The Tradition Golf Club at Oak Lane

Really nice course, good price, and carts are very comfortable with GPS. There is a mix of dog legs and wide open fairways which is nice. The fairways themselves are in good shape especially considering drought conditions. The greens are incredibly difficult for the average player. Every green slants forward a large amount and they are very hard to read. Not one person in my group could sink a 1st putt. Very difficult to get a ball to sit on the green with an iron shot. The different color flags on the green to determine flag position was a nice touch and a great idea. Rangers are seen a lot trying to push along the rate of play. I can see this can be frustrating to some. We were told to speed up even though the 2 groups in front of us were holding us up. Maybe try spreading tee times out a few minutes? All in all we had a good time at this course aside from the frustrating greens.

My boyfriend and I recently made the 2+ hour drive to Oak Lane Golf Course, excited for a relaxing day together while he played a round. He’s an experienced golfer with a 1 handicap and has played nearly every public course in Connecticut never once encountering a course that enforces a strict no spectators rule, especially not this rigidly. To be fair, we later saw the no spectator policy listed on their website, our mistake for missing it. But we still hoped for some basic human decency and understanding. I wasn’t asking to play, just to walk along and spend time with him. We even offered to pay a fee for me to accompany him, or adjust the tee time.. anything to make it work. But the staff at the front desk were incredibly rude and completely unwilling to make any kind of accommodation. What’s frustrating is that golf is meant to be more than just a sport, it’s about companionship, conversation, and connection. Whether it’s with your partner, friend, or parent, walking the course together is part of the experience. This policy and the cold, unbending way it was enforced completely undermines that spirit. We were left with no option but to turn around and drive home, unable to spend time together doing something we both enjoy. I understand having rules, but I also understand that hospitality and flexibility are part of what makes a golf course feel welcoming. Unfortunately, Oak Lane offered neither. We won’t be returning and for other couples or families who enjoy the game together, this is probably not the place for you.

Course is always in great shape. Staff is always diligent and organized. Usually very good at monitoring and aiding pace of play if it slows down. Carts are up to date with interactive screens. Some tight tee shots and approaches make it interesting, and there are also some wide open holes and short par 4s/5s to swing away and go after. Great course, very playable for average golfers.