Tucked away on a breezy hilltop in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Elmridge Golf Course offers 27 holes of public golf across 150 rolling acres. Surrounded by pines and hardwoods with views toward the Pawcatuck River valley, the course has the relaxed character of a longtime local favorite.
Golf has been played at Elmridge since the early 1900s, but new ownership in 2020 brought renewed energy to the property while maintaining much of its traditional New England feel.
The course is divided into three distinct nines, each with its own character. The Red Course, a par 36 measuring approximately 3,200 yards, features doglegs and elevated greens that place a premium on positioning. Water becomes a greater factor on the White Course, where ponds and creeks influence strategy on several holes and reward precise approach play.
The par-35 Blue Course presents a different challenge. Tighter, tree-lined fairways put a greater emphasis on accuracy off the tee, but there are scoring opportunities for players who keep the ball in position.
Different combinations of the three nines create rounds of approximately 6,500 yards and a par of 71, while elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers and the hilltop breeze add another dimension to the golf.
Elmridge also features a driving range, pro shop and an active schedule of men’s and women’s leagues. After golf, players can settle into the 19th-hole grille or relax on the patio overlooking the property.
Part of Elmridge’s appeal is its location. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are only a short drive away, while Mystic and the beaches of Misquamicut are also nearby. Yet once golfers reach the hilltop, the surrounding attractions seem comfortably removed.
With 27 holes, an inviting atmosphere and a setting that changes dramatically with the New England seasons, Elmridge remains one of southeastern Connecticut’s distinctive public-golf experiences.
