LAKE OF ISLES

The Rees Jones design threads through dense Connecticut woodlands with dramatic elevation changes that transform what could be pedestrian parkland into something memorable. Water hazards appear on thirteen holes, but it's the risk-reward par-5 16th—where brave souls can carry a pond to reach the green in two—that separates the tacticians from the grip-and-rippers. The Connecticut Stone Age granite outcroppings provide visual intimidation and strategic intrigue, making this one of the state's better public options for players who appreciate thoughtful routing over manicured prettiness.