Mohegan Sun

Connecticut is home of two of the largest casinos in the United States, both of which host their own golf courses. The Lake of Isles complex is associated with the Foxwoods Casino, while Mohegan Sun has its own fairway escape for the non-gambler. Located far up the river from its title casino, Mohegan Sun (formerly known as Pautipug) was designed by golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish who, for his reputation as a historian of the game, brought a more modern approach to this route.

Understanding perhaps that casino guests live by a “go big or go home” attitude, the par fives are the star of the show and—appropriately—the first three all offer the chance to gamble strokes in an attempt to reach the putting surface in two. No. 5 will require at least one lay up for big hitters, as the brook crossing the fairway is simply uncrossable. At just 505 yards, the green is more than open to a well-struck second, however.

At the very next hole, players can try to cut a well-bunkered dogleg without rolling off the fairway. If they succeed, the green is well within reach...if you can cross the creek that falls into the lake down below. No. 13 is more straightforward: Can you cross the wide creek in two on this 510-yard hole, or can’t you? The final hole, at 540 yards, is closer to a true three-shot hole for the average golfer.