Candlewood Valley Country Club
Scouting Report
Prepared by Andrew Winston, YIT (Yank-in-Training)
Filed: November 25, 2025
“Selected by the New England Golf Course Owners Association as the 2026 Golf Course of the Year; Candlewood is a challenging and scenic 18-hole public golf course with impeccable course conditions, and a team of dedicated professionals who will give you our ‘unmatched signature guest service’ on all levels.”
- Candlewood Valley Country Club’s official website
(we’re not sure why “unmatched signature guest service” is in quotes)
Ok, so I had a lovely time playing all 18 at Candlewood today. Overall I thought it was nice and that it would probably be a good fit for us. The vibe is similar to the Clarkston course from 2024- decently well kept muni course that’s relatively easy and casual but still feels legit enough.
I spoke to the manager afterwards. He was super nice and helpful. In the end I booked us 6 tee times for 4 people/2 carts each starting at 10am on August 1. He said we could add/subtract/cancel outright anytime up to 7-10 days out. He didn’t even need a deposit or credit card. So was a no-brainer. The course uses dynamic pricing so he couldn’t tell me the exact cost, but he estimated it could be $60-$85/person including cart fees.
Attaching some pictures and below are some specific thoughts/comparisons to 2024 since it’s my only reference point.
- I would say the course is a little less wooded and flatter than the Clarkston course we played last year. Some parts of the course were relatively secluded. There were a lot of surrounding wetlands and some quaint boardwalks and bridges. I think the course probably looks nice with leaves on the trees.
- I randomly ended up playing 3 holes with the course maintenance guy. He told me the course was purchased by new owners a year ago and they’ve been putting money into it since then. The manager at the end told me they are going to hold a little tournament for the first time in decades next August and are hoping to have the course in really good shape next summer for that.
- Might be selective memory or that I’ve been practicing more since last year, but I thought the course was probably a little easier than last year’s course. Fairways were decently wide, it was less hilly, and bunkers and hazards were manageable. The par 5’s were straight. I’m pretty bad at golf and I had quite a few (long) par putt opportunities (all but one of which I missed of course).
- There is a sort of charmingly dated clubhouse with a little bar area, pro shop, bathrooms, etc. There is a small “cheering section” behind the first tee and both a driving range and practice green.
Some pics are attached!
AW
