When I stopped by Carl Dickman Par-3 Golf Course this week, the first thing that caught my eye wasn’t the morning light or the perfectly mown greens — it was the bright pink flags fluttering across every hole. Each one proudly supports Fairfield’s Pink Pledge, an annual community effort benefitting the Norma Pfriem Breast Center.
Seeing those flags made me pause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and these small symbols on the course remind us that awareness and screening truly save lives. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, and nearly 43,000 women lose their lives to it each year. Early detection through screening can reduce the risk of death by more than 30% — a powerful statistic that underscores why local efforts like Pink Pledge matter so much.
I love seeing the Fairfield golf community come together around causes that go far beyond the game. The Pink Pledge directly supports local women and families by funding mammograms, diagnostic testing, and counseling services for those who need it most.
So next time you play Carl Dickman this month, take a moment to notice those pink flags waving in the breeze. They’re not just course markers — they’re reminders of courage, hope, and the power of community.
The first round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands is shaping up to be a perfect Thursday outing for Connecticut golf fans—and a surprisingly great one for families. With some of the most exciting players in the world set to tee off in the early afternoon, there’s no better place to spend a June day in Connecticut. The course layout is compact and walkable, the tournament is incredibly well-run, and there are a host of activities that make it welcoming for kids. From autographs and player-watching to shady lawn seating and misting stations, here’s the full game plan for enjoying Thursday’s action with your kids in tow.
Once parked at Rentschler Field in East Hartford (the main general parking site), spectators can hop a free, air-conditioned shuttle directly to the main entrance of the course. The system runs smoothly and is stroller-friendly. From there, the first stop is the Fan Zone near Hole 1. This space is perfect for families arriving early—it includes mini golf, face painting, interactive games, shaded seating, and a water station nearby. It’s also a great place to regroup later in the day.
After a quick stop at the Fan Zone, it’s worth walking over to the Practice Area, which includes the driving range and putting green. This is where kids can get a close look at the players—and potentially a few autographs. The best time to catch signatures is 45–60 minutes before tee times, while players are warming up. The three players we’ll be watching most closely are Akshay Bhatia, Collin Morikawa, and Scottie Scheffler, all teeing off between 12:45 and 1:45 PM. Each brings not only incredible talent, but also an inspiring story rooted in junior golf that’s great for kids to hear about.
Players to Watch
Akshay Bhatia (Tee Time: 12:45 PM | Best autograph time: 11:45 AM at Practice Area) – A left-handed phenom from California, Bhatia was homeschooled to pursue golf full time. He won the AJGA Player of the Year, starred on the U.S. Junior Presidents Cup team, and turned pro at 17. Now just 22, he plays with flair and confidence, and he connects naturally with younger fans. He’s known for signing autographs and chatting with spectators before his rounds.
Collin Morikawa (Tee Time: 1:35 PM | Best autograph time: 12:30 PM at Practice Area) – Morikawa’s textbook swing and quiet focus make him a favorite of swing coaches and young golfers alike. A standout junior player in Southern California, he dominated at Cal-Berkeley before turning pro and quickly winning two majors. He’s precise, poised, and one of the best iron players on Tour—watching him up close is a master class in tempo and control.
Scottie Scheffler (Tee Time: 1:45 PM | Best autograph time: 12:45 PM at Practice Area) – The World No. 1 and reigning Masters champion, Scheffler brings elite performance with an everyman energy. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2013, played at the University of Texas, and worked his way up through the Korn Ferry Tour. His quirky footwork and calm demeanor make him fun to watch and a great role model for young golf fans.
Best Place to Watch with Kids (and See Great Golf)
The stretch between the 15th green and 16th tee is one of the best places on the course to set up for the afternoon. There’s a wide, grassy area with space to relax, some natural shade in the early afternoon, and close proximity to concessions and bathrooms. Most importantly, the golf here is phenomenal.
We recommend arriving at 15 green by 1:15 PM, just before Akshay Bhatia arrives. Set up folding chairs along the rope line on the right side of the green, where there is a slight rise in elevation and better views of both the landing area and putting surface. From there, you can easily pivot a few yards to watch tee shots on 16, a short par 3 over water. There are also misting fans and a concession tent behind 15 green if you need to cool down or grab snacks.
Hole 15 is a driveable par 4 that creates tension on every tee shot. Longer hitters may choose to go for the green with a driver or 3-wood, but the penalty for missing long or right is severe, with deep rough and a tightly guarded green complex. Others lay back with an iron or hybrid off the tee and try to spin a wedge into a narrow, well-contoured green from 90 to 110 yards out. You’ll see players debating club choice and visualizing different ball flights. Watching how they position themselves for the best angle into the pin—or recover from a bailout right or short bunker—gives kids a great sense of how pros manage risk and scoring opportunity.
Hole 16 is a short par 3 over water with a narrow, elevated green and tucked pins. It’s strategic and punishing, and every group brings a fresh decision-making story. This is where you can explain course design and strategy to kids without them getting bored, and the sightlines make for excellent viewing even while sitting on the ground.
Family-Friendly Itinerary for Thursday
Time
Plan
8:30 AM
Depart for TPC River Highlands
9:30 AM
Park at Rentschler Field and take shuttle to course
10:00 AM
Arrive at Main Gate; visit Fan Zone near Hole 1
11:15 AM
Walk to Practice Area
11:45 AM
Try to catch Akshay Bhatia for autograph before his tee time
12:30 PM
Watch Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler warm up
1:15 PM
Set up folding chairs at 15 green, just right of the green complex
1:45–3:00 PM
Watch the final groups; snack break; reapply sunscreen
3:15 PM
Optional: explore Hole 18 or return to Fan Zone
4:00 PM
Shuttle back to parking before the final wave of crowds
TPC River Highlands is a rare PGA Tour venue that feels manageable with kids. The course is compact, the paths are well-marked, and the staff and volunteers do a great job making the experience smooth. Between the shaded seating, hydration stations, and engaging layout, families can genuinely enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re thinking about bringing your kids out this Thursday, now’s the time. With big names, beautiful weather, and one of the most walkable courses in professional golf, the Travelers Championship continues to be Connecticut’s best summer sports experience—for golfers of all ages.
Father’s Day in Connecticut is a time for backyard grilling, memory-making, and—if you’re like us—a round of golf with your favorite playing partners: the kids. Unfortunately, this weekend’s forecast across much of Connecticut calls for rain. But don’t worry—you don’t have to cancel your golf plans. Thanks to indoor facilities like Golf Lab CT in Fairfield, you can still swing, laugh, and compete with your crew in climate-controlled comfort.
Rainy Day Savior: Golf Lab CT
If you haven’t been to Golf Lab CT, you’re missing one of the best family-friendly indoor golf spaces in the state. The facility features industry-leading TrackMan simulators and a cozy, laid-back vibe that works great for kids. It has three simulator rooms—two large bays ideal for families and groups, and one smaller bay perfect for private practice or one-on-one games with a child. They also feature a PuttView green with interactive games like Tic Tac Toe, PuttPong, and Splash that make putting drills genuinely fun.
Whether your little ones want to smack virtual balls into a cartoon barn or your teens want to challenge Dad on Pebble Beach, there are dozens of interactive TrackMan and PuttView games designed to be engaging for all skill levels. Our favorite TrackMan games are Magic Pond and Scrapyard.
Game
Description
Magic Pond
A delightful game for young golfers, Magic Pond drops players into a colorful, animated pond setting where the goal is to splash as many cartoon frogs, ducks, and floating objects as possible. It’s all about distance control and aim, but the playful sound effects and visuals make it feel more like a video game than golf practice. Kids can play competitively or just swing freely without pressure. It rewards contact and creativity, and is great for building confidence in newer players. Magic Pond is one of the most approachable TrackMan games for first-timers.
Scrapyard
In Scrapyard, kids and parents smash virtual targets like old cars, barrels, and stacked crates in a junkyard-themed arcade. It’s loud, satisfying, and totally addictive. This TrackMan game uses ball speed and trajectory to knock over digital structures, giving players instant visual feedback with explosions and falling debris. Scrapyard appeals to kids who like action-packed video games and helps them develop consistent impact. It’s perfect for players with big swings and big imaginations.
Tic Tac Toe
Played on the PuttView putting green, this game transforms a classic 3×3 grid into a putting challenge. Players sink putts to claim squares in a race to get three in a row. The game encourages strategic thinking, distance control, and alignment practice without feeling like a drill. Each square responds with satisfying audio-visual cues, and rounds move quickly to keep kids engaged. Tic Tac Toe works well for head-to-head play and is great for mixing fun with fundamentals.
PuttPong
This PuttView game draws inspiration from beer pong—but with a kid-friendly twist. Players try to roll putts into digitally projected cups on the green, watching them disappear with animation and fanfare. It’s a fun way to practice directional putting and pace control without repetition fatigue. PuttPong is perfect for small-group competition, especially siblings or parent-child duos looking for bragging rights. The game’s scoring system gives it a party vibe while still reinforcing real putting skills.
Splash
A whimsical and visually rich PuttView game, Splash makes putting feel like skipping stones into water. Kids aim for splash zones that react with ripples, bursts, and cheerful sound effects. It’s an ideal game for younger children just learning to control putter face and tempo. Splash is easy to set up and endlessly entertaining, making it a go-to for families looking for laid-back fun. It doesn’t require precision, just participation—and that’s what makes it so accessible.
Parents can sip coffee or bring snacks, and since you rent a private bay, it feels more like a living room with a launch monitor than a commercial simulator. Booking is easy and flexible.
Outdoor Family Golf (if skies clear up)
My two favorite places to play golf with my kids are Carl Dickman Par-3 and Tashua Knolls Academy Course. They both offer great walkability, gentle routing, and layouts that scale well for juniors.
Carl Dickman Par-3 (Fairfield, CT) This charming 9-hole par-3 course plays just 1,062 yards total. Most holes are under 120 yards, and the terrain is perfectly flat, making it an ideal walking course for younger children and parents carrying only a few clubs. It’s affordable, quiet, and perfect for that last twilight tee time.
Tashua Knolls Academy Course (Trumbull, CT) This 9-hole par-33 layout measures 2,322 yards and features gentle elevation changes and short par-4s mixed in with approachable par-3s. The course gives kids room to grow, and the friendly conditions help newer players build confidence. Parents can walk while kids ride, or both can enjoy the casual pace.
Sleeping Giant Golf Course (Hamden, CT) With gentle terrain and no forced carries, this nine-holer at the base of the mountain is as stress-free as it is scenic. It stretches just over 2,400 yards and is easily walkable.
Final Word
Don’t let a little rain spoil your Father’s Day tradition. Indoor options like Golf Lab CT give families a reliable, fun, and weatherproof way to bond over golf. And if the skies clear? Head out to one of Connecticut’s family-friendly courses and create memories one swing at a time. A few helpful tips can make all the difference: bring snacks and drinks to keep energy up, and don’t be afraid to ditch the scorecard if it gets in the way of fun. Playing a team scramble helps everyone feel involved, even beginners, and giving kids the chance to drive—whether it’s the simulator or the cart—can be a highlight of their day. Pack rain jackets just in case and focus more on laughs than scorecards. Happy Father’s Day!
