Quarry View Golf Course -- East Canaan, CT

Address: 30 Allyndale Road, East Canaan, CT 06024
Phone: (860) 824-4252
Cost - Weekdays: $11 for 9 holes, $17 for 18 holes
Cost - Weekends: $14 for 9 holes, $20 for 18 holes
Par 31 (should probably really be a par 28)
9 hole course, executive
www.quarryviewgolf.com

You don't always want a Cadillac. Sometimes the Chevy will do.

Quarry View Golf Course is a small executive course tucked into the side of a limestone quarry in the far northwest corner of Connecticut. This course will not be confused for Augusta National. The greens are in decent shape, but other than that, it's pretty much a nice lawn which allows golf. I don't say that as an insult because Quarry View has adjusted their prices accordingly. They are charging a fair price for their services, and they are not trying to fool anyone. When you visit their website, you see that they are catering to families and beginner golfers.

Quarry View is a great place to take a youngster to learn the game of golf. It's short and unpretentious. The advanced golfer may be a little disappointed. The course claims to have a par 5 and 2 par 4s, but even those are questionable. The par 5 is less than 400 yards, and the par 4s are both under 250 yards. However, if you keep expectations in check, Quarry View is a good alternative to grab a quick and cheap 9 holes. If you have the time and cash, go to a full course. Otherwise, Quarry View can be fun.

One note: Quarry view does not have grass tees on every hole. Some holes have thin mats for teeing off. These mats require special tees, which they sell for a cheap price in the club house. I strongly recommend grabbing a few of these tees before heading out.

Westwood Golf Course -- Farmington, Connecticut

Address: 7 Westwood Drive, Farmington, CT 06032 (off Route 177)
Phone: 860-675-2548
18 hole course - Executive
Cost: $17.50 for 9 holes, non-resident, weekdays
$20 non-resident, weekends

Westwoods is an executive course. The par on the front nine is 31. However, there is one par 5, and the front nine ends with a 200+ yard par 3. Many of the par 3's are long, so the course does offer some good challenge even though it's an executive course.

The course is in good shape. Above average for a municipal course. Greens are slow, but well kept.

One significant plus for Westwoods is the top notch practice facilities. The course has a huge practice green, and an excellent grass (not mats) driving range. If you're looking for a place to work on your game, the Westwoods practice area is a great choice.

I thought the course was a bit on the expensive side considering it's not a full par 35 or 36. However, my overall experience at Westwoods was positive.