If you’ve ever driven down South Compo Road toward the water, you know the feeling. The air gets saltier. The trees start to lean away from the Sound. Suddenly, you're looking at a stretch of green that looks way too nice to be a municipal course. Honestly, Longshore Golf Club Westport CT is a bit of a local anomaly. It’s got the DNA of an old-school private club, but anyone with a tee time and a collared shirt can walk onto the first tee.
Most people think "public golf" means slow play and chewed-up greens. Not here. Longshore is different because it’s deeply tied to the identity of Westport. It isn’t just a place to hit a ball; it’s where the town’s history, recreation, and high-end coastal vibes actually collide.
The History You’re Walking On
This isn't just some plot of land the town decided to mow one day. It started as the Longshore Beach and Country Club back in the 1920s. Think Great Gatsby. It was private, exclusive, and probably a little stuffy. Then the Great Depression hit, things shifted, and the Town of Westport eventually bought the property in 1960.
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That purchase was legendary. It cost the town about $1.9 million at the time, which was a massive gamble. But it paid off. By turning it into a public park and golf course, Westport secured one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in New England for its residents. When you’re standing on the 14th hole, you can practically feel that history. You aren’t just playing a round; you’re standing on the remnants of a Roaring Twenties playground.
The layout was originally designed by Orrin Smith, a name that might not ring bells for casual fans but is huge for golf architecture nerds. Smith worked with Donald Ross—the guy who designed Pinehurst No. 2. You can see those influences in the way the greens are shaped. They aren't huge, flat pancakes. They have subtle breaks that will make you look like you’ve never held a putter before if you aren't careful.
What It's Actually Like to Play Longshore Golf Club Westport CT
Let’s talk about the golf. It’s a par 71. It isn't the longest course you’ll ever play, topping out around 5,800 to 6,000 yards depending on which tees you pick. But don't let the yardage fool you.
The wind is the real defender of the course. Since it’s right on the water, the breeze coming off Long Island Sound can turn a simple 150-yard 7-iron into a "pray and hope" 5-iron. On a calm day? You can score. When the wind kicks up? It’s a battle.
The course feels tight in spots. You’ve got mature trees lining the fairways, and if you're spraying the ball off the tee, you're going to be punching out from under hemlocks and maples all day. It rewards accuracy over brute strength. If you're the kind of player who wants to swing out of their shoes every time, Longshore will humiliate you.
The back nine is where the magic happens. Specifically, the stretch near the water. The views are distracting. You’ll see sailboats, the Sound, and the occasional osprey. It’s genuinely beautiful.
The Maintenance Factor
Westport takes care of this place. In recent years, there have been significant investments in the infrastructure. We’re talking about a multi-million dollar master plan to improve drainage and bunkers. Why does that matter? Because coastal courses usually turn into swamps after a heavy rain. Thanks to the work done by the Longshore 18.5 Capital Strategy Committee and the town, the course is holding up better than ever.
The greens are usually some of the best in the area for a public facility. They’re fast. They’re true. If you miss a putt, it’s probably your fault, not a bump in the grass.
Beyond the Fairway: The Longshore Experience
You don't just go to Longshore to golf. That’s the thing. It’s a hub.
- The Inn at Longshore: Right next to the course, this is a massive wedding and event venue. If you're playing on a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably hear a wedding band sound-checking while you’re on the 18th green.
- La Plage: This is the restaurant on-site. It’s upscale, coastal, and has a view that makes a $20 cocktail feel worth it. It’s a far cry from the "hot dog and a Gatorade" vibe of most public tracks.
- The Other Perks: There are tennis courts, a pool, and even an ice rink in the winter.
It creates a weirdly vibrant atmosphere. You’ve got serious golfers finishing their rounds, families heading to the pool, and wedding guests in tuxedos all sharing the same parking lot. It’s Westport in a nutshell: busy, beautiful, and a little bit fancy.
Real Talk: The Challenges of Playing Here
Look, it isn't perfect. Because it's a municipal course in a town like Westport, it gets crowded.
If you aren't a resident with a "Handpass," getting a prime tee time on a weekend is like trying to win the lottery. Residents get priority, as they should—they pay for it through their taxes. Out-of-towners can still play, but you’ll pay a higher rate and you have to be quick on the booking site.
Pace of play can also be an issue. On a sunny Sunday, expect a five-hour round. It’s just the nature of the beast. Everyone wants to be there, and because the course is accessible, you get a wide range of skill levels.
Also, the layout has a few "quirky" spots. There are a couple of holes where the fairways feel like they're on top of each other. You need to keep your head on a swivel. If you hear "FORE," don't look up to see where it's coming from—just cover your head.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Round
If you're planning to head to Longshore Golf Club Westport CT, don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Book early. Check the online portal the second times become available for non-residents.
- Practice your short game. The greens are small. You’re going to miss them. Your ability to chip and putt will determine if you shoot an 85 or a 105.
- Walk if you can. It’s a very walkable course. There aren't massive elevation changes that will kill your legs, and you get to soak in the scenery much better than you would zipping around in a cart.
- Eat at La Plage afterward. Even if it’s just for an appetizer. Sitting by the water after a round is the "Longshore way."
The Verdict on Longshore
Is it the most challenging course in Connecticut? No. Is it the most exclusive? Definitely not.
But there is a soul to Longshore that you don't find at newer, plastic-feeling courses. It’s a place that has matured over a century. The trees are huge, the views are real, and there’s a sense of community that’s palpable. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone who only picks up a club twice a year, it treats you the same.
It represents the best of what a town-owned facility can be. It’s high-quality recreation that’s preserved a massive piece of coastline for everyone, not just the billionaire class.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Resident Status: If you’re a Westport resident, make sure your Handpass is updated before the season starts to get the lower rates and early booking windows.
- Monitor the Weather: High winds at Longshore change the game entirely. Check the maritime forecast, not just the regular weather app, to see what the gusts are doing on the Sound.
- Warm Up Properly: The range at Longshore is limited (mostly a hitting net situation). If you need a full-range warm-up, you might want to stop at a dedicated driving range before heading to the course.
- Download a Yardage App: Since it’s an older course, some of the sprinkler head markings might be hard to find. Having a GPS-based app like 18Birdies or Grint will save you a lot of guessing.
- Verify Outing Schedules: Before driving down, call the pro shop to ensure there isn't a private tournament or town event taking up the course, as these happen frequently during the peak summer months.