At Bull’s Bridge, views with a golf course nestled on top

The genius behind the 6,992-yard, par-72 course at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in Kent, which opened in 2003, is none other than famed course architect Tom Fazio, who did a masterful job routing the layout over the hilly terrain he had to work with.

Bull’s Bridge GC went through growing pains at the start, with the finishing of the course delayed. Luckily for the golfing world, the members rallied to preserve this special place, and the club is now on secure financial ground and thriving in many ways. The club is adding new members; playing conditions are impeccable, thanks to the skilled agronomic efforts of superintendent Stephen Hicks, who came to Bull’s Bridge from Vesper Country Club near Boston and also had a tenure as first assistant at venerable Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.

At root it’s the grass 

“The first thing I wanted to do here was improve turf quality in order to be able to support the conditions the members deserve,” said Hicks, as he took a break from his duties last week. 

“This is a special club and some of the edges of the course [which rambles over 390 acres] had been neglected. We also wanted to improve the root system of the bent grass on the greens, so they could sustain the height of cut that was needed to be able to have them roll fast and true.”

The club has also conducted some modest tree removal, especially around the 9th, 10th and 11th holes, to give that area more of an open feel and create additional vistas — as if the course needed them. This is perhaps the most visually pleasing golf course in the state, with the first two holes offering magical views of the hills and valley below from an elevation of more than 800 feet.

Expansions are planned

I had an opportunity to tour the layout and play a few holes with club Membership Director Ted Kohler. Before we began, he said the club continues on a path of carefully planned growth.

“We currently have 175 members and it looks like we will add 25 new members this year through a very attractive membership incentive program that expires on Aug. 31. We have a weekdays-only membership that attracts a different group of golfers who want to play here in addition to their home courses. We are also bringing in more 30- to 40-year-olds through the attractive 2019 membership program.”

Kohler said the fact that the club is financially sound and growing is a credit to the foresight and commitment of members to keep improving the club and course since the 2006 purchase. 

“Especially the board members at the time deserve so much credit for bringing the club through those early years. The club is a second home for many of our members and they are here every weekend while it is open.”

Kohler talked about the club’s “wish list” of enhancements in the coming years. First would be a short game practice area on top of the hill, and a new clubhouse that would sit on a piece of ground overlooking the practice range and several holes. The clubhouse would be modest in size and designed to fit seamlessly into the rustic nature of the area. It would also offer a sweeping view of the course, range and hills to the north.

 “The ‘top of the hill’, including the short game practice area and a new clubhouse, is the first priority. It all depends on how quickly our membership grows as to when we are able to make those financial commitments. We are in a good place now, because we’ve been prudent in our operations and have not gone beyond what we can effectively manage.”

Director of Golf and Club Manager Paul Ramee has been with the club since it opened. He oversees a vibrant instruction and junior program that includes participation in an inter-club golf league and clinics. The course is also home to the Kent School and South Kent School golf teams.

Heavenly hills and hazards

The course, which is currently ranked sixth on Golf Digest’s “Best Courses in Connecticut,”is challenging enough for the best players to tackle and walk away shaking their heads. 

But attacked from the shorter tees, Bull’s Bridge is approachable and fair, although even down one or two markers you need to move the ball smartly on a number of holes to avoid hazards, both off the tee and on approaches to the undulating greens.

The first hole, a par-five that tumbles downhill, affords players the most spectacular view from any first tee in the region, and the second hole is of almost equal aesthetic value. In fact, playing the course is like wandering through a nature preserve that just happens to have 18 golf holes tucked into it.

The back side has a number of standout holes, including the much-photographed 12th, a par-three that plays around 200 yards from the back. The tee shot must be struck over a ravine and stone wall to find a green perched atop a rise. Miss it right and you have a downhill chip.

The final hole is a sound way to finish a round that has a match hanging in the balance, a 495-yard par-five that is reachable for the longest hitters but one filled with hazards, such as bunkers, a rock outcropping to the left and wetlands to the right.

To find out more about the course and membership, go to www.bullsbridgegolfclub.com.