WESTPORT–After a long, cold winter, Longshore Golf Course will open for play this Friday, April 3.

“Our staff has been working diligently to prepare the course, pro shop, and operations to ensure a smooth start to the season,” the town Parks and Recreation Department said in an announcement. “Golfers can expect several updates this year aimed at improving the overall experience, including a new reservation system, new carts, enhancements to communication and continued course improvements.”

Here are some new changes made this season for the course, at 260 Compo Road South:

New Reservation System

The course has introduced a new reservation service, ForeUp, which is designed to provide a more user-friendly interface for booking and managing tee times. The department will shortly begin sending email blasts directly from this system to keep customers up to date on what is happening at Longshore. Booking will be available on ForeUp as of Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 AM.

 A few important points to know:

• Everyone will get an email directly from ForeUp asking them to set up their online booking account. Missing or ignoring this email will delay the ability to book tee times. All handpass holders have already been transferred to the new ForeUp database, but these accounts need to be activated by following the instructions in the email.
• All accounts will be required to keep a credit card on file in their account in order to book tee times. No-show fees will be enforced this season.
• When using an account to book a tee time, the username will now be the email address that is on file in your account. The golfer’s email on file in the ForeUp database is the one that was on file in the old Chelsea account. Handpass numbers will no longer be used for golf. (They will be used for other Parks and Recreation amenities).
• Tee time booking windows will remain as they are (5 days in advance starting at 6:30 a.m.)

 New Carts

“We are excited to announce we have brand new 2026 electric lithium-ion Club Car carts,” the department’s announcement says. “These new carts will be equipped with GPS technology that will allow the golfer to have their distances available to them as they traverse the course. In addition, the goal is to have the GPS serve as the ordering system for food and beverage at the halfway house.”

Alcoholic beverages will also be available at the halfway house and via beverage cart on the course for convenience. This will not be available at the beginning of the season, however, because the town is in the process of securing a new concessionaire for Longshore.

Telephone System

In addition to a new reservation system, the course will introduce a new phone system. The goal of this system is to cut down on the large amount of general information phone calls coming into the pro shop. The website will remain the most easily accessible place for general information regarding pricing, tee time information, instruction, association membership and so on.

Tee Box Renovation

While the tee box renovation project is almost complete, the new tee boxes will not be ready to play on opening day. The department plans to open the new tees as they can be used without risk of damage. In the meantime, forward and temporary tees will be used in their place. The department requests that golfers do not walk on any new tees before they are opened for use.

Handpass Purchase and Renewal

If you are a Westport resident and would like to purchase a golf Handpass, or if your golf Handpass has expired, you can renew or purchase online here or in person, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.  – 4:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in Longshore Club Park, 260 Compo Road South.