Miner Hills Golf Course

This is solid executive layout–as I’ve written in every previous review—that benefits from scenic views, good use of hilly and fairly rugged terrain. and a mix of decent par-3s. The best of these is probably the fifth, but the toughest has to be the long sixth. The short but rigorous fourth seems the standout hole among a trio of par-4s, largely because the ideal shot is a draw off the tee. A large embankment on the right side of the landing zone will kick your ball back into the fourth fairway if you miss a bit right. Green four runs narrow but long–a good target to test your wedge game.

Course conditions were average overall today. The good greens were the strong point, running smooth and true, but most of the tees were fair at best, having too little grass. They were even a bit slippery after it rained today. Bunkers were washed out, and fairways were about average–a bit too long.
Pace of play today turned out to be slower than it should be on an executive course.

So, all in all today’s experience was average, though the layout still engaged my interest throughout the round.

As an executive course, Miner Hills may be pigeonholed into the category of practice or warm-up course. But this is a genuine golf layout, requiring planning and strategy to play well. Take the second hole, a relatively short par-3 playing downhill from a high tee to a green bunkered in the back. The strategy may be to bounce the ball onto the putting surface, or to fly it in with a higher shot, but either way the hidden rear trap must be avoided at all costs. The fifth, a longer par-3, is an even tougher version of the second, though the trap is set to the right with a big dropoff (to a place where recovery is exceptionally difficult) to boot. Good, well-played shots are required, not repetitive driving range training. Yet another excellent par-3 comes at the ninth, requiring your best short-iron into an elevated, very well guarded green perched on a knoll.

The trio of par-4’s, while not particularly hard by conventional standards, still have obstacles to avoid or overcome: water (at the third), a tight fairway (at four), or a steep and awkward uphill trek to the seventh green, enhanced further by a two-tiered green.

The course is well-kept, and the greens have become faster and smoother–from my observation–over the past year or so. The clubhouse, not fancy, is serviceable, and a driving range is available. During the summer, the course is beautified by various plantings and floral gardens.

It’s a nice place so spend an hour or so during your “executive” round, as it was for me this autumn afternoon. Miner Hills is also an excellent venue for aspiring golfers or beginners who still want a realistic challenge.

On the outskirts of Middletown, just off I-91 and a 16-mile jaunt down the highway from Hartford, lies Miner Hills Golf Course, a short track set among sharply rolling hills and in the sort of countryside mostly dedicated to farming.

Although the idea still exists that typical executive courses are dull affairs that lack challenging golf holes, nearly all of the exec tracks I’ve played in Connecticut belie this misconception, and Miner Hills is a prime example. The layout here exploits its prominent and steep slopes–the foundation of its challenge–and sprinkles in hidden bunkers, deep greenside falloffs, canted greens, a dogleg and road hole, and plenty of encroaching woods, all of which may help to quickly pile strokes onto your scorecard.

The first par-3, its tee below the clubhouse, tumbles downhill to a green defended well by a big right-side falloff. Then comes a bit sterner test at the second, another three-par plunging down over steeper terrain, followed by the first of three drive-and-pitch par-4’s. Given this fairly tame trio of openers, players can get off to a nice start given reasonably decent shots. At the fourth hole, though, the margin for error narrows and the game is on over the remaining six.

Good Stuff on this Layout:

NEAT PAR-3
Fifth, 173 yards.
Pulling or pushing the tee shot means a run-in with a tree. Ideally, play the bounce from the green’s left-side embankment. Leaving the ball in front of the green leaves diabolical up-and-down,even though you’re only chipping.

TIGHT PAR-4
Fourth, 253 yards
Both strategic (if you wish to bounce tee-shot off embankment on right) and a possible birdie opportunity, but a laser straight drive helps.

PURE CHALLENGE
Seventh, Par-4, 260
Well-hit drive is a must; a small target follows–to a two-tiered green–on the second shot. The 260 yards play more like 330.

VIEWS
Enjoy the views from the second tee and behind the seventh green, or as you walk off the ninth in springtime.

CONDITIONING IMPROVEMENTS
Since playing here early last August, when the greens were a shade below medium speed, they seemed to have sped up to above-average speeds today, and also putted smoothly. It seems that maintenance has eliminated, as well, a few unnecessary trees.

SOME CONCLUSIONS: The countryside views alone, whether from the high ridge at the north end of the property or through the course’s lower, woodland stretch, are a big bonus here. Combine that with a friendly staff and good service, a well-kept property and amenities like a driving range and putting green, a sense of quiet seclusion and quick accessibility from the highway, and Miner Hills’ value is hard to beat.

Good for the family, children to learn the game. Course doesn’t accept online tee time reservations

Course is hilly but fun! Was in good shape and made for an enjoyable, picturesque fall afternoon.

Course was better than I expected staff is friendly can’t say much more but I will come back to the course I liked it a lot

Nice round!!!

Tee boxes were just mud with no grass,, greens were badly wet and no one fixed their marks, cups were extremely worn, as if no one moved them for weeks. Poor maintenance all around. Golf carts were horribly sad and out dated. No club house however people working there were nice. I think they had to be....

This solid executive course in Middletown should satisfy anyone who wants to play a nine in less than two hours while enjoying some suitable challenges along with pretty countryside vistas.

I’ve reviewed this a couple of times previously, so, here are five highlights for the uninitiated:

1) True to its name, Miner Hills is built into a couple of hillsides, which, though not huge, aren’t ‘minor’ either. This leaves good terrain for golf, but even more energy (and resistance to pars) comes from tree-lined fairways (a few of them narrow), well-placed bunkers, medium to smallish greens, a creek alongside the third, and enough problems around these putting surfaces to keep things lively. Your game will be challenged.

2) Hole seven, I would say, is the star attraction, a short but rugged four-par that climbs straight up the property’s central hillside. It’s a road hole that also features a couple of bunkers in the vicinity of the green, which is two-tiered and unlikely to be a barrel of laughs when your threesome or foursome is putting it.

3) Two other strong holes are the back-to-back duo of five and six, both par-3’s that play medium and long, respectively. The fifth green is the tougher of the two.

4) The rest of the holes are all good ones, and the routing gives you enough variety, contrast, and hole types--including three par-4’s--to hit most of the clubs in your bag if you wish. No pushover if you hope to shoot par, this track will also test your short game.

5) The environs are pleasant, scenic, and surprisingly quiet, given that you’re only what seems about a half mile from I-91. The woods are so dense, however, that I heard no sound from the highway whatsoever. Another plus is the attractive combination of both wild and cultivated flowers that appear around the layout.

I observed very good conditions around the course today. The greens were a bit faster than last time, falling just shy of medium speed. All things considered, this has to be called an excellent value.

8am tee time, got in a little early and was able to get on the course right away. This was my first time here. I got to play by myself which I enjoyed. Great course, great conditions and well maintained. Many paths but it flows in a direction that makes sense. Had a great time and it was priced well. Can’t wait to go back!

This is a fun little execution course. Its ideal for beginners or to work on your iron play. Great value for your money.
Only suggested is update the carts.
Very walkable only 7th hole is straight uphill.

Clean course ,simple layout,short game test. Had two holes where you can use a wood.No#7 best hole on course.various distances on the par threes
My only drawback would be hey should change the driving markers more frequently so your not hitting off bald areas..Well worth the money paid.

For a par three course very challenging greens were fast but smooth each hole had an element of incline weather will be up or downhill your chipping skills and putting skills were put to the test it was a beautiful and enjoyable round

While the course itself is on the shorter side (there are no par five holes), it was still an enjoyable and challenging experience.

What the course lacks in length, it makes up for in difficulty. Holes often require the player to execute a specific strategy in order to reach the green in regulation.

Once on the green, the player is rarely presented with a straight putt, which replaces some of the challenge lost by the shorter hole length.

All in all, the staff was extremely friendly and the course was in good condition. I would happily return in the future.

The course plays at a par 30 for nine holes. Fairways and greens were in excellent shape. The only problems were the tee boxes ( uneven) and no coffee! But a great little 9 hole course! Plus the price was right! $23 w/cart!

Fun course and reasonably priced to play through for 18 holes , challenging but great practice for your irons and putter as the holes aren’t that long. Highly recommend

This is a very challenging 9 hole course that is in excellent spring condition. Has something for everyone and fun to play.