Copper Hill Golf Club

Copper Hill GC, built in 1952, lies a couple of miles from the center of East Granby, a small town that borders Windsor Locks. As the crow flies, this nine-hole track is only a few miles, as well, from Bradley International Airport. Here today, several jets flew overhead, apparently in their ascent stage. These were the only minor distractions from playing the game of golf: this setting is very rural and quiet overall. Only a couple of holes are situated near property occupied by housing.

As for the course’s character, stretches of open holes intermittently give way to a corridor-like par four or five, on which the fairway is fully woodlined. Copper Hill GC is lightly bunkered, and a few of the greenside traps are deep, as at the second. Most of the greens are elevated to varying degrees. Several ponds show up, not far from the tees at two, three, five, and seven; most golfers will have little trouble negotiating them. Generally this is a flat course with only a couple of hills (on 4 and 9), neither of which is long nor severe. A good place for walkers…

Four Noteworthy Holes:

The signature hole may be the fourth, the course’s one dramatically strategic hole–which is set up wholly by the two large trees some 100 yards prior to the green. On the approach, one option is to drive to the right of the trees–the longer route–and so open up the green. The other way is to hit down the left side; this will require an approach straight between the paired trees, in which case the shot must be threaded through a tight opening to find the green in two.

The #1 index, the ninth is the longest par-4 on course and plays very tough, owing to a landing zone that runs uphill over an odd, angular (right-tilting) slope. Lies from here will be awkward for the approach shot. Then there is the heavily sloped putting surface, which spells bogey or worse if your short game or putting–or both–are not in good working order. A refined but stringent hole, the longish par-3 sixth is remarkable for its sharply sloping green (back to front) set upon a small plateau and beautifully contoured. Miss this surface from the tee and you’ll likely be pitching the ball high to hold it. Putting the green demands good judgment for both line and speed–especially downhill.

Ironically, the hole I like best here is one of the least splashy: the par-4 second. The fairway is only moderately undulant and leads to a somewhat raised green with a single bunker on its left flank. What makes it interesting, mainly, is the second shot, from where you cannot see the putting surface, a surface that is nicely contoured and quite narrow–albeit long. It’s a subtly sly two-shooter.

The Par-5s:

For some golfers, the pair of sub-500 yard par-5s here may be birdie opportunities (not “birdie holes”). I dislike the phrase “birdie hole” because it suggests that a player can birdie it consistently. But can they? If approximately 4% of amateurs hit the ball 300 yards consistently (never mind the straightness factor), then virtually no hole is, in actuality, one that they will birdie most of the time. If, factually, tour pros birdie holes only 15-25% of the time, then there are few so-called automatic “birdie holes” even for them. At any rate, you’ll likely work harder for a par on the tricky fourth; the eighth is tighter but far more straightforward.

Conditions:

Impressively strong. In light of how patchy the conditions were back in 2020 when I first played here, this is a very substantial improvement. Today greens were outstanding and fairways excellent; greenskeeper Steve George clearly takes pride in this work. Only a few of the roughs–in limited areas–could use improvement.

Some Conclusions:

While this course is a fit for players with average skills, the layout’s more challenging holes should appeal, as well, to better players. And as I saw today, novice players can clearly enjoy it. Copper Hill has generally stood the test of time as a layout (with one exception–for some players–that is the very short, par-4 fifth hole).

Given its fine conditioning, too, Copper Hill Golf Club may be considered an excellent value. This course also seems to be in high demand, if the parking lot today (during midday, Thursday) has been any indication.

Located only a few miles from Bradley Airport and about seven miles from I-91, Copper Hill Golf Club sits out in the countryside, pretty much undisturbed by the sound of planes, from what I’ve experienced. It’s a good place for a quiet round that should leave you feeling apart from civilization.

LAYOUT

Given its moderate length, Copper Hill should not overpower higher-handicap players. Yet it will challenge better golfers well enough: take, for example, the longer par-3’s, which also feature plateau greens that place a premium on tee-shot accuracy. A good pitch shot is a must if these are missed. Seven out of the nine greens here are, in fact, plateau types.

The 4th, 7th, and 9th fairways, on the other hand, have wide fairways; they allow strategic play from tee to green. Their slopes, whether subtle or severe, also demand careful shot placement if you hope to keep the ball on the fairway. Nine, a tough and well-designed finishing hole, seems to me the best hole on the front. It is no easy par, given its hilly fairway and strongly tilted (left to right) green, a putting surface that is blind from the fairway.

HAZARDS / DEFENSES

Bunkering is on the lighter side. There are few fairway bunkers and usually single bunkers if they are greenside. On the fairways and into the greens, small brooks show up as cross hazards on a few holes. Three ponds–at 3, 6 and 7–are relatively benign threats. About half of the holes may be called ‘woodsy,’ and only the fifth and eighth fairways are heavily tree-lined on both sides. But certainly spraying the ball will bring trouble, generally, off the fairway.

CONDITIONING

For early springtime, conditions were very good. Greenside areas were the best I’ve seen this week (at four courses). Care of the fringes was meticulous, and it’s nice to see some closely shaved areas around the greens which extend up to 15/20 yards from the greens themselves. The greens themselves were on the slower side today, whereas last year and before they were quite quick in summertime. They surely should speed up in the coming weeks. Fairways and tees were good, roughs and bunkers about what you’d expect this early in the season.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

The balanced layout at Copper Hill should appeal to most golfers. Management has invested the necessary work over the past two years to revitalize the appearance and grooming of this nine, which both are far better than what I saw when first playing it in 2020. I met the club pro and owner today, both of whom were friendly and helpful.

I’ve played virtually every nine-hole course in Connecticut now. It’s safe to say that this improved version of Copper Hill Golf Club puts it in the upper echelon of these often underappreciated layouts.

A few comments:

--After heavy rains over the first half of July, this course was a bit waterlogged in places (especially between one and nine, and off the second tee) but still playable. Considering that several area courses were closed today, that’s an achievement.

--Good conditioning continues to improve further, though there is still a way to go in a few areas of the course. Greens were excellent.

--Should be a good measure of how well you play the game because the difficulty is somewhere in the average range: no excuses for a weak or poor score. It’s not too long and wide enough on most fairways, but the elevated greens (on nearly every hole) and their rolling contours supply sufficient challenges. Variety is strong enough for a nine-holer, and the atmosphere here is secluded and pleasant.

Copper Hill isn’t the sort of layout where you’ll need cool nerve as you attempt to fly every third shot over a water hazard or swamp or abyss. While it does induce some stresses, they’re milder. And while there are a few water hazards and wetlands (in which I saw families of turtles and heard the chorus of scores of frogs) they demand no 200-yard forced carries. I consider that a good thing, truer to the roots of the game.

Here about half the course has an unspoiled quality; no sign of civilization appears on these solitary holes. A few fairways, however, are lined by houses on one side or end at a road. Overall the airy country setting offers a sense of isolation, especially because the routing meanders unpredictably, taking you into both open, field-like areas and secluded wooded settings.

A few stunning holes highlight the course’s rolling--yet not rugged--terrain. One of them is the fourth, a par-5 sporting an uphill drive over the crest of a large hill. Further down its fairway are two towering, distinctive trees located smack in the middle of the fairway (about 100 yards from the green). But it’s a hole that gives me pause: I still feel unsure how to play it. Today I went down the fairway’s right side, which panned out fairly well. Veer too far left, though, and the twin towers may obstruct your next shot.

The going gets tough on this layout when you miss a green in the wrong area. Usually that means you’re down a small hill or bank from where a pitch must be hit over the steep slope. And most of these greens are elevated well above grade. Still, with predominantly straight holes, an absence of sharp doglegs, modest length, and generous fairways, Copper Hill may be appreciated by golfers across the ability spectrum.

Three Hard Holes:

The par-threes demand a lot of the heavy work among these nine; only the par-5 eight seems like heavier work. Both three-pars (three and six) have greens sitting atop small rises. They’re also long enough to require mid-irons or hybrids, unless you’re a bomber. Eight is a tight, tough hole, a 459-yard five-par, that doesn’t relinquish its grip until you’re in the cup. This is the most angular hole on the course, but unfortunately strategic play is limited a bit here, as the threat is too strong from the surrounding, dense woods to take big risks. The green is well-protected, small, perched, and tilted.

A Joy to Play:

The seventh caught my eye from its back tee (which wasn’t open the first time I played here). This par-4 is spacious, wide, scenic, and field-like. It encourages the use of driver and has a beautiful view of marshland directly in front of the tee, then a glimpse of a strip of fairway in the distance.

CONDITIONING: The improvements over last summer are nearly radical; I could see them even at a first glance from the road. The fairways, formerly burnt out over large swaths, are now lush and green. The only weakness here is still the rough, which was patchy in places. Tees and greens were very good. The latter are actually cut properly to medium speed, because modern, sophisticated cutting techniques will render tight-cut, vintage greens with larger slopes too speedy; they were, in fact, designed for mid-20th century mowers. (Note: I’m loosely paraphrasing Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan, author of “Golf Course Architecture,” 1996, who cites 2% slopes as the maximum, in general, for modern greens)

A Couple of Conclusions: Copper Hill is fair and, sloping at 114, of average difficulty: If your game doesn’t crack at any point, a good score is well within reach. After enjoying the nine at CH on this sunny spring afternoon, my level of expectancy is high for returning soon and having some more fun here. The clubhouse has also been greatly refurbished to good effect since my visit last August; the restaurant looks like a winner.

Best I’ve seen this course. It gets better and better each time I come here and play. A little wet due to all the rain lately and a lot of work being done to improve the course.

A mostly tree-lined affair set out in the country, Copper Hill is nearly 70 years old and offers a typical brand of parkland experience. The terrain rolls comfortably without extremes and the layout fits the traditional style of American 1950’s golf, although some minor updates, I’m guessing, have been made.

More specifically, one might sum up Cooper Hill Golf Club as short, straightforward, relatively level overall, and mostly tree-lined at its holes’ peripheries. But it’s not tight: many of the holes present an open feel, and you’ll have to stray moderately or even greatly from most of these fairways to find trouble (the exception is the eighth). Nearly all of the greens are bunkered, most often with a single trap. The four short 4-pars here should allow us the opportunity to put several pars on the scorecard, given a good wedge game and decent putting. The first hole, for example, should be a routine GIR for better players, though its green is well-contoured, while the second has a pitched green that is slightly harder to hit.

The fifth adds some drama here, as the shortest par-4 and in the 250 range. Big hitters will want to and have a go at it by lashing the driver or three-wood, but the green is small, elevated, and protected by left-side bunker. All of which means you’ll have to hit is just about dead straight to make it a one-shotter.

Both par-threes at CHGC, measuring in the 160’s, are decent enough, although the third felt a touch more challenging. Its green elevated significantly, the third offers no piece-of-cake tee shot.

Of the five-pars, the better was the eighth—at least that was my impression from a first play. Its fairway woodsy on both sides, the eighth hole’s drive must be put in play if you have any hope of reaching the green in two. From the landing area, you’ll find the putting surface, tucked away behind some low trees leftward, only partially in view. This makes for a tempting target; but your approach shot must be well-lofted to scale the trees and to miss the left frontal bunker. The eighth is still challenging as a three-shotter. Considering the premium put on accuracy at eight, it plays as the course’s toughest hole. The longer fourth is interesting for its blind drive over an imposing hill, but the two mature trees (one in the fairway, the other the left rough) will discourage those who want to shortcut the hole down the left side. Each one definitely makes a statement.

The best hole, I thought, was the closing ninth. A fine driving hole, this 376-yard four-par encourages you to hit to the canted fairway’s left center to play the bounce correctly. On that left side, however, are woods, so the shot will need precision. Luckily for me, there’s also a bit of room in the left rough before one’s Titleist finds the trees, as I pulled my drive somewhat. Hit too much to the right side and an unfavorable bounce may lead to tree troubles (see photo). Similarly, your approach here will also benefit from a favorable leftward bounce from the greenside slopes, and, by coming in from the left, also prevent any encounter with the gaping right-side bunker. The ninth’s undulating green demands some putting skill, as well.

So Copper Hill serves up three or four occasions where extra-careful play will be advantageous, though overall I felt my enthusiasm ebbing and flowing when playing this pleasant nine-holer. The greens, for their part, have interesting surfaces, and most were set above grade. Yet the bunkering around them is used occasionally to create a strategic focus (as at nine), and in general it could use more variety and imagination.

Conditioning was average on the greens and generally around them (most notably, the greenside bunkers stood out as well cared-for). I found that they ran a bit on the slow side and could be bumpy. The rough on a few holes appeared not to have been cut for a while. Most, but not all, of the fairways suffered from weak to poor conditioning, partly because they were somewhat burned out. Granted, Connecticut has experienced a hot and dry stretch this summer. Doubtless the course will be better this fall—and coming spring.

Copper Hill was an enjoyable jaunt around these nine on my first play here. I liked being able to bang away with driver here without too much fear; I liked the bucolic and relaxed setting, and I liked the smooth pace my threesome enjoyed when playing these nine today. It was also briskly busy here, as the course is a good value, and, when walking 18, an excellent one.

Other notes, opinions, and comments:

A) My two playing partners, whom I was grouped with by chance, were both friendly and unusually witty. We had much in common and to talk about; they share my profession. Their banter made the round extraordinarily fun. It was clear that they also both like playing Copper Hill.

B) Copper Hill enjoys substantial league play in the late-afternoons.

C) This club is set in an interesting part of the state. It may only be less than 10 minutes from Bradley Airport, but it still feels quite remote and secluded, especially because population density is low. It’s a nice drive to the club through the woods, and I understand bear sightings are not infrequent in this neck of it.

D) Just down the road is Old New-Gate Prison (quite the oxymoron) & Copper Mine, whose prison ruins looked eerie even from the road. It’s a “historical place” museum that’s temporarily closed. It may not have the fearsomeness or gravity of Alcatraz, which I saw a few years ago, but I think it would still make for a fascinating visit.

Weather was good and the course was in nice shape. Tee boxes need work.

Pro shop staff sarcastically said ( for hot deal ) you're here to play for free. Twosome & Foursome ahead

made no effort to let play through. Greens are aerated

and sandy, Course is poorly kept up. Played this course

just a one time for the year. Don't plan on returning.

Great for bringing my grandson out there for his first-ever real round.

I was very excited to see spend the morning at Copper Hill. The rates and availability was perfect. I however did not realize there are only 9 holes. My group did not either and were saddened when we realized the round was over after the 9th green. Had we planned to play just 9 or knew that different tee boxes were going to be our only way to keep playing, our experience would have been better. Other than the course misunderstanding and the full trash bins at every hole before 11am, I would not count this place out for the rest of the season.

For the most part the coarse was in good shape. Some of the T boxes were beat up. Greens were in great shape. Glad to see kids guessing ages 7-14 out as a group enjoying some fun.

Overall it was a good day and beat the afternoon league

Great course for us newbies. Had plenty of time to play without being rushed with other teams behind us.

Course was in good shape, even though it was wet from all the rain.

I thought the staff was good,the course is well maintained, and definitely a challenge for a rookie. The question I look for in a review is “Would I go back?”...DEFINITELY

Staff and pace of play were very good. Very hot day

and drinking water stations were welcomed. Good course but a little less kept up.

Worth the GolfNow Hot Deal. I tend to rate courses harshly.

Summary: I would play again for a Hot Deal price.

Staff: Very friendly & helpful. Really interested in hearing how course / experience could be improved. Not sure if they just listen or if they actually do something to improve experience (See hole #1 note below).

1) Score card font is too small to read.

2) Hole about 10" deep by foot golf flag short front of 1st green over grown with grass, they say they filled it several times but drainage opens it up, I wrenched my ankle in it, solution is to put a grate over it (IMHO).

3) Hole markers with layout non-existent and too small to read on score card.

4) Tee box markers on one hole missing.

5) Sand traps need lots of work, have not been groomed in what looked like weeks.

Course is a local's course, cheap cost, chance to get out. I played it back in the 80's. Better condition now.

The course is simple and not very long. Cozy atmosphere. Greens roll nice. Very relaxing.