The #1 golf blog for gossip, breaking news and irreverent banter.

July 29, 2004

Portland, CT is my golf haven

No Three Putts grew up in Portland, CT. I know no one has ever heard of it, but yes there is a Portland in CT. Portland is located about 10 miles south of Hartford on the Connecticut River. So why mention Portland? Because this is where I learned how to play golf. My father, Henry, took me golfing for the first time when I was 7 years old at Portland Golf Club and since then I have been addicted to the game. I can still remember my father coming home from work, picking me up, rushing over to the golf course and either playing the 1st two holes or having putting contests until dark. By the time I turned 10 I was beating my father regularly, and to this day, there is no one I would rather play with.

Is the Portland Golf Club the best course I've ever played? No, but it's a fun golf course and although it's short, there always seems to be enough trees in the way to prevent great scores. I got my only hole-in-one on the uphill 4th hole. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the ball go in the hole, but at least my Dad was with me to watch me pull the ball out of the hole. I can guarantee you that if you ever play at PGC the entire course from tees to greens will be in great shape. There's also a guy named Mark Sloan, the head professional, who is always in the pro shop with a smile on his face. I would highly recommend playing the Portland Golf Club if you are in the area.

Little Portland, CT also has two other golf courses. Quarry Ridge Golf Club is another nice course built around old brownstone quarries. I played golf in high school with the head pro there. And Portland Golf West is an executive course that is always fun to play, has a nice practice facility and the head pro Gerry has been a fixture there since the course opened in 1985.

So for a town of around 8,000 people Portland, CT has got ya covered if you want to play golf. I want to thank my Dad for teaching me how to play golf and for always encouraging me in everything I pursue. I'm glad my golf partner got good news from the doctor yesterday, can't wait to get out on Emerald Dunes with you soon.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I have played Portland numerous times and I think the course and town are both classic New England. If your interested in playing some more CT courses check out ctfoodandgolf.com. I found all tons of info on every ct course and was even able to rate and review them as well as restaurants. I've also tried other similar sites, but not with much success.

...More Golf Stuff