Lake Waramaug Country Club is a private par-70 course measuring approximately 6,210 yards from the tips. The course was originally designed in 1916 by Seth Raynor and is located in New Preston, Connecticut.
The club traces its origins to a four-hole golf course established in 1898 on property that contained the old Hitchcock race track, remnants of which remain visible near the second and third holes today. The course expanded to nine holes in 1903 before the Lake Waramaug Golf Club merged with the Lake Waramaug Yacht Club in 1916 to form the Lake Waramaug Country Club. During World War II, the facility was abandoned as gasoline rationing and wartime measures reduced membership to just six persons, allowing the greens to be destroyed and fairways to revert to hayfields. Two original club families reorganized the effort in 1944, refinancing and rebuilding the course as the war ended. Seth Raynor’s architectural influence shaped the initial design to harmonize with the natural terrain, though the course underwent reconstruction following its wartime closure. The layout plays across approximately 60 acres of rolling terrain in the Litchfield Hills, with the nine-hole routing beginning and ending near the clubhouse. The property features varied fairway corridors ranging from tight to open, with medium-sized greens that run fast. The course presents a traditional examination of shot placement rather than overwhelming length, rewarding players who think their way around the property. Low handicappers will appreciate the strategic demands and green complexes, while higher handicappers benefit from playable yardages that don’t overwhelm. The setting along the shores of Lake Waramaug provides scenic backdrops, particularly at the par-three fourth hole where the lake serves as a stunning visual terminus beyond the green.
Strategic Test
| Handicap | Course Strategy |
|---|---|
| High Handicap (18+) | From the forward tees at 5,349 yards with a rating of 72.5 and slope of 127 for women, higher handicappers face a manageable yet engaging test that rewards consistency over distance. The slope rating indicates approximately 6-7 additional strokes above the course rating for a bogey golfer. The par-five fifth hole at 391 yards offers an excellent scoring opportunity, playing as a reachable three-shotter where proper positioning off the tee sets up a short iron approach or wedge into the green. The hole demands accuracy rather than power, making it ideal for players building confidence in course management. |
| Mid Handicap (8-18) | Playing from the middle tees, mid-handicappers navigate approximately 5,800-6,000 yards with strategic considerations throughout. The blue tees carry a slope of 121 and rating of 70, suggesting roughly 4-5 strokes above rating for this skill level. The course rewards intelligent play over brute force, with narrow corridors punishing wayward drives and fast greens testing precision on approaches. The varied hole lengths create natural rhythm changes that keep mid-handicappers engaged, with several drivable par-fours balanced by testing longer two-shotters that demand solid ball-striking. |
| Low Handicap (0-8) | From the championship tees measuring 6,210 yards as an 18-hole double loop, scratch players face tight driving corridors and quick greens that penalize misses. The rating of 70 with slope 121 suggests a fair but not overwhelming test, where par represents solid execution rather than heroics. The fourth hole, a par-three playing approximately 170 yards downhill, stands as perhaps the finest hole on the property. The tee shot plays to a green protected by bunkers on either side, with Lake Waramaug visible beyond creating both visual drama and psychological pressure. Club selection becomes critical as the downhill angle and potential wind off the water can affect distance calculation. The green’s flanking bunkers demand precise iron play, and any miss leaves a delicate recovery with limited margin for error. |
Nearby Course Alternatives
Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in South Kent sits approximately 15 minutes northwest of Lake Waramaug and represents one of Tom Fazio’s few New England designs. This private 18-hole layout measures 6,992 yards from the tips with a par of 72, sprawling across significant acreage in the isolated Berkshire foothills. The course rating and slope reflect a championship-caliber test with dramatic elevation changes throughout. Fazio routed the course with the clubhouse positioned on high ground, sending each nine down hillsides before climbing back up, creating memorable downhill tee shots that showcase the tumbling terrain. The opening holes immediately establish the property’s character with significantly downhill shots framing expansive backdrops. The course features bent grass fairways and greens with strategic bunkering and considerable elevation variation that leaves players with frequent uneven lies. The dramatic topography makes this a strenuous walk, though the visual rewards justify the effort, particularly during autumn when the surrounding hills display peak foliage. Players who prioritize dramatic vistas and significant elevation changes over the more intimate scale of Lake Waramaug will find Bull’s Bridge compelling, particularly low-handicap players seeking a longer, more physically demanding examination.
Washington Golf Club in Washington sits approximately 5 minutes south of Lake Waramaug, making it the nearest alternative nine-hole private facility. The course measures 5,535 yards from the tips with a par of 71, carrying a rating of 67.7 and slope of 122. Designed by David Johnson and dating to 1914, the layout plays across bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways with a reputation for particularly difficult putting surfaces. The course occupies a compact routing that some consider among the most challenging greens in Connecticut despite the modest overall yardage. The club formed in 1890 with the course officially opening in 1903, making it one of the region’s earliest golf facilities. The property’s smaller scale and significantly shorter yardage compared to Lake Waramaug create a different strategic puzzle, where precision iron play and putting dominate scoring more than driving prowess. The course sits approximately 800 yards shorter per nine than Lake Waramaug, shifting the emphasis toward approach shot accuracy and short game performance. Players who enjoy testing their iron play and putting on demanding greens without extensive walking distance will appreciate Washington Golf Club’s concentrated challenge, particularly mid-to-high handicappers who may find the reduced length more manageable while still facing legitimate strategic questions.
Final Word
Lake Waramaug Country Club provides members with a driving range featuring two practice tees where players can work on their long game before heading to the first tee. The practice facilities allow for adequate warm-up sessions to dial in distances and establish rhythm. Beyond golf, the club maintains tennis courts for members seeking racquet sports and operates a private beach on Lake Waramaug itself, providing summer recreation options that extend the club’s appeal beyond the fairways. The clubhouse serves as the social hub, offering dining facilities where members gather after rounds. The facility hosts various social events throughout the year, including holiday parties and member tournaments that foster community among the membership. The integration of multiple recreational options, from golf to tennis to waterfront access, creates a well-rounded country club experience rather than a golf-only facility. What makes Lake Waramaug special is its combination of genuine architectural pedigree from Seth Raynor, dramatic natural setting with lake views, and intimate scale that feels personal rather than sprawling. The course survived near-destruction during World War II through member dedication, emerging as a testament to community commitment. The fourth hole’s downhill shot to a green framed by Lake Waramaug represents Connecticut golf at its scenic best, offering a moment that lingers in memory long after the round concludes. The routing’s varied corridors and fast greens provide legitimate strategic interest despite modest championship yardage, proving that thoughtful design trumps pure length in creating engaging golf.
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.
