Shennecossett , a Donald Ross Golf Course - Holes 16 - 18

Shennecossett Golf Course
Holes 16 - 18

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The course is extremely rich in history; founded in 1898, the course was originally a four-hole layout. Over the next 18 years, the course was enlarged to a six, nine, eleven, and eventually eighteen-hole track. Then, in 1916, famed golf course architect Donald Ross redesigned the course layout (one of only five courses in the State of Connecticut that he designed), and in 1919, he rerouted three of the holes to complete his work. The course remained this way until 1997, in which a land swap with Pfizer gave the course the property to build three holes overlooking the water.

Over the years, many famous golfers have walked the fairways at Shennecossett, including Arnold Palmer, Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Tommy Armour, Francis Ouimet, Babe Didrikson, Marion Hollins, Glenna Collett, and former club professionals Alex Smith and Harry Cooper.
Since April 10, 1969, due to the purchase of the course by the Town of Groton, Shennecossett has been open to the residents of Groton and surrounding communities for public play (the only public Donald Ross designed course in the state).

Shennecossett GC, Hole #16 tee

Bridge to Shennecossett GC, Hole #16 tee

Shennecossett GC, Hole #16

Shennecossett GC, Hole #16

Shennecossett GC, Hole #16

Shennecossett GC, Hole #16

As stated above Shennecossett made a land swap with Pfizer Pharmaceutical. Pfizer needed some of the golf course land to expand one of their parking lots. In return Pfizer gave up a nice parcel of land bordering Long Island Sound which the club used to build three new golf holes (number 15, 16 and 17). In my opinion these three holes, though not overly difficult, are the best on the golf course. The next seven photographs are some of the views from holes #16 and #17.

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

View of Long Island Sound from Shennecossett GC, Holes #16 and #17

Shennecossett GC, Hole #17

Shennecossett GC, Hole #17

Shennecossett GC, Hole #17

Houses adjacent to Shennecossett GC, Hole #17

Shennecossett GC, Hole #17

Shennecossett GC, Hole #17

Shennecossett GC, Hole #18

Shennecossett GC, Hole #18

Shennecossett GC, Hole #18

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Shennecossett GC, Hole #18

The photos in this blog were taken when some friends and I played the course on a cold January day. Hence, you’ll notice the trees are devoid of leaves.

For more information about Shennecosset Golf Course visit their website at www.town.groton.ct.us/depts/parksrec/shenny.asp. The course website also includes a gallery of scorecards the club has issued since the early 1920’s.