Now is a good time to grab your clubs and head east to Connecticut. The Nutmeg State has a bunch of decent public courses, many of them no more than two hours away from New York City. Here’s a sampling:
Blackledge: Can’t go wrong at this gritty 36-hole facility located in Hebron, about 15 miles southeast of Hartford. Anderson’s Glen and Gilead Highlands, both designed by architect Geoffrey Cornish
Candlewood Valley: Located in New Milford, the front nine is short and tight. The back is long and tough. Good course for walkers.
Crestbrook Park: Brutal layout (6,492 yards from white tees) for high handicappers. Located in Watertown, not far off Route 8.
Elmridge: Last course on I-95 before you hit Rhode Island. With three nines, tee it up here before hitting the casinos.
Fox-Hopyard: Rave reviews for pricey new Roger Rulewich course located on Rt. 82 in East Haddam.
Great River: Scenic, upscale Tommy Fazio course has a back-tee slope of, gulp, 152. Located on Houstonic River in Milford.
Orange Hills: Friendly course just west of New Haven. Beware of the woodsy back nine.
Pine Valley: Decent course with a good back nine not to be confused with its New Jersey namesake. Located off I-84 near Bristol, about a mile from ESPN studios.
Lyman Orchards: Go with the Robert Trent Jones course at this 36-hole complex east of Meriden. Newer Gary Player course is harder and hillier. Afterward, try the apple pie at the nearby produce store.
Portland: Sporty layout, not too long but tight. It’s about 15 miles southeast of Hartford.
Richter Park: The pride of Danbury is tough to get on, but worth trying. Avoid the “quicksand” on the 15th and 16th holes.
Ridgefield: Can’t get on at Richter? Head for this hidden gem off I-84 near the New York border. Front nine is mediocre, but
the back nine is superb.
Shennecossett: Don’t miss out on this Donald Ross classic located in Groton, right next to the Pfizer plant. Viagra, anyone?
Tallwood: Fun course in Hebron – just down the road from Blackledge – with large greens and lots of water on the back.
Tunxis Plantation: Why wait? There are 45 holes here, just west of Hartford.
Yale: So many great holes. Beware the par-3 ninth, where the green is dissected by a giant swale. Boola, boola.
rwimbish@nypost.com