Public and Private Golf Courses in Litchfield County, Connecticut

From traditional private clubs to approachable public courses, Litchfield County offers golf experiences for different playing abilities, schedules and lifestyles. Some courses welcome daily tee times and casual nine-hole rounds. Others are organized around membership, tournaments, dining, racquet sports, lake access and a full calendar of member activities.

The variety reflects the county itself. Golfers can find wooded courses near historic villages, public layouts within reach of larger town centers, private clubs in the Northwest Corner and membership experiences connected to the Lake Waramaug lifestyle. For people moving to Litchfield County, the location and character of a favorite course may become one part of deciding where to live, spend weekends or purchase a second home.

This guide compares public, municipal, semi-private and private golf courses in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Course access, membership rules, tee-time policies and seasonal programs can change, so golfers should confirm current information directly with each course before visiting or applying for membership. 

Litchfield County Golf Courses at a Glance

Public and Semi-Private Golf Courses in Litchfield County

Fairview Farm Golf Course in Harwinton

Course access: Public.
Number of holes: 18-hole, par-72 championship course.
Tee times: Public tee times may be booked through the course.
Course character: Fairview Farm occupies approximately 180 acres and offers a full-length New England golf experience with an open rural setting and enough variety for both recreational and experienced players.
Practice: Driving range and two-tiered putting green.
Instruction: Private instruction, junior clinics and junior league programming are offered.
Programs: The course publishes organized leagues and accommodates tournaments, corporate outings and charity events.
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar and event venue.
Why play here: Fairview Farm combines a complete 18-hole round with substantial practice facilities and post-round dining, making it useful for both regular play and organized outings.
Good to know: League schedules, junior programs and seasonal operations vary by year and should be confirmed before planning a visit.

Candlewood Valley Country Club in New Milford

Course access: Public.
Number of holes: 18.
Tee times: Online reservations are available, and the club advertises booking without an additional online booking fee.
Course character: The course is known for a scenic, rolling layout that presents enough challenge for experienced golfers while remaining accessible to people developing their game.
Practice: A putting and chipping area is available. Candlewood Valley does not operate a full public driving range; range use is reserved for instruction with the golf professional.
Instruction: Private and group lessons are available through the PGA professional, including instruction for junior golfers.
Programs: Leagues, golf outings and special programming are offered. The course calendar has included an after-dark glow-golf event, although future night-golf dates should be confirmed.
Amenities: Pro shop, restaurant, banquet and social-event facilities.
Why play here: Its New Milford location works particularly well for golfers who want public access near the town center, Candlewood Lake and communities along the southern side of Litchfield County.
Good to know: Do not arrive expecting a public driving range; golfers seeking full practice-range access should consider that distinction when comparing courses.

Crestbrook Park Golf Course in Watertown

Course access: Municipal and open to the public.
Number of holes: 18-hole, par-71 course.
Tee times: Reservations can be made online or by phone, subject to current booking policies.
Course character: Crestbrook incorporates fairways, water hazards and bunkering into a municipal layout suited to regular play, organized groups and golfers who want access to both a full course and practice facilities.
Practice: Driving range and three practice greens.
Instruction: Golf instruction availability should be confirmed directly with the course.
Programs: Crestbrook hosts several organized golf groups and leagues, including men’s, women’s, retiree and twilight play.
Amenities: Pro shop, snack service, restaurant and access to other park facilities, including a seasonal pool, tennis and pickleball.
Why play here: It provides one of the county’s more complete municipal recreation settings and is convenient to Watertown, Oakville and the southeastern side of Litchfield County.
Good to know: The operating season is weather-dependent, generally beginning in spring and continuing into late fall or early winter when conditions allow. Cart and same-day operating policies can change with daylight and course conditions.

Stonybrook Golf in Litchfield

Course access: Public.
Number of holes: Nine regulation holes, with golfers able to book nine or play a second loop for an 18-hole round.
Tee times: Reservations may be made online or by phone up to seven days in advance under the published policy.
Course character: Stonybrook is a hilly, par-35 course shaped by elevation changes, uneven lies, undulating greens and Butternut Brook. One hole can be played as either a par three or par four, adding variety to repeat rounds.
Practice: Practice green; no driving range.
Instruction: Private instruction covers putting, short game, full swing and on-course play for different ages and ability levels.
Programs: Junior golf and women’s instructional programming are available.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar, outdoor deck, pro shop, cart rentals and rental clubs.
Why play here: Stonybrook offers a manageable nine-hole format without removing the strategic challenge associated with a more varied hill-country layout.
Good to know: Golfers who want extensive range work should practice elsewhere before arriving, since the course offers a practice green but not a driving range.

Canaan Country Club in North Canaan

Course access: Semi-private, with public tee times and membership options.
Number of holes: Nine-hole, par-35 course.
Tee times: Tee times may be reserved online or by phone.
Course character: The course follows the Blackberry River and inland-wetland landscape, with views toward Canaan Mountain. Its compact format can suit a quick round while still providing the elevation and natural scenery associated with the Northwest Corner.
Practice: Chipping and putting area. The driving range is reserved for members.
Instruction: Current lesson and clinic offerings should be confirmed directly.
Programs: Weekly leagues, tournaments and group outings are offered.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar and event facilities.
Why play here: It provides public access in the northern part of the county and combines golf with a relaxed clubhouse setting.
Good to know: The published season generally runs from April through November, weather permitting. Public golfers should be aware that driving-range access is a member benefit.

Green Woods Country Club in Winsted

Course access: Public daily-fee play with membership options.
Number of holes: Ten-hole course configured as a par-71 round.
Tee times: Public rates and booking information are published by the club.
Course character: Green Woods is distinguished by its unusual 10-hole format and rolling terrain bordered by pine and oak. The configuration creates a different rhythm from a conventional nine- or 18-hole course.
Practice: Driving range and golf-practice facilities.
Instruction: Private and group lessons, clinics, playing lessons and additional instruction through its golf-performance partner are advertised. Simulator rentals, club fitting and related training may also be available.
Programs: Golf events, charity tournaments and membership play.
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar and banquet hall.
Why play here: The combination of public access, range practice, instruction and a less-common course layout makes it distinctive within the county.
Good to know: Golfers should review how the 10-hole routing is being played when reserving a round and confirm current membership privileges directly.

Pequabuck Golf Club in Terryville

Course access: Public rates are offered alongside membership programs.
Number of holes: 18-hole, par-69 course measuring just over 6,000 yards.
Tee times: Contact the pro shop for current tee-time procedures and outside-event availability.
Course character: The layout moves across rolling ground with mature trees, tree-lined fairways and greens that place an emphasis on positioning and accuracy rather than distance alone.
Practice: Driving range and putting green.
Instruction: Current private-lesson, clinic and junior-program availability should be confirmed with the pro shop.
Programs: The club maintains a member tournament schedule and accommodates outside golf events.
Amenities: Pro shop, clubhouse, bar, dining and hall-rental facilities.
Why play here: Pequabuck provides a full 18-hole round in the southeastern portion of the county, convenient to Terryville, Plymouth and the Bristol area.
Good to know: Membership categories and daily rates are published separately and may change by season. Confirm whether a particular tee time is available to public players before traveling.

Eastwood Country Club in Torrington

Course access: Public, with memberships available.
Number of holes: Nine.
Tee times: Current reservation and walk-on procedures should be confirmed directly with the course.
Course character: Eastwood provides a traditional nine-hole option within Torrington, with water hazards and local rules identified on the course’s official website.
Practice: The course does not clearly publish a complete list of practice facilities; confirm before visiting.
Instruction: Golf lessons and club-repair services are offered through the golf professional.
Programs: The course advertises leagues and tournament play.
Amenities: Current food, beverage, rental and event services should be confirmed directly.
Why play here: Eastwood is a practical local choice for golfers seeking a shorter public round in Torrington rather than a full-day 18-hole commitment.
Good to know: Because some policies and amenities are not fully detailed online, calling ahead is especially important.

Private Golf and Country Clubs in Litchfield County

Private clubs operate differently from public courses. Membership may involve an application, a member referral, a trial period or another admissions process. Guest access may require accompaniment by a member, and individual clubs may maintain dress, phone-use and clubhouse policies.

Not every club publicly lists initiation fees, annual dues, sponsorship requirements, locker-room details or prospective-member tours. Where that information is not published, it should not be assumed. Membership categories and current fees should be confirmed directly with the club.

Litchfield Country Club in Litchfield

Litchfield Country Club is a private, member-run club centered around a nine-hole course where members play without reserving tee times. Published membership classes include Regular Membership, which provides dining and unlimited use of the club’s sports facilities, and House Membership, which focuses on dining with more limited sports access and applicable daily-use charges. Spouse, domestic-partner and dependent-child privileges are described within the membership structure.

Beyond golf, the club offers Har-Tru tennis, paddle and pickleball courts, swimming and wading pools, summer programming and dining within a restored 19th-century farmhouse clubhouse. Clinics and lessons are part of the sports program. Current dues, application requirements, guest privileges, event policies and prospective visits should be discussed with the club office.

Torrington Country Club in Goshen

Torrington Country Club is a private 18-hole club established in 1929. Its course uses rolling greens and strategic fairway positioning, creating a traditional full-round experience in a rural Litchfield Hills setting.

The club publishes multiple membership classes, including a Social Plus Golf category that provides limited monthly golf, guest privileges and use of the range, putting and short-game facilities. Other current golf, social and age-based categories should be reviewed directly with the membership office.

Member life includes golf leagues, member tournaments and adult-junior events. The clubhouse provides dining, a lounge and patio, while the club also accommodates charity outings, corporate golf, weddings and private gatherings. Prospective members should contact the club to discuss current application requirements, fees and arranging a visit.

Sharon Country Club in Sharon

Sharon Country Club is a private, member-owned club with a classic nine-hole parkland course designed by Tom Bendelow. A separate three-hole short course adds an option for practice, instruction and shorter-format play.

Golf facilities are complemented by four Har-Tru tennis courts, two paddle courts, a full-service pro shop, an equipment room and a sports pavilion with locker rooms. The club describes programming for junior golfers, beginners, experienced players, families, men, women and seniors, along with dining and social activities.

Private events and outside outings may be considered under the club’s policies. Specific membership categories, sponsorship or application requirements, current dues, guest privileges and tour arrangements are not fully published and should be confirmed directly.

Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk

Norfolk Country Club is a private nine-hole club whose course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1928. The layout follows the rolling and undulating terrain associated with the Northwest Corner.

The club publishes golf and tennis instruction, professional-shop services, dining and children’s programming. Its calendar includes member events and activities, creating a club experience that extends beyond the golf course.

Current membership classes, initiation fees, annual dues, guest privileges, private-event availability and application procedures are not comprehensively posted for the public. Prospective members should contact the club directly to discuss eligibility, current facilities and whether a visit can be arranged.

Washington Club in Washington

The Washington Club combines a historic nine-hole course with racquet facilities, a private beach on Lake Waramaug and social events centered around the club hall near Washington Green. The golf course dates to the late 19th century and is positioned within the rolling landscape of Washington.

Membership information distinguishes among golf, racquets and beach participation, with family, individual and trial opportunities appearing in the club’s published materials. The golf facilities include a clubhouse, pro shop, putting green and practice area. The racquet section includes hard and Har-Tru courts, while the beach section adds a distinctly seasonal lake component.

The club has advertised trial golf membership and an opportunity for prospective members to arrange a complimentary round. Current rates, admission requirements, guest policies and availability should still be confirmed directly before applying.

Lake Waramaug Country Club in New Preston

Lake Waramaug Country Club is a private club on the western side of Lake Waramaug, combining a nine-hole regulation golf course with tennis, beach access, dining and lake-oriented member activities.

The club’s guest policy states that it is maintained for members, their families and their guests. Golf guests are generally expected to be accompanied by a member and to follow the club’s published dress requirements. The clubhouse overlooks the golf course and lake and serves as a setting for member dining and events.

Membership and junior-membership information is handled through the club. Current categories, initiation costs, dues, application requirements, practice-facility privileges, guest limits and prospective tours should be confirmed directly. For golfers comparing private-club lifestyles, this club is differentiated by the connection between golf and Lake Waramaug recreation.

Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in South Kent

Bull’s Bridge Golf Club is a private 18-hole club with a complete hole-by-hole course tour published on its website. The routing includes a mix of par-three, par-four and par-five holes across a full-length Litchfield County course.

The club provides separate online information for guests and membership inquiries. Its guest guidance includes clubhouse and golf-course dress requirements. The membership-inquiry form also requests information about a member lead, although prospective members should contact the club to determine the current referral and admission process.

Membership categories, fees, practice access, instruction, dining, locker-room amenities, tournament programming and private-event policies are not fully described on the public-facing site. These details, along with a prospective visit, should be arranged directly with the club rather than inferred from third-party listings.

Choosing the Right Golf Experience

The right course depends on how golf fits into everyday life.

Golfers seeking public 18-hole play can begin with Fairview Farm, Candlewood Valley, Crestbrook Park or Pequabuck. Those interested in a quicker nine-hole round can compare Stonybrook, Canaan and Eastwood, while Green Woods offers an uncommon 10-hole configuration.

Beginners may want to prioritize courses with clearly published instruction and practice options. Fairview Farm combines a driving range with lessons and junior programming. Candlewood Valley offers PGA instruction but does not maintain a full public driving range. Stonybrook provides private instruction and a practice green without a range, while Green Woods combines range access with several instructional formats.

Private-club shoppers should look beyond the golf course itself. The Washington Club and Lake Waramaug Country Club connect membership with lake recreation. Litchfield Country Club includes pools and several racquet sports. Sharon and Norfolk combine golf with tennis and broader member programming, while Torrington Country Club is organized around an 18-hole course, dining, tournaments and events.

Questions to Ask Before Joining a Private Golf Club

Before applying, ask the membership office:

1. Is membership available by application, invitation, referral or sponsorship?
2. Are there separate golf, social, junior, seasonal, individual or household categories?
3. What initiation fees, annual dues, food minimums, cart plans or capital assessments currently apply?
4. How far in advance can members reserve tee times, and are there restricted playing periods?
5. What guest privileges, reciprocal-club arrangements and tournament opportunities are included?
6. Does membership include the driving range, short-game area, lockers, bag storage and instruction?
7. Are dining, racquet, pool, beach, fitness and junior programs included or billed separately?
8. Can a prospective member tour the facilities or play a trial round before applying?

A lower-cost membership is not necessarily the most practical choice if the course is inconvenient to reach, preferred tee times are restricted or frequently used amenities require separate charges.

Golf and Everyday Life in Litchfield County

For buyers considering a move to Litchfield County, the location of a preferred course may become part of a broader lifestyle search. Some golfers prioritize a short drive to a private club. Others prefer a home positioned between several public courses so they can vary where they play without taking on a membership.

Geography can help narrow the search. New Milford provides access to Candlewood Valley and destinations around Candlewood Lake. Washington and New Preston place golfers near private-club and lake recreation around Lake Waramaug. Litchfield, Harwinton, Torrington, Goshen and Winsted offer several public and private options through the central portion of the county. Sharon, Norfolk, North Canaan and South Kent provide access to clubs and courses in the quieter Northwest Corner.

The home itself may also support a golf-centered lifestyle. Some buyers look for finished lower levels or bonus rooms that could accommodate a golf simulator. Country properties may offer space for a practice net, chipping area or small putting green, subject to local land-use requirements. Seasonal residents may instead prioritize a lower-maintenance or lock-and-leave property that makes weekend golf easier to manage.

Golf is rarely the only consideration. Proximity to village centers, restaurants, lakes, hiking, arts destinations, commuter routes and everyday services may be equally important. The most practical location is often the one that connects a preferred course with the other places a homeowner expects to use regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf in Litchfield County

Are there public golf courses in Litchfield County?

Yes. Public options include Fairview Farm in Harwinton, Candlewood Valley in New Milford, Crestbrook Park in Watertown, Stonybrook in Litchfield and Eastwood in Torrington. Canaan Country Club, Green Woods and Pequabuck also publish public or daily-fee access alongside membership opportunities. Access and booking policies should be confirmed directly.

Are there nine-hole golf courses in Litchfield County?

Yes. Stonybrook, Canaan, Eastwood, Litchfield Country Club, Sharon Country Club, Norfolk Country Club, Washington Club and Lake Waramaug Country Club have nine-hole layouts. Green Woods has an unusual 10-hole configuration. Some nine-hole courses permit a second loop for an 18-hole round.

Which Litchfield County courses offer golf lessons?

Published instruction is available at Fairview Farm, Candlewood Valley, Stonybrook, Green Woods and Eastwood. Several private clubs also offer professional instruction or clinics for members. Lesson formats, instructors, age requirements and seasonal availability should be confirmed with the course.

Which courses have driving ranges?

Fairview Farm, Crestbrook Park, Green Woods and Pequabuck advertise driving-range or full practice-range facilities. Canaan’s range is reserved for members. Candlewood Valley allows range use for instruction but does not operate it as a public practice range, while Stonybrook has a practice green but no driving range.

Can nonmembers play at private golf clubs?

Generally, private clubs limit play to members and their authorized guests, but policies differ. Lake Waramaug Country Club publishes an accompanied-by-member guest policy. Bull’s Bridge maintains separate guest guidance, and Washington Club materials have described trial opportunities for prospective members. Contact the individual club rather than assuming access is available.

When does the golf season begin and end?

Litchfield County golf is seasonal and dependent on weather, frost and course conditions. Canaan publishes an operating period generally running from April through November, while Crestbrook describes a season that may extend from early April into December when conditions permit. Other courses determine opening and closing dates individually.

Exploring Litchfield County Real Estate

Whether golf is a weekend interest, a membership-centered lifestyle or simply one part of a move to the Litchfield Hills, 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 Litchfield County and Western Connecticut.

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