
Manchester Course
Manchester Country Club
About this course
Manchester Country Club occupies rolling terrain in north-central Connecticut, roughly midway between Hartford and the state's eastern border. The course reflects contributions from three notable architects across different eras. Tom Bendelow laid out the original design in the early twentieth century, part of his prolific output of courses throughout the Northeast and Midwest. A.W. Tillinghast later revised portions of the layout during his prime years, bringing his characteristic strategic bunkering and green contouring to the property. Devereux Emmet also contributed to the design evolution, adding his own architectural perspective to the routing. The course plays through a mix of mature hardwoods and open fairway corridors, with elevation changes that create variety in shot values and visual interest. The property's natural contours allow for both elevated and downhill approaches, and the green complexes show the influence of Golden Age design principles in their shaping and defense. Bunker placement rewards accurate driving and approach play, while the putting surfaces demand careful reading of slope and grain. Manchester Country Club has served as a traditional private club for the greater Manchester community since its founding. The membership maintains the course as a year-round facility when New England weather permits, and the club supports both competitive and social golf. The layout provides a solid test for accomplished players while remaining accessible to members across skill levels, reflecting the practical design sensibilities of its three contributing architects.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in CT
Quick facts
- Location
- Manchester, CT, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1917
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- A .W. Tillinghast, Tom Bendelow, Devereux Emmet
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,339 yards
- Difficulty
- 75/130
- Course Vaults score
- 7.2
Getting there
Most visitors to Manchester Country Club arrive via Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, roughly thirty minutes north of the club along Interstate 91 and Route 384. The drive south traces the Connecticut River Valley before turning east into the quiet, wooded suburbs of Greater Hartford, where Manchester has long maintained its character as a dignified mill town turned residential enclave. The final approach along South Main Street reveals little fanfare - just tree-lined neighborhoods and the understated entrance to a club that has anchored this corner of central Connecticut since 1917, its rolling terrain a serene counterpoint to the bustle of the capital region just minutes away.

FAQ
Common questions about Manchester
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Manchester has a Course Vaults score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 23 logged golfers.
Manchester was designed by A .W. Tillinghast, Tom Bendelow, and Devereux Emmet.
Yes. Manchester is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Manchester is 72.
Manchester plays 6,339 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Manchester is 130.



