E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course - Image 1
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E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course

4.1
·150 reviews·Stamford, United States

An underrated public golf course in Stamford, CT, known for its challenging layout and well-kept greens, with a popular 19th Hole pub.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Faster pace, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course - Image 1

E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Faster pace, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An underrated public golf course in Stamford, CT, known for its challenging layout and well-kept greens, with a popular 19th Hole pub.

4.1
(150 reviews)

"This underrated course offers a real test that will surprise you, with amazing staff and great greens. Reddit"

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TIP

Book Tee Times Early

Secure your spot by booking E. Gaynor Brennan tee times in advance, especially for weekends.

Understand Course Etiquette

Be aware of pace of play expectations to avoid ranger issues.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Well-Maintained Greens

Well-Maintained Greens

Throughout the course

Experience smooth, true rolls on the greens, a consistent highlight for many golfers.

Reddit
The 19th Hole Pub

The 19th Hole Pub

Clubhouse

Enjoy a post-round drink or meal at the popular 19th Hole pub, known for good food and atmosphere.

Reddit
Challenging Layout

Challenging Layout

Entire course

This underrated course offers a surprising test of skill, even for experienced players.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Pace of Play and Ranger Etiquette

Be mindful of the pace of play. While staff may accommodate late arrivals, rangers can be strict. Some visitors report feeling unwelcome or berated for slow play, especially if new to the game. Consider practicing beforehand or visiting during less busy times. Reddit

Welcoming Environment for All

While some reviews praise the staff and course condition, others highlight an unwelcoming atmosphere, particularly for new golfers and women. If you're looking for a relaxed, beginner-friendly experience, this might not be the best fit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Faster pace, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting in October for work. Any recommendations for golf courses/breweries/activities?

Book Tee Times Early

Secure your spot by booking E. Gaynor Brennan tee times in advance, especially for weekends. Reddit

Understand Course Etiquette

Be aware of pace of play expectations to avoid ranger issues. Reddit

reddit.com

Most dangerous course?

reddit.com

Annual/Monthly Golf passes

Check Course Conditions

Fairways can have bare spots, but greens are generally in excellent shape. Reddit

Enjoy the 19th Hole

The pub is a great spot for food and drinks after your round. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tee Times Early

Secure your spot by booking E. Gaynor Brennan tee times in advance, especially for weekends. Reddit

Understand Course Etiquette

Be aware of pace of play expectations to avoid ranger issues. Reddit

Check Course Conditions

Fairways can have bare spots, but greens are generally in excellent shape. Reddit

Enjoy the 19th Hole

The pub is a great spot for food and drinks after your round. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(150 reviews)

Reviews Summary

E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course offers a challenging round with well-maintained greens, and its 19th Hole pub is a popular post-game spot. However, some visitors have reported an unwelcoming atmosphere and strict pace of play enforcement, particularly for beginners and women. Reddit

"Wanted to have a good experience golfing here with other beginners in my group, but unfortunately it was not - it was very stressful and unpleasant, not how I wanted a sport of leisure to be.

We were late because of significant traffic on the roads and they did hold the tee time for us which was nice but at the expense of then having their ranger berate us incessantly and then hover around our group and eventually kick us out of the golf course.

I appreciate the refund so no harm no foul, but the attitude wasn’t necessary. And the reason given was that “all golf courses would be like that”.

Well guess what, I went to Tashua knolls further north and they were not nearly as rude - we were treated with much more patience by the staff and allowed to play and have people go ahead if they needed to.

I appreciate you want to keep the pace of play, but you should treat all of your players with respect - if you choose to let people be late you can’t then be mad at them for that.

Frankly, it just felt like we weren’t welcomed there - so will not recommend for new players, take your business elsewhere."

Doug M

"Nice public course, nice 19th Hole pub too. Greens are in excellent shape. On the fairways some bare spots with no seed or soil prep but overall good."

Bruce D.

"Cloonan Middle School End of the Year '& Retirement Party. It was a lovely time with good drink, good food & priceless friends."

Bonaye

What People Like

Excellent greens
Challenging layout
Good 19th Hole pub

What People Dislike

Strict pace enforcement
Unwelcoming atmosphere
Fairway conditions vary

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course is located in Stamford, Connecticut. If driving, it's accessible via major roadways like I-95. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or ride-sharing services is recommended. Parking is typically available on-site. Reddit

Yes, there is usually ample parking available at the E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course for visitors. Reddit

Traveling from JFK to Stamford can involve a combination of airport shuttles, trains (e.g., to Grand Central Terminal, then a Metro-North train to Stamford), or car rentals. Factor in significant travel time due to traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can book E. Gaynor Brennan tee times online through their official website or by calling the pro shop directly. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for popular times. TikTokReddit

Green fees vary based on residency, time of day, and day of the week. It's best to check the official E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course website for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Typically, public golf courses like E. Gaynor Brennan offer discounted rates for residents of the city or surrounding areas. Inquire when booking your tee time. Reddit

The course generally opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, with specific hours varying seasonally. The pro shop and 19th Hole pub will have their own operating hours. Reddit

Walking the course is usually permitted, but golf carts are available for rent. Check the course's policy on walking versus riding. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

Pace of play can vary. While some reviewers mention surprisingly fast rounds (under 3.5 hours), others have experienced issues with rangers enforcing strict pace guidelines. Reddit

Some reviews suggest it may not be the most welcoming environment for new golfers due to strict pace of play enforcement and potentially unfriendly interactions. Reddit

The greens are consistently praised for being in excellent shape. Fairways may have some bare spots, but overall conditions are considered good. Reddit

Information on practice facilities like driving ranges or putting greens is not extensively detailed in reviews, but it's common for golf courses to offer some practice areas. Reddit

Standard golf attire is generally expected. Collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or pants are typical. Check the course's specific dress code policy. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the '19th Hole' pub at E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course is a popular spot for food and drinks after a round, offering a good atmosphere. Reddit

Reviews mention good food and drinks at the 19th Hole pub, suggesting a typical pub menu with options suitable for golfers. Reddit

A bar cart is sometimes available on the course, providing refreshments during your game. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The well-maintained greens and the scenic layout offer good photo opportunities. The clubhouse area and the 19th Hole pub can also provide a nice backdrop. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed on golf courses for personal use, as long as it doesn't interfere with play or other golfers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course might be challenging for families with young children or absolute beginners due to reports of strict pace of play enforcement and potentially unwelcoming attitudes towards new players. Reddit If your family is new to golf, consider looking for courses that explicitly cater to beginners or offer a more relaxed atmosphere. The focus on maintaining speed might add stress rather than enjoyment for a family outing. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

As a public golf course, E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course generally offers more affordable green fees compared to private clubs, making it a good option for budget-conscious golfers. Reddit Booking tee times in advance can sometimes secure better rates. Remember to factor in potential costs for cart rentals if you don't plan to walk. Reddit

👩‍💼 Business Travelers

If you're in Stamford for business and looking for a round of golf, E. Gaynor Brennan offers a decent challenge. However, be mindful of the potential for strict ranger enforcement if you're short on time or new to the course. Reddit The '19th Hole' pub is a good spot for a casual business lunch or post-meeting drinks. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Pace of Play and Ranger Interactions

The E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course is known for its emphasis on maintaining a good pace of play. This can be a double-edged sword for visitors. While the course aims to keep rounds moving efficiently, some golfers, particularly beginners, have reported feeling pressured or even reprimanded by course rangers. One reviewer noted being 'berated incessantly' and eventually asked to leave due to a slow pace, despite being accommodated for a late tee time. Reddit

It's crucial for players to be aware of their surroundings and the general speed of play. If you're new to golf or playing with others who are, it's advisable to communicate with the ranger if you anticipate falling behind. Some Redditors suggest that weekday mornings or late afternoons might offer a more relaxed pace compared to peak weekend times. Understanding that the course prioritizes flow can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother experience. Reddit

While the intention is to benefit all players by preventing excessive delays, the execution of ranger interactions has been a point of contention for some. If you're seeking a leisurely round without pressure, this course might require extra preparation or a visit during off-peak hours. Reddit

Course Conditions and Golfer Experience

The E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course is often described as an 'underrated course' that offers a 'real test' for golfers. The greens consistently receive high praise for their excellent condition, providing a true and enjoyable putting surface. This attention to the greens is a significant draw for many players looking for a quality golfing experience. Reddit

However, the fairways can be a mixed bag. Some reviewers mention bare spots or areas lacking seed and soil preparation, which can affect the ball's lie. Despite these occasional inconsistencies on the fairways, the overall condition of the course is generally considered good, especially for a public facility. The layout itself is noted as being challenging and surprising, offering strategic holes that demand thoughtful play. Reddit

Beyond the physical course, the '19th Hole' pub adjacent to the clubhouse is a frequently mentioned positive aspect. It's described as a great place to eat or drink after a round, contributing to the overall post-game experience. This combination of a challenging course with well-kept greens and a welcoming clubhouse pub makes E. Gaynor Brennan a noteworthy option for golfers in the area. Reddit

Inclusivity and Welcoming Atmosphere

Recent reviews have raised concerns about the inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere at E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course, particularly for new golfers and women. One detailed account describes experiencing 'misogynistic comments,' 'disrespect,' and 'sexist remarks' from staff, including the course warden/ranger. The reviewer and her friend felt so uncomfortable due to the 'extremely unfriendly and unwelcoming' environment that they left the course. Reddit

This experience contrasts sharply with the positive interactions some other visitors have had, who describe the staff as 'amazing' and 'really nice people.' However, the recurring theme in negative reviews is a perceived lack of patience and respect for less experienced players, leading to feelings of not being welcomed. This is particularly concerning as it's a city-funded public course, and such attitudes reflect poorly on the institution and the city of Stamford. Reddit

For those seeking a supportive and inclusive environment, especially if you are new to golf or identify as a woman, it may be prudent to consider other options or to visit E. Gaynor Brennan with a group that is familiar with the course and its staff dynamics. The advice from one reviewer is to 'take your business elsewhere' if you are a new player looking for a positive introduction to the sport. Reddit

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