568 yards from its championship tees and places a premium on accurate tee shots and careful reading of its greens.
Practice: Full driving range.
Instruction: Private professional instruction is offered.
Programs: Golf outings and organized events are accommodated.
Amenities: Golf shop, food service and event support.
Why play here: The ability to choose between two full-length courses makes Fairchild Wheeler particularly useful for repeat public play.
Good to know: The courses are operated as a public facility, but resident identification programs and rate structures can affect pricing and advance access.

H. Smith Richardson and Carl J. Dickman in Fairfield

Fairfield operates two municipal golf experiences designed for different types of play.

H. Smith Richardson Golf Course

Course access: Municipal and public.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: Advance reservations are available, with separate resident, nonresident and season-pass rates.
Course character: The par-72/73 course ranges from approximately 5,311 to 6,704 yards, providing several tee options across a conventional championship layout.
Practice and instruction: Golf services and practice opportunities are available; confirm current clinic and lesson schedules.
Amenities: Restaurant, golf shop, carts, outings and season passes.
Why play here: It provides a full municipal round within easy reach of Fairfield, Easton, Westport and Bridgeport.
Good to know: Resident and nonresident rates differ, and nine-hole availability may be limited by day and time.

Carl J. Dickman Par 3 Golf Course

The Carl J. Dickman facility offers a shorter nine-hole par-three format and a driving-range component. It can be a practical option for beginners, short-game practice or golfers who do not have time for a full 18-hole round.

Current opening dates, range hours, carts, lessons and walk-on procedures should be confirmed directly with Fairfield’s golf operations.

Tashua Knolls and Tashua Glen in Trumbull

Course access: Municipal and public.
Number of holes: Tashua Knolls has 18 holes; adjacent Tashua Glen has nine.
Tee times: Online reservations are available, subject to resident and public procedures.
Course character: Tashua Knolls occupies former farmland and provides a traditional full-length layout. Tashua Glen offers a shorter and more approachable alternative and has been recognized as a family-course facility.
Practice: Full-distance range, two putting greens, chipping green and indoor TrackMan training center.
Instruction: Beginner-to-advanced lessons, camps and professional instruction are available.
Programs: Men’s and women’s associations, weekly tournaments, junior activities and golf events.
Amenities: Pro shop, club fitting, dining and event facilities.
Why play here: Few public facilities in the county combine an 18-hole course, a separate nine-hole course and such extensive indoor and outdoor practice options.
Good to know: Range play may alternate between mats and grass, and events can affect weekend tee-time availability.

Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury

Course access: Municipal and public.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: Public reservations and seasonal pass options are available.
Course character: Richter Park moves through the hills surrounding West Lake Reservoir, creating elevation changes, water carries and scenic views across the western side of the county. Four tee sets allow players to adjust the course to their games.
Practice: A 20-bay driving range, two chipping and putting greens and a practice bunker.
Instruction: Private lessons and junior programming are offered through the professional staff.
Programs: Junior camps, tournaments and outings.
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant and event support.
Why play here: It combines a visually distinctive inland course with one of Fairfield County’s more complete public practice facilities.
Good to know: Frost, wet conditions and reservoir-area weather can affect spring and late-season cart policies.

Ridgefield Golf Course in Ridgefield

Course access: Municipal and public, with optional memberships.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: Public tee times are available online, with different reservation windows for members and guests.
Course character: The George and Tom Fazio design uses rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, ponds and varied green complexes. The front nine is relatively open from the tee, while the back nine generally places greater pressure on driving accuracy.
Practice: Practice facilities are available; confirm current public access to each area.
Instruction: Private lessons, junior clinics and periodic beginner or women’s clinics.
Programs: Leagues, mixed events, tournaments and local school golf.
Amenities: Restaurant, golf shop, carts, push carts and club rentals.
Why play here: The course provides a true hill-country round close to Ridgefield’s village center and the Route 7 corridor.
Good to know: Reservation changes must be handled directly with the pro shop under the current policy.

Chris Bargas Golf Club at Whitney Farms in Monroe

Course access: Public.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: Reservations are offered through the course.
Course character: The Hal C. Purdy-designed course opened in 1982 and follows wooded, rolling New England terrain.
Practice: Driving range and practice green.
Instruction: Lessons may be conducted on the course, range or indoor simulator.
Programs: Junior golf and other instructional options are available seasonally.
Amenities: Pro shop, TrackMan simulator room, lounge, dining and private-event space.
Why play here: Whitney Farms provides outdoor golf and year-round simulator practice in one location, making it useful during Connecticut’s colder or wetter months.
Good to know: The course publishes a target pace of four hours and 30 minutes for an 18-hole round.

Oak Hills Park Golf Course in Norwalk

Course access: Municipal and public.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: Public booking is available, with resident passholders receiving separate privileges and pricing.
Course character: Oak Hills occupies approximately 144 acres of wooded and rolling terrain in Norwalk.
Practice: The professional teaching area has controlled access and is not a general public driving range.
Instruction: Private instruction and junior clinics are offered.
Programs: Junior schools, outings and annual-pass programs.
Amenities: Restaurant, tennis courts and walking trails within the larger park.
Why play here: It combines public golf with a broader outdoor-recreation property near Norwalk, Westport and lower Fairfield County.
Good to know: Golfers specifically looking for unrestricted range practice should verify the current practice setup before visiting.

Longshore Golf Course in Westport

Course access: Municipal and public.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: The town introduced a new online reservation system for the 2026 season. Resident and nonresident rules differ.
Course character: Longshore is a relatively short, walkable layout overlooking Long Island Sound. The setting distinguishes it from the county’s more wooded inland courses.
Practice: Driving range.
Instruction: Private and group lessons are offered through the professional staff.
Programs: Golf associations and seasonal instruction.
Amenities: Golf shop and access to the broader recreational setting of Longshore Club Park.
Why play here: Longshore connects golf with Westport’s shoreline, boating, dining and arts-oriented lifestyle.
Good to know: Demand for tee times can be high, and municipal booking priorities should be reviewed before planning a weekend round.

Sterling Farms and E. Gaynor Brennan in Stamford

Stamford residents and the public have access to two municipal 18-hole courses.

Sterling Farms Golf Course

Sterling Farms combines an 18-hole course with a 44-bay driving range, PGA instruction, tennis courts, two restaurants and year-round performing arts at Curtain Call. The range can remain open later than the golf course during parts of the season, making Sterling a practical choice for after-work practice. Outings and women’s golf programming are also offered.

E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course

E. Gaynor Brennan is an 18-hole municipal course on approximately 70 acres near downtown Stamford. It offers public tee times, a restaurant, a golf shop and professional instruction. The compact setting provides a distinctly different experience from Sterling Farms’ larger recreational campus. Stamford resident golf permits can be used within the city’s municipal system, subject to current rules.

Short Beach Golf Course in Stratford

Course access: Municipal and public.
Number of holes: Confirm the currently operated routing directly with the course.
Tee times: Online reservations are available through Stratford’s municipal system.
Course character: The course sits within the Short Beach recreation area, giving it a coastal park setting rather than a conventional inland-country-club atmosphere.
Practice and instruction: Confirm current lesson and practice facilities directly.
Programs: Local golf groups and seasonal municipal programming.
Amenities: Immediate access to the broader Short Beach property.
Why play here: It offers a shorter, locally oriented golf experience connected to Stratford’s shoreline recreation.
Good to know: Major beach events can close the golf course for an entire day, and seasonal hours can change.

Private Golf and Country Clubs in Fairfield County

Private clubs require a different comparison from public courses. Membership may involve an application, an invitation, a current-member sponsor or a formal admissions process. Some clubs offer distinct golf, social, racquet or pool memberships, while others limit public access to member-sponsored guests.

Initiation fees, annual dues and capital assessments are frequently unavailable to the public. Membership categories and current fees should be confirmed directly with the club.

The Patterson Club in Fairfield

The Patterson Club is a private, year-round club on 163 acres in Fairfield’s Greenfield Hill area. Its facilities include an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. course, tennis, pickleball, paddle, heated pools, dining and social programming.

Published categories include full-privilege membership and a house, tennis and pool category that generally excludes regular golf access. Membership is by invitation, and candidates must be supported by three qualifying members. The club did not offer seasonal memberships or its introductory program for 2026.

Prospective members may complete an inquiry, review the current prospectus and arrange a call with the membership director. Fees and the availability of a property tour should be confirmed during that process.

Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield

Brooklawn is a private 18-hole club with a course associated with A.W. Tillinghast, a seven-court tennis center, swimming and recreation complex, extensive clubhouse and year-round social life.

Golf, tennis, platform tennis and swimming instruction and programming are part of club operations. Private events and golf outings may be accommodated under club policies.

Membership is by invitation from a current member. Categories, sponsorship requirements, fees, guest privileges and prospective visits should be confirmed with the club.

Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston

Aspetuck Valley is a private, year-round club set along the Aspetuck River in Weston. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 11 tennis courts, four paddle courts, swimming and diving, dining and summer camp.

One distinguishing feature is that the club does not use conventional tee times, allowing eligible members to play according to its internal golf procedures. Practice privileges and guest access remain subject to club rules.

Current golf, social and recreational categories, fees, application requirements and tour arrangements should be discussed with the membership office.

Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield

Silver Spring is a private 18-hole club on approximately 300 acres in Ridgefield. The course is described as walkable and suitable for different playing levels.

Membership life extends beyond golf to tennis, paddle, pickleball, swimming, dining and social events. The club publishes guest information, but detailed membership fees and admissions requirements are not publicly listed.

Prospective members should contact the membership office about current categories, family or individual structures, junior golf, tournaments and arranging a visit.

Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury

Ridgewood is a private 18-hole club with a course that moves across rolling terrain. Members have access to professional golf programming, an active men’s and women’s tournament calendar, twilight mixed events and junior golf.

The broader club includes tennis, pickleball, swimming, dining and social activities. Published guest rules limit how frequently nonmembers may use golf and other facilities.

Current membership classifications, fees, range privileges and application procedures should be confirmed with the membership coordinator rather than relying on older fee documents.

Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton

Rolling Hills is a private 18-hole club with full-golf and non-golf membership categories. The full category includes golf, racquet sports, pool, dining and social privileges, while the second published category excludes golf.

Amenities include a six-lane pool, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, three paddle courts, multiple dining areas, patios and a ballroom capable of hosting larger events.

Current dues, initiation fees, family and individual structures, guest policies and tour availability should be confirmed through the club’s membership department.

Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk

Shorehaven is a private waterfront-area club whose members use golf, swimming, racquet sports, dining, wellness and social facilities.

Membership candidates must be sponsored by a current member. Professional golf instruction and member programming are available, while private gatherings are generally member-sponsored.

The club does not publicly disclose complete membership categories or current costs. Prospective members should ask about golf privileges, junior programming, pool and racquet access, locker facilities and whether an introductory visit can be arranged.

Mill River Country Club in Stratford

Mill River is a private, member-owned club with an 18-hole course near the Housatonic River. Membership materials describe family-package access to golf, the swimming pool and recreational activities.

The club offers men’s and women’s golf, member instruction, a pro shop, swimming, dining, bowling and social programming. Golf and event facilities may also accommodate organized functions.

Current membership categories, application requirements, fees, guest privileges and tour arrangements should be confirmed through a direct inquiry.

Rock Ridge Country Club in Newtown

Rock Ridge is a private nine-hole club with four Har-Tru tennis courts, an L-shaped pool, pool cabana, clubhouse, outdoor patio and firepit. An indoor golf simulator extends play and practice beyond the outdoor season.

Its smaller-course format creates a different membership experience from the county’s full 18-hole clubs and may suit golfers who prefer shorter rounds and a more compact social setting.

Membership types, fees, golf access, guest policies and tour availability should be confirmed directly with the club.

Other Invitation-Only Clubs

Fairfield County also contains additional private clubs, including clubs in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan and Fairfield that publish limited information about membership. For example, Greenwich Country Club states that membership is invitation-only, while Woodway Country Club provides membership information only through an active member in good standing. These policies illustrate why online directories should never be used to estimate availability or costs at private clubs.

Choosing the Right Golf Experience

Golfers seeking public 18-hole variety can compare Fairchild Wheeler’s two courses, the paired Stamford municipal system and the full-length options in Fairfield, Ridgefield, Danbury, Norwalk, Westport and Monroe.

For a shorter or introductory round, Tashua Glen, Carl J. Dickman and Short Beach provide alternatives to a full-day outing. The precise playing format, booking rules and seasonal operations should be checked before visiting.

Golfers focused on practice and instruction may prefer Tashua Knolls, Richter Park, Sterling Farms, Whitney Farms or Fairchild Wheeler. Tashua adds an indoor training center, Whitney Farms has TrackMan simulators, and Sterling Farms operates a large range that may remain open after normal course hours.

Private-club shoppers should first decide whether they want a golf-first experience or a broader recreational club. Ridgewood, Silver Spring and Aspetuck combine golf with several sports and social amenities. Patterson, Brooklawn and Rolling Hills offer extensive year-round club programming. Rock Ridge provides a smaller nine-hole model, while Shorehaven and Mill River connect membership more closely to lower-county and shoreline living.

Questions to Ask Before Joining a Private Golf Club

Before applying, ask:

1. Is membership available by application, invitation, sponsorship or current-member referral?
2. Are full-golf, limited-golf, social, racquet, pool, junior or nonresident categories available?
3. What initiation fee, annual dues, capital assessments and food minimums currently apply?
4. Does membership include the driving range, practice areas, lockers and bag storage?
5. How are tee times handled, and are there restricted weekend or holiday periods?
6. What guest privileges and member-guest tournament opportunities are included?
7. Are tennis, pickleball, paddle, swimming, fitness or summer programs included?
8. Are dependent children included within a household membership?
9. Can prospective members tour the club or play an introductory round?
10. Are there resignation-notice requirements or ongoing financial obligations?

Golf and Everyday Life in Fairfield County

For buyers considering a move to Fairfield County, the location of a preferred course may become part of a broader home search.

Danbury, Ridgefield, Newtown and Monroe provide access to public and private golf within the county’s more wooded and rolling interior. These communities also place golfers near Candlewood Lake, hiking destinations and country-road recreation.

Fairfield, Trumbull and Stratford offer several municipal, public and private options near town centers, coastal recreation and major transportation corridors. Norwalk, Westport and Stamford combine public golf with waterfront parks, dining, arts and Metro-North access.

Wilton, Weston and northern Fairfield contain private clubs within more residential and wooded settings, while Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan have numerous private clubs with highly selective or invitation-based membership processes.

The property itself may also influence the search. A finished lower level, detached studio or bonus room could potentially accommodate a golf simulator, subject to ceiling height, ventilation and equipment requirements. Larger properties may offer room for a practice net, chipping area or putting green, subject to zoning, wetlands, drainage and other municipal approvals.

Seasonal residents may instead prioritize a condominium, townhome or lower-maintenance residence that makes weekend golf and travel easier. The most practical location is often the one that balances course access with work, commuting, restaurants, beaches, marinas, lakes, cultural destinations and everyday services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf in Fairfield County

Are there public golf courses in Fairfield County?

Yes. Public options include Fairchild Wheeler, H. Smith Richardson, Carl J. Dickman, Tashua Knolls, Tashua Glen, Richter Park, Ridgefield Golf Course, Whitney Farms, Oak Hills, Longshore, Sterling Farms, E. Gaynor Brennan and Short Beach. Booking priorities and resident rates differ by municipality.

Which public courses have driving ranges?

Fairchild Wheeler, Tashua Knolls, Richter Park, Whitney Farms, Longshore and Sterling Farms publish driving-range facilities. Ridgefield and H. Smith Richardson also provide practice opportunities, although golfers should confirm the current scope and public-use policies.

Are there public nine-hole courses in Fairfield County?

Yes. Tashua Glen and Carl J. Dickman provide nine-hole public options. Short Beach also offers a shorter municipal golf experience, although its current routing should be confirmed directly before publication or play.

Which courses offer golf lessons?

Published instruction is available at Fairchild Wheeler, Tashua Knolls, Richter Park, Ridgefield Golf Course, Whitney Farms, Oak Hills, Longshore, Sterling Farms and E. Gaynor Brennan. Private clubs generally provide instruction for members and authorized guests.

Can nonmembers play at Fairfield County private clubs?

Generally, private-club play is limited to members, invited guests, member-sponsored events or approved prospective-member visits. Patterson, Brooklawn and Greenwich Country Club expressly use invitation-based membership structures, while Shorehaven requires a current-member sponsor for candidates.

When is golf season in Fairfield County?

The primary outdoor season generally runs from early spring through late fall, depending on frost, snow, drainage and course conditions. Some facilities extend practice through indoor simulators, heated ranges or weather-permitting winter operations. Sterling Farms is operated on a year-round, weather-permitting basis, while Whitney Farms, Tashua and Rock Ridge offer indoor options.

Explore More Connecticut Golf Courses

Fairfield County is only one part of Connecticut’s golf landscape. Golfers comparing different regions can also explore public courses, private clubs, practice facilities and membership experiences throughout Litchfield and New Haven Counties.

Explore Public and Private Golf Courses in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Discover scenic public courses, traditional private clubs and golf-centered recreation throughout the Litchfield Hills, including options near historic villages, country properties, lakes and weekend-home destinations.

Explore Public and Private Golf Courses in New Haven County, Connecticut

Compare municipal courses, public tee-time options and private country clubs from the New Haven area and Naugatuck Valley to the Connecticut shoreline.

Whether you are searching for a favorite public course, considering private-club membership or comparing communities based on the recreational lifestyle they offer, these county guides can help you better understand the range of golf experiences available across Western and South-Central Connecticut.

Exploring Fairfield County Real Estate

Whether golf is a weekend interest, a membership-centered lifestyle or simply one part of a move to Fairfield County, choosing the right town involves more than finding the nearest course. The Brokerage of New England helps buyers, sellers and relocating clients explore homes and communities throughout Fairfield County and Western Connecticut.

Browse available Connecticut properties

Explore Fairfield County real estate and communities

Contact The Brokerage of New England

Email: [email protected]

Wherever Life Moves You, We're Here to Help.

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, we’re here with the insight and support you need to make the best decision for you, your family and your future investment. Connect with us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you.

_{Disclaimer: The information provided by The Brokerage of New England on this website, blog and related marketing platforms is for general informational and promotional purposes only. While every effort is made to provide timely and accurate information, property details, measurements, pricing, availability, market statistics, school information, community descriptions and other content are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed and are subject to change, correction, prior sale, withdrawal or other modification without notice. Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute legal, tax, financial, insurance, appraisal, inspection, engineering or other professional advice. Readers should independently verify all information and consult the appropriate licensed professionals before making real estate or financial decisions. Viewing this content, submitting an inquiry or communicating with The Brokerage of New England does not create a brokerage, agency, fiduciary or client relationship. Representation is established only through a written agreement signed by the applicable parties. References to neighborhoods, schools, commuting options, businesses, attractions and third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee. Photographs, renderings, maps and measurements may be approximate or digitally enhanced. Equal Housing Opportunity. © The Brokerage of New England. All rights reserved. Connecticut Licensed Real Estate Brokerage.}