Goodwin Park Golf Course A New First Tee Hotbed

There’s a youthful vibe circulating around Hartford, Ct.’s Goodwin Park Golf Course. That’s because the First Tee of Connecticut has taken over partial stewardship of the course as it seeks to grow its Hartford area footprint and enhance its programming.

There aren’t any dramatic changes to the course’s operation, explained Mark Moriarity, First Tee Connecticut executive director and a First Tee coach, but there may be more youngsters around the facility this year and additional programs for those enrolled in the organization.

“We have been running First Tee programming at Goodwin Park since 1999 and this was a chance to enhance our presence in the Greater Hartford area,” said Moriarity. “The operators and city have always been good to us, and customers shouldn’t expect any big changes, just maybe signage explaining the First Tee’s role at the course. More junior golfers will be enjoying the course through play and programs. We will insure that any golfer that comes to Goodwin will be treated warmly. We won’t let our taking over management of the course interfere with golfers’ enjoyment playing Goodwin Park.”

Moriarity continued, “Long term, we hope what we are doing at River Highlands (another First Tee headquarters and operational facility in Cromwell) will happen at Goodwin. Things like summer camps and programs such as parents getting a complimentary round if they are with their child or children, and charity events to benefit the First Tee. We may not be able to add a lot of new programming this year but 2023 will see an enhanced First Tee at Goodwin. In the meantime, those involved with First Tee will have easy access to a golf

course. We are making sure we get as many First Tee members to the course as possible this year.”

Founded in 1906, Goodwin Park Golf Course is a 27-hole facility located in the south end of Hartford. The course annually hosts the Hartford Women’s Open, Greater Hartford Amateur Championship, and Greater Hartford Junior Amateur Championship. Under new management since 2014, the course has returned to excellent conditions and customer service. Goodwin Park Golf Course offers an excellent opportunity to play golf a quick pace, learn the game, or practice and improve your game.

The championship South Course annually hosts professional and amateur championships. The Hartford Women’s Open was begun in 2016 at Goodwin Park and Keney Park golf courses. In 2015, Goodwin Park Golf Course hosted the Connecticut Section PGA Match Play Championship. The Greater Hartford Amateur Championship, also known as the “Hartford District”, has been played at Goodwin Park since 1963.

In 2014, the city of Hartford reclaimed management of both Goodwin Park and Keney Park golf courses. After years of mismanagement by leasing companies, the city contracted a golf operator, maintenance operator, and food and beverage operator to work with the city to improve conditions, provide better customer service, and enhance the reputation of both courses. Through proper maintenance practices, the course has returned to excellent shape. The greens have been returned to their original size and shape and surrounding areas have been enhanced. Tee boxes have been leveled and fairway have also been improved through proper maintenance.

The North Course is considered more of a beginners course but offers enough challenge for the best golfer. The South Course will test your ability and has risk-reward holes and superb par-threes.