Lake of Isles – North Course is a public par-72 course measuring approximately 7,279 yards from the tips. The course was originally designed in 2005 by Rees Jones and is located in North Stonington, Connecticut.
Lake of Isles North Course opened in 2005 alongside its private sibling, the South Course, both owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The facility represents one of the most ambitious golf developments in southern New England, transforming previously wooded terrain into a resort destination. Since its opening, the North Course has consistently earned recognition as one of Connecticut’s premier public courses, ranking in the top five public facilities in the state according to Golfweek and placing 19th overall in Golf Digest’s Connecticut rankings. The course occupies approximately 90 acres of a larger 900-acre property, with both courses routing around a central lake that gives the facility its name. The terrain features significant elevation changes throughout, with several dramatic downhill tee shots that showcase the property’s natural topography. The routing takes full advantage of rocky outcroppings, wetlands, and dense Connecticut woodland, creating a sequence of holes that each present unique visual and strategic challenges. This is quintessential Rees Jones design work, emphasizing penal hazards, forced carries, and precise shot execution. The design philosophy reflects Jones’s reputation as “The Open Doctor,” demanding ball-striking precision while rewarding aggressive play from those willing to take calculated risks. Players who appreciate demanding championship-caliber golf with severe consequences for errant shots will find Lake of Isles particularly satisfying, though higher handicappers should carefully select appropriate tees to avoid excessive frustration. The course rewards strategic thinking over pure distance, with numerous holes offering alternate angles of attack for those who can shape shots or lay back to preferred yardages.
Strategic Test
| Handicap | Course Strategy |
|---|---|
| High Handicap (18+) | High handicappers should play from the Copper tees at 5,387 yards with a slope rating of 135 and course rating of 72.4. These forward tees significantly reduce forced carries while maintaining the strategic character of the design. The slope rating remains elevated even from these tees, reflecting the penal nature of the hazards and the demanding green complexes throughout. High handicappers will face their biggest challenges on holes with water hazards and forced carries, particularly on the par threes. The signature second hole, a par 3 playing 136 yards from the Copper tees, provides a manageable introduction to the island green concept while still requiring accurate club selection. This downhill one-shotter to an island green demands only a short iron or wedge from these tees, making it playable while preserving the hole’s dramatic visual character. Missing the green results in a water penalty, so club selection becomes paramount. Higher handicappers should focus on keeping the ball in play off the tee, accepting bogeys on the more difficult holes, and taking advantage of the shorter par fours and par fives where reaching greens in regulation becomes realistic. |
| Mid Handicap (8-18) | Mid handicappers should consider the Silver tees at 6,005 yards with a slope of 132 and rating of 70.2, or the Gold tees at 6,757 yards with a slope of 138 and rating of 73.4, depending on length preference and conditions. These tee boxes provide an appropriate balance between challenge and playability for improving players. The Gold tees introduce more substantial forced carries while the Silver tees offer a more forgiving experience. The par-3 second hole plays 162 yards from the Silver tees and 184 yards from the Gold tees, requiring a mid to long iron to carry the water to the island green. From these distances, players must commit to their yardage while accounting for the downhill trajectory and potential wind. The bunker positioned right of the green adds a secondary hazard for pushed shots. Mid handicappers will find scoring opportunities on the reachable par fives and shorter par fours, but must carefully manage their games around the water hazards that come into play on fourteen holes. Course management becomes critical, with strategic layups often proving wiser than aggressive lines that bring water into play. |
| Low Handicap (0-8) | Low handicappers should play from the Black tees at 7,279 yards with a daunting slope rating of 147 and course rating of 76.7. These championship markers represent one of the most demanding tests in Connecticut public golf. The elevated slope rating reflects not just the length but the precision required to navigate forced carries, water hazards, and severely contoured greens. The iconic second hole plays 184 yards from the tips, presenting a downhill shot to a narrow island green with minimal bailout area. The hole requires a confident mid-iron strike with distance control being paramount, as the green offers little margin for error. The bunker right punishes any miss in that direction, while long, short, or left all find water. Accomplished players will appreciate the strategic variety throughout the round, particularly on holes like the 460-yard sixth, which demands a 235-yard carry just to reach the fairway from an elevated tee. Low handicappers must bring their full arsenal of shot shapes and trajectory control, as many holes reward or require specific ball flights. Scoring opportunities exist for aggressive players willing to challenge hazards, but conservative play around the numerous water features often proves the wiser strategy for posting a competitive number. |
Nearby Course Alternatives
Great River Golf Club in Milford offers a contrasting design philosophy approximately 45 minutes west of Lake of Isles. Designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 2001, Great River measures 7,060 yards from the tips with a slope rating of 146 and course rating of 74.6, placing it on par with Lake of Isles in terms of difficulty. The course occupies approximately 160 acres along a narrow property corridor, with the majority of holes running north-south rather than the varied routing found at Lake of Isles. While both courses feature bent grass greens and fairways with similar conditioning standards, Great River presents a more traditional parkland aesthetic with less dramatic elevation changes. The front nine routes alongside the Housatonic River, providing scenic views but less aggressive terrain than Lake of Isles. The back nine moves through wooded upland areas with more undulation. Strategic elements include bold, deep bunkering and water features on several holes, though the hazards feel less penal than the island greens and forced carries at Lake of Isles. Great River serves as the home course for Sacred Heart University and has earned recognition as Golfweek’s third-best public course in Connecticut. Players who prefer a more traditional Fazio parkland experience with slightly less visual intimidation off the tee will find Great River a worthy alternative. The course suits mid-to-low handicappers who appreciate precision iron play into well-defended greens, though the narrower property creates more repetitive hole corridors compared to Lake of Isles’ varied presentation.
Mohegan Sun Golf Club in Baltic provides another casino-affiliated option approximately 20 minutes northwest of Lake of Isles. Originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish in 1960 as Pautipaug Country Club before being purchased and renovated by Mohegan Sun Casino in 2007, the course underwent substantial modifications by Robert McNeil in 2011. From the championship tees, Mohegan Sun plays 6,790 yards with a slope rating of 133 and course rating of 73.3, making it notably shorter and less demanding than Lake of Isles. The course occupies approximately 200 acres of rolling Connecticut terrain with less dramatic elevation changes than its southern neighbor. Mohegan Sun’s strategic character differs significantly from the Rees Jones test at Lake of Isles, featuring more tree-lined corridors, smaller greens with severe back-to-front slopes, and less water in play. While Lake of Isles emphasizes forced carries and precision through hazards, Mohegan Sun rewards accuracy and local knowledge of green contours. The course includes several quirky design elements from its various renovation periods, creating a less cohesive but occasionally charming playing experience. Conditioning has historically been inconsistent compared to the resort-level maintenance at Lake of Isles, though recent efforts have improved standards. Players seeking a less intimidating round with fewer forced carries and more traditional tree-lined hole corridors will find Mohegan Sun more forgiving off the tee. High handicappers particularly may prefer Mohegan Sun’s shorter length and reduced water hazards, though the severe green slopes present their own challenges. The course offers an interesting Geoffrey Cornish experience for architecture enthusiasts, though it lacks the cohesive design vision and conditioning standards that define Lake of Isles.
Final Word
Lake of Isles North Course provides exceptional practice facilities befitting its resort designation, including a natural grass driving range with 60,000 square feet of teeing area, multiple practice greens, dedicated chipping and bunker practice areas, and four indoor teaching studios equipped with modern technology including TrackMan, Toptracer, and video analysis systems. The range operates year-round, with the indoor facilities ensuring instructional availability during New England winters. Practice balls are included with green fees, a valuable amenity given the premium pricing structure. The clubhouse blends Native American architectural influences reflecting the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s ownership, creating a distinctive aesthetic that differentiates it from traditional New England golf clubs. Matches Tavern provides onsite dining with views overlooking the course and lake, offering everything from casual post-round meals to upscale dining options. The facility also features a well-stocked pro shop with contemporary equipment and apparel. As part of the Foxwoods Resort Casino complex, golfers have access to extensive resort amenities including multiple hotel options, spa services, entertainment venues, and gaming facilities, making Lake of Isles an ideal centerpiece for a comprehensive golf getaway. The proximity to the casino creates convenient stay-and-play package opportunities, with shuttle service connecting the course to various hotel properties. What distinguishes Lake of Isles North within Connecticut’s public golf landscape is the combination of championship-caliber design, resort-level conditioning, and comprehensive amenities typically reserved for private clubs. The course proves that public golf in southern New England can deliver an experience rivaling exclusive private facilities, provided players are willing to embrace the demanding test that Rees Jones crafted. For accomplished players seeking legitimate championship-quality golf in a resort setting, Lake of Isles North represents the pinnacle of public golf in Connecticut.
David is an avid golfer who loves walking Connecticut’s courses and playing alongside his family. He’s passionate about golf course architecture and one day hopes to play at Pebble Beach.
