Golf Club of Avon

The Golf Club of Avon's Red Course is a Robert J. Ross design located in Avon, Connecticut, a town in the Farmington Valley region of central Connecticut. Ross, a regional architect active primarily in the mid-to-late twentieth century, designed courses throughout New England with an emphasis on working within the natural terrain. The Red Course at Avon reflects this approach, utilizing the rolling topography characteristic of the Connecticut landscape west of Hartford. The course sits in an area known for its wooded hillsides and seasonal variation, with elevation changes that provide both strategic interest and scenic variety throughout the round. Ross's routing takes advantage of these natural features, incorporating doglegs and approach shots that require careful club selection given the sloped lies and elevated or protected greens typical of courses built in this terrain. As part of a multi-course facility, the Red Course serves members and guests seeking a traditional New England golf experience. The layout emphasizes accuracy over distance, with tree-lined fairways and greens that reward thoughtful course management. The club operates within the broader context of Connecticut golf, where private clubs have long maintained a focus on member play and regional competition rather than national tournament hosting.