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The Yale Golf Course
200 Conrad Drive, New Haven, CT 06515
In 1923, a 700-acre tract of swamp and woodland was gifted to Yale by Mrs. Ray Tompkins in memory of her husband. Under the leadership of Macdonald, renowned architect, champion golfer, and USGA co-founder, and in collaboration with Raynor, plans were set in motion for an 18-hole course. With a $400,000 budget, their design came to life in 1926.
The course features wide, rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and large, contoured greens that form the strategic and penal character typical of the Macdonald-Raynor style.
In addition to 18 holes, The Yale Golf Course features the William S. Beinecke Golf House, which was dedicated in April of 2015.
In 2024, the course underwent a comprehensive restoration by Gil Hanse, a noted architect known for his faithful restorations of classic courses. Hanse focused on returning the course to its original design intent, restoring bunkers, refining green complexes, and improving overall conditions. The restoration ensures the Yale Golf Course remains a premier destination for competitive and recreational golfers alike.
The course has hosted every major state championship, two USGA Junior National events, and six NCAA Regionals (1991, 1995, 2004, 2010, 2015, and 2022). It was also the longtime home of the Nike Connecticut Open.
Yale hosted the 2010 NCAA Men's Golf Regional. Here is what those who took part in the Regional had to say about The Course at Yale:
“It’s a thrill for our guys to come and play a piece of golf history. C.B. Macdonald did an outstanding job almost 90 years ago. It really has stood the test of time. We feel very fortunate to be able to come and compete on this course.” - John Field, Head Coach University of Texas
“It’s tricky but fun. It challenges all aspects of your game. Whoever wins here is going to be playing the best. You are not getting through here by being lucky. It’s all about your skills when playing this course.” -George Bryan, sophomore player University of South Carolina
“It is beautiful, and it’s obvious Yale has put a lot of work into it. The condition is second to none. It has a lot of character and elevation change. It’s a fun course to play. Every hole seems different than the other 17.” -Patrick Rada, senior player University of South Carolina
“I like it but it’s tricky. Whoever putts the best will win. You have to know where to hit it. You really need to trust yourself and your instincts. It can be very deceiving and there are a lot of blind shots.” -Rich Mueller, head coach Columbia University
