Goose Run Golf Course
Goose Run Golf Course is a private 9-hole layout on Naval Submarine Base Groton, offering a compact but strategic experience that emphasizes precision and short-game development. Situated along the Thames River, the course challenges golfers with tight fairways and subtle elevation changes, ideal for those aiming to improve consistency and control.
Course Overview
Goose Run Golf Course offers a compact yet thoughtfully crafted 9-hole layout that caters primarily to players seeking an engaging executive-style round. Set within Naval Submarine Base Groton, Connecticut, this private military course demands precision and strategy over sheer distance. The course plays to a par of 34, featuring a balanced mix of three par-3s, five par-4s, and a single par-5, covering approximately 2,400 yards in total.
The terrain presents a varied experience with holes stretching along the shoreline of the Thames River, weaving through modest elevation changes, and skirting out-of-bounds areas that challenge accuracy off the tee. The second hole, a challenging par-4 over 150 yards with out-of-bounds right, rewards those who can keep the ball straight and penalizes faint fades. Players often find that Goose Run sharpens their short game, thanks to the well-maintained, yet subtly undulating greens.
Walking the course is straightforward and highly encouraged, providing an intimate connection to the landscape that motorized carts would disrupt. The layout spreads across both sides of a road, adding a distinctive routing element that keeps pace moving smoothly with minimal congestion. The clubhouse area is modest but welcoming, supporting a small dining facility known for quality fare including the surprisingly notable crispy chicken buffalo wrap, which offers a welcome treat after the round.
Access is limited to military personnel with base identification, emphasizing a quiet environment free from large crowds. Despite this, the course’s condition and design remain inviting for all skill levels, especially those who appreciate a course that tests control and pace rather than raw power. Regular players have noted the course’s ability to help correct long-standing slice issues, a practical benefit for everyday golfers.
Overall, Goose Run stands as a practical venue for a brisk and focused golf outing that combines tight fairways, thoughtful detail, and an atmosphere that encourages steady improvement.
Course Highlights
The course's location on an active naval base lends a unique backdrop of military life and river views. The layout emphasizes shot-making precision along the Thames River corridor, with holes arrayed on both sides of a road, integrating elevation shifts and tight fairway corridors. The par-5 offers a rare scoring opportunity on an otherwise technical course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
David Case
Nice little 9 hole course along the river. Must have base ID. Course in decent shape especially the greens. Fun layout. Tricky from 4/5 and from 7/8 and 8/9! 5/6/7 are on other side of road and 9 is way up by clubhouse! Enjoyed it. Played it 10/15 years ago and again today. Great course to walk for a quick 9. Second 9 is same tee boxes. 3 par 3’s and 1 par 5.
Joseph Saccoccio
Scott Cooper
Private executive course. Armed guards on the gate private. Military base private. If you can hit it straight, you'll do well. Took me 20 years to stop slicing OB on Hole 1. Helps that they moved the tee box left. 9 hole course, Par 34, one par 5, 3 par 3s. The honest most difficult hole is Hole 2, stroke index 6,150 yards straight, out of bounds right. Not fade friendly. This is a great course for you to improve your short game.
Aaron Packnick
Not bad for $10 bucks/9 holes. The only drawback is that the old holes aren't all that well filled in on the greens yet and because it's first come, first serve, things can get a bit backed up.
Britton Manchester
The crispy chicken buffalo wrap was impressive and tasty. These wraps are not basic as they grill them on the panini press so that all the contents are heated throughout. Portion much larger than I needed but I ate it and the fries it comes with without second thought at lunch.
Wayne Clark
Had a great day. Staff was friendly and helpful. Course was in great shape and not too crowded so golfing went smoothly.
Edward Mack
Scott Cooper
Private executive course. Armed guards on the gate private. Military base private. If you can hit it straight, you'll do well. Took me 20 years to stop slicing OB on Hole 1. Helps that they moved the tee box left. 9 hole course, Par 34, one par 5, 3 par 3s. The honest most difficult hole is Hole 2, stroke index 6,150 yards straight, out of bounds right. Not fade friendly. This is a great course for you to improve your short game.
berry bell
Course is in gr8 shape. new greens keeper is doing a gr8 job.
Alex Antrim
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Course Details
Access & Location
1 Naval Submarine Base, Groton, CT 06349, USA
Modest clubhouse with dining area and casual lunch options
Walking is encouraged; terrain is gentle with paved cart paths on select holes; comfortable golf shoes recommended.
Restricted to active military personnel and veterans with base ID; member invitation required for guests.
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