Hop Brook Golf Course

Hop Brook GC is currently in near-excellent shape. For this early in the season, the course played beautifully. The maintenance staff clearly is moving full speed ahead. Once again, I found the layout enjoyable and was lucky to meet up with three fine playing partners. Unfortunately, the experience was significantly marred by a breakdown in the pro shop.

The issue is straightforward enough. I booked a mid-morning 18-hole "Hot Deal" tee time. Having the GolfNow confirmation and the Course Confirmation numbers in hand was insufficient when I arrived and presented them at check-in. The staff member insisted my reservation was only for 9 holes. This he maintained, yet it does not square with the facts in three ways. The biggest problem is that no 9-hole "Hot Deal" existed in the GolfNow inventory for this course. Another is that my playing partners in the same group paid the same rate for the same time. Yet they were permitted to play the 18 holes. And just as important: current pricing (as of Monday, April 27) remains consistent. It is clearly verifiable, once again on GolfPass’ website, that only 18-hole rates are offered. And that is throughout the week.

The resolution was simple. After being forced to stop after 9 holes, I contacted GolfPass Support. Recognizing the error immediately, they confirmed my 18-hole booking and issued a refund, which I’ve already received. No problem.

What was disappointing (but also annoying) was that the course representative could not verify my booking. But the online representative of GolfPass, in sharp contrast, did so without issue using the same booking numbers. Why not equally verifiable at the pro shop? Instead it was summarily dismissed. Hop Brook management should address whatever misunderstanding exists here. Other golfers should not be subject to “non-existent” rates, which, in effect, will cut their rounds in half. As mine was.

Good conditions, nice staff and great weather makes for a really enjoyable round. Do yourself a favor and give this course a try.

Busy bar, slow greens , weird layout, sub par conditions

This was my first visit to Hop Brook. It's a nice little course that isn't too challenging. The course was in excellent condition. The topography supplied most of the challenges. The course Pro was very friendly and helpful. We played late in the afternoon and there were some beginning golfers that did slow down the pace of play for the beginning of the round. The greens fees were a little high for non-resident nine holes with a cart ($38) for a municipal course, but not entirely unreasonable. A definite deal for town residents.

I have been playing 9 here multiple times a month for the last couple years. Always in good shape, always a good deal. The first hole green is diabolical

The day I played here it was extremely hot. Everyone was friendly and the pace was excellent. They have 2 par 5's and 2 par 3's. Makes it interesting.

Booked a 9 hole with cart included. After I got there and paid I was told I would share a cart with someone I was randomly paired up with. That’s not what I booked. I was told “2 people can’t have 2 carts out there it’s not allowed” what? The half cart thing is a scam just to make more money.

On top of that, a 3 hour round for 9 holes mid day is absolute insanity.

I've played Hop Brook a few times before. Consistently in good condition. . .moderate difficulty. Gets a little slow sometimes, but otherwise a good option.

I always enjoy playing at Hot Brooke. It’s convenient and the Pay place is not bad. If you’re going to plan a weekend get out early! Or the place is very slow.

Hop Brook, a short but high quality nine-holer, derives much of its energy from some rolling, challenging holes and several pitched greens—especially the first two. The layout’s landscape tumbles over holes one through five, then mostly flattens during the final four.

In my estimation, the toughest hole here is four, the most interesting eight, and the best three. The narrow ninth, a short par-4, treats missed shots with nastiness, while hole two boasts an intriguing, rolling fairway that dips heavily in the landing zone. The par-3s here need ultraprecision off the tee. (See my earlier reviews for more specific comments about the layout).

Play this course from the tips for a genuinely heightened challenge; if not, you may well hit only short irons and wedges into the greens.

The location–almost on the outskirts of Naugatuck with Hop Brook Lake close by–is somewhat isolated, and the setting is mostly quiet and pleasant; it generally feels rural yet does skirt a few neighborhood houses along with Hop Brook Elementary School, which is near the eighth.

Today’s conditions were pretty impressive for this early in the season. Greens were superior and fairways consistent.

An excellent value. One nice touch: the added bunkers on a couple of holes. Sadly, over the last ten years, too many courses have been subtracting bunkers (by letting the grass “cover all”--as Carl Sandburg wrote).

Hop Brook GC has a lot going for it. Strongly recommended.