Blackledge Country Club is consistently considered one of Connecticut’s finest public golf facilities. Located in the heart of Hebron, just a short drive from Hartford, the club combines a welcoming atmosphere with two distinctly different championship layouts, the Anderson’s Glen and Gilead Highlands courses, which appeal to golfers of every skill level.
Blackledge traces its roots to 1963, when New England architect Geoffrey Cornish designed the original Anderson’s Glen course. Cornish, whose work can be found throughout the Northeast, created a layout that blends naturally into the landscape, making use of mature hardwood forests, gentle elevation changes and expansive views of the Connecticut countryside. Decades later, architect Mark Mungeam added the Gilead Highlands course, giving Blackledge a total of 36 holes and establishing the club as one of Connecticut’s premier golf destinations.
Anderson’s Glen remains the centerpiece of the property. Stretching to nearly 6,800 yards from the championship tees, it rewards course management rather than sheer power.
Two of the more challenging holes hit you right out of the gate, and they are back to back. Holes 3 and 4 offer different types of challenges, but both can have a lasting effect on your scorecard. The third hole is the ‘water’ hole because you have two different ponds that come into play. The first one is in front of the tee box and shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s there staring you in the face. The other pond is about 280 yards up on the left side of the fairway. This one can come into play for long hitters or those attempting their approach over it. The green has a trio of bunkers on the right side, and it slopes from back to front, so pay attention to the pin placement.
The fourth hole is a winding 500-yard par 5 with a hidden green. From the tee box, the only thing you have to aim at is the tall yardage markers in the middle of the fairway. It will take two great shots to see the green because it is in a valley to the right and hidden by sloping hills. This green also slopes from back to front, so you must hit your approach wisely.
Par 3 16th Hole
While Anderson’s Glen reflects classic design principles, Gilead Highlands offers a more modern challenge. Opened in 2000, the course is slightly shorter but requires greater precision because of its narrower fairways, strategic doglegs and carefully positioned hazards.
One of the course’s standout holes is the par-four fifteenth, where golfers must decide whether to challenge the corner of the dogleg or play conservatively to avoid trouble. Another memorable test is the par-three 13th, which features a well-protected green that often forces players to choose accuracy over aggression. The closing stretch places a premium on strategy, as water hazards and bunkers lurk near several landing areas.
The Bea is one of the premier golf practice facilities in Connecticut, with a driving area stretching out to 340 yards to accommodate even the longest of hitters.
Located across the street from the main entrance of Anderson’s Glen, the practice facility features 40 hitting stations, target greens and bunkers, and a practice fairway bunker to take care of the long game. For those wanting to improve their scores, it is all about the short game! In case no one told you? We just did! Here you will find a Short game chipping area with a practice bunker and 7,500 sq. feet of putting green.
“What makes Blackledge such a special place is the overall Blackledge experience” said Kevin Higgins, Director of Operations. “It’s unique combination of two immaculate 18-hole golf courses, award winning restaurant, friendly staff and one of New England’s best practice facilities make it a premier golf destination. Whether you come here to play golf, practice, or just have a cocktail on our patio and enjoy a nice meal, you become part of the Blackledge family and are treated as such. I have worked with the Anderson family at Blackledge for 43 years, and it has been a pleasure watching the facilities grow into the little slice of golfer’s heaven it is today.”
Beyond the golf itself, Blackledge has become an important part of Hebron’s identity. The property encompasses 350 acres of open space, preserving the rural beauty that defines the community while hosting tournaments, leagues, charitable outings and social events throughout the year.
10th Hole
The Blackledge River Tavern & Sports Pub has an extensive menu with weekly specials and features live entertainment on its patio in the summer months. During the off-season, the Tavern is home to three indoor simulators.
What ultimately distinguishes Blackledge is the variety it offers. Golfers can enjoy the traditional character of Anderson’s Glen in the morning and the strategic demands of Gilead Highlands in the afternoon, all without leaving the property. That combination of challenge, scenery and accessibility has made Blackledge Country Club a favorite destination for Connecticut golfers for more than six decades.
