When I first mentioned moving to Hartford, my friends asked, "Do you even play golf there?"

Honestly, I thought there wouldn't be many good courses in Hartford compared to famous ones in Boston. However, after playing a few rounds, I discovered that it actually has a lot of charm that Korean golfers would appreciate.

The biggest feature of golf in the Eastern U.S., especially in New England, is that the natural landscape has not been forced to change.

While Korean golf courses feel neatly organized, here, there's a fun challenge of navigating between old oak and maple trees.

Even if the fairways look wide, a single tree can completely change your score. You quickly realize that course management is much more important than distance.

The first place I would recommend in Hartford is definitely Keney Park Golf Course. With nearly a century of history, it may not be flashy, but after finishing a round, you'll understand "why people love this course." Especially, the subtle undulations on the greens make putting more challenging than expected.

The price is also reasonable, with residents paying under $40 and non-residents around $50, making it easy to enjoy. Considering the green fees at Korean golf courses, it's truly an amazing deal.

If you love golf, you might have heard of TPC River Highlands, which is also near Hartford.

This course, located in Cromwell, is famous for hosting the PGA Tour Travelers Championship.

With dense forests and water hazards artfully placed, you can experience the scenes you've seen on TV in real life. However, it's a private club, so it's unfortunate that the general public can't play without a member's invitation. Still, just being able to watch world-class players during tournament time is worth it.

If you're looking for a public course, you can't miss Gillette Ridge Golf Club. Designed by Arnold Palmer, each hole has a distinct character, and the wide-open fairways are impressive. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely round while appreciating the scenery rather than focusing on your score. Many reviews praise it for having a balanced course that satisfies everyone from beginners to single-digit golfers.

Just a bit further, you'll find Wintonbury Hills Golf Course. This public course, designed by Pete Dye, is known among local golfers as a "hidden gem." With strategic bunkers and varied terrain, you won't get bored even after playing the same course multiple times. The higher proportion of local golfers compared to tourists also means you can play at a more relaxed pace.

One reason people fall in love with golf in the Eastern U.S. is the change of seasons. In spring, the grass turns a fresh green, in summer, the dense forests provide cool shade, and in fall, the unique New England foliage transforms the course into a completely different landscape. Especially in October, experiencing a round among the red and yellow leaves is truly memorable. You might find yourself spending more time enjoying the scenery than actually playing.

The atmosphere among Korean golfers in the East is also a bit different from the West. Instead of a membership-centric culture, it's common to book public courses and play together without pressure, often dining at nearby Korean restaurants or barbecue places afterward to bond. There's a strong vibe of enjoying the hobby together rather than showcasing golf skills.

Hartford may not be a large city, but it offers unexpected satisfaction for golf lovers.

With historic classic courses, prestigious PGA Tour courses, and high-quality public courses all within about a 30-minute drive, it's a great place for golfers.

If you're a Korean looking to enjoy golf in a quiet city, Hartford is definitely one of the best areas to play.