Keney Park

Keney Park Golf Course has been one of many municipal layouts that has been in the spotlight in recent years, thanks to new interest in elevating its quality through a hybridized renovation-restoration. The “restoration” comes as a result of a newfound interest in restoring the historic facets of the front nine holes created by Devereux Emmet, and the renovation in adapting the course’s Robert “Jack” Ross back nine to shine with features just as distinctive.

Matthew Dusenberry, a former associate of Greg Norman design, walked the fine line between a wholesale restoration and taking his own stab at Emmet’s Golden Age tendencies. No. 8, perhaps the most photographed hole at the property, is a great example: Its signature “accordion” bunker combines Oakmont church pews and Greco-Roman tiling for a unique look. Although Emmet would have been the architect to create such an installation, this bunker is actually an interpretation by Dusenberry.

Template holes make appearances, such as the Redan featuring Emmet’s tile bunkers at No. 6, and No. 9 offers a more reachable Road hole for Hartford golfers.