For a variety of reasons, my best man and I were planning on doing a very lame bachelor party. Originally, we planned on playing Lake of Isles and hitting the casino. Because I love Donald Ross courses, I suggested swapping Shennecosset in Groton (which I love) for it. Since he just found out his wife is having the baby early and I am flying to Maui in 3 weeks, saving the cash seemed like a good plan. With Maui green fees (Kapalua Plantation is on the agenda), dropping money on Lake of Isles seems like a waste.

Unfortunately, I am having trouble getting a Shenny tee time for Saturday (still have a good shot, just have to wait) and found Winnapaug in Westerly, RI. Has anyone played it? Is it worth driving out there? Are there any other good public Ross courses you would recommend?

Thanks.

Winnapaug is a decent track, but if you have the opportunity I would definitely play Shenny instead. Very similar greens in terms of trueness and speed since, but Winnapaug doesn't have a great irrigation system so there are some pretty dicey spots off the fairways. Pretty short course with some interesting par 3's. Winnapaug also has a few holes down on the water, but nothing as spectacular as 16 at Shenny.

I like the Lake of Isles idea tho, one of my favorite tracks around and definitely worth the money, and the casino is a bonus. I'm actually headed over there to play on friday. For the money, Shennecossett is the best course is SE CT. Hope this helps!

Don't tell anyone shenny is that good. I don't want it to get out that it is the best bang for the buck in Connecticut. Let's just keep it as our secret.

hahaha it might be too late. A few weeks ago when I was there it was mobbed. It doesn't help that SE CT isn't really a hotbed for public golf courses.

Played them both when I was in high school, a long time ago. I liked them both, you couldn't go wrong with either one. Please give us a report after you play, I'm wondering how they've aged in the last 15 years.

Good news - got a morning tee time at Shenny. After we are done, it is off the Mohegan Sun for some good food (and gambling - I wish they had a sports book).