LOCAL GOLF

August is a good time to grab your clubs and head to Connecticut. The Nutmeg State has a bunch of decent public courses, many of them no more than two hours away from New York City. Here’s a sampling:

Blackledge: Can’t go wrong at this gritty 36-hole facility located in Hebron, about 15 miles southeast of Hartford.

Candlewood Valley: Located in New Milford, the front nine is short and tight; the back is long.

Crestbrook Park: Brutal layout (6,492 yards from white tees) for high handicappers. Located in Watertown, not far off Rt. 8.

Elmridge: Last course on I-95 before you hit Rhode Island. With three nines, tee it up here before hitting the casinos.

Fox-Hopyard: Rave reviews for pricey new Roger Rulewich course located on Rt. 82 in East Haddam.

Great River: Scenic, upscale Tommy Fazio course has a back-tee slope of, gulp, 152. Located on Houstonic River in Milford, this might be the state’s toughest course.

Orange Hills: Friendly course just west of New Haven. Beware of the woodsy back nine.

Pine Valley: Nice course not to be confused with its New Jersey namesake. Located off I-84 near Bristol.

Lyman Orchards: Go with the Robert Trent Jones course at this 36-hole complex near Meriden. Newer Gary Player course is harder, hillier and requires carts. Afterwards, try the apple pie at the nearby produce store.

Portland: Sporty layout, not too long but tight. About 15 miles southeast of Hartford.

Richter Park: The pride of Danbury is tough to get on, but worth trying. Avoid the “quicksand” on the 15th and 16th holes.

Ridgefield: Can’t get onto Richter? Head for this hidden gem off I-84 near the New York border. Back nine is superb.

Shennecossett: Twilight rates at this Donald Ross classic start at 2 p.m. It’s located in Groton, right next to the Pfizer plant.

Tallwood: Fun course in Hebron – just down the road from Blackledge – with large greens and lots of water on the back.

Yale: So many great holes. Beware the par-3 ninth, where the green is dissected by a giant swale. Boola, boola.