New Clubhouse, Restaurant Open At H. Smith Richardson Golf Course

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield officials celebrated the opening of the new clubhouse at the H. Smith Richardson Golf Course on Tuesday, about six months later than originally planned, but with much fanfare.

“This is years of hard work,” Director of Parks and Recreation Anthony Calabrese said after the grand opening ceremony. “I couldn’t be more proud of how this building turned out.”

The nearly $7 million clubhouse was completed about $150,000 under budget, and, at 9,500 square feet, is 2,800 square feet larger than the previous facility. As part of the rebuild, the structure was repositioned with its new restaurant, Boca Grille and Raw Bar, looking out over the course. The pro shop provides a clear view of both the first tee and the 18th green.

“I know this will be an asset of the town for decades to come,” clubhouse building committee Chair Craig Curley told a crowd gathered on the restaurant patio before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Town officials began considering the possibility of a new clubhouse as far back as 2006, but it wasn’t until 2018 that the building committee was formed. Ground broke on the project in late 2019, but the undertaking was delayed several months past the intended Labor Day 2020 opening by the coronavirus pandemic, which slowed the supply chain while simultaneously generating a demand from players wanting to use the course.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick remarked Tuesday that golf served as a reprieve from the challenges of the pandemic.

Calabrese expected the clubhouse restaurant would draw diners year-round from neighboring towns. Operated by the ownership of Boca Oyster Bar in Bridgeport and Metro Kitchen and Bar in downtown Fairfield, Boca Grille and Raw Bar will serve elevated American classic cuisine and offer outdoor dining on its large patio.

“I’m confident that this restaurant will become a destination for golfers and non-golfers alike,” Curley said.

As of Tuesday, the clubhouse is officially open at 2425 Morehouse Highway. The golf course, which was named municipal course of the year in 2016 by the Connecticut State Golf Association, started its season March 20.

“We know our course is good,” Calabrese said. “Now we have a clubhouse that matches that.”