Hop Brook Golf Course

Hop Brook may startle players by opening with the number one handicap hole, a short but deadly par-5 that most golfers will play as a three-shotter, as they tend to lay up prior to a cross-hazard in the form of a small pond. The third shot is the toughest on this woodlined hole, mainly because it is aimed at a perched, well-defended green atop a high embankment. The first green slopes markedly from back to front, and three-putting is common here.

The other end of the nine–on the other side of Porter Avenue–ends on the narrow, tree lined par-4 ninth. Fortunately, the closing hole is not long, but the dogleg makes the drive more demanding and the green is set fairly close to the road.

Sandwiched In between the first and the ninth are seven other solid golf holes that culminate on the eighth, the course’s only long par-4 at 402 from the blues. Almost as tough as the opener, hole eight features a frontal, berm-like rise that makes the second shot blind, and, if you’re short on the approach, will snag your ball in its rough. As for the rest of the holes, I would be remiss in not mentioning the quality of the par-threes, which are both well-designed and tricky.

Conditions were very good here today, with outstanding greens (among the best I’ve played in Connecticut), excellent fairways, good roughs overall, and well-kept tees despite what seems relatively heavy play.

The gentleman I met in the pro shop was friendly and accommodating. He also imparted some interesting details about the course over the years, knowing that I have played here, actually, as early as the 1970s. I was a bit saddened to hear from him that the old and distinctive oak tree that guarded the center of fairway five had died, years ago. It was one of the more iconic trees I recall that beautified Connecticut golf courses.

Hop Brook is, for that matter, one of the top nine-hole courses you can play across the twenty full-length versions (excluding executive tracks) in the state today. This nine wasn’t always conditioned so well, nor were several of the par-4s as long as they are now by the addition of deeper tees. The level of challenge is clearly reflected in the above-average slope figure from the blue tees. The layout also benefits from a pleasantly quiet and secluded locale, in which the only hole where the outside world intrudes (a bit) is the seventh. Moreover, the value part of the equation from this reasonably-priced golf course is undeniable.

A few other notes:

--Scorecards are available in the mailbox by the bridge at the first if you’ve forgotten to pick one up in the pro shop.

--On the hilly fourth, when walking the course you may avoid having to cross the peak of the tall humpbacked fairway by veering left and walking along the right, tree lined edge of the rough.

--Also on hole four, be cautious that the group in front has cleared the hill before teeing off.

--On the fifth, I feel that it’s safer to walk down the steep hill by staying on the grass, not the tarred cartpath.

--The north end of the course is hilly enough that many players opt to use carts here.

--I like to warm up on the excellent practice putting green near the clubhouse.

--Proximity of course to Hartford: about 36 miles; to New Haven: about 20 miles; to downtown Waterbury: about 5 miles.

Course was in excellent condition. Starter was great. All around great time. Havent been for awhile. Be back soon!

Great course for the price. Everybody’s always friendly and the pace of play is pretty good.

I enjoy playing at Holbrook. Everybody’s friendly and the course has a wonderful layout. You can do nine or go around again for 18. I would not call this an easy course but it’s also not too difficult. It presents a unique challenge.

Nine hole course with a few longer, 400+ yards par 4s. Greens ran very smooth and true. The rough didn't seem too long but hid balls from view, even standing over them. Swinging through the rough and controlling the club face was a challenge. All in all, I'll be back for a mid-week change of pace.

Fun little course. A few holes where a little quirky but it’s golf play whatever is in front of you I would recommend playing it. Thanks

This is a relatively short nine hole course. Conditions were very good and had some different holes. Overall a fun course to play and will defintely go back

Nice little 9 holes course. Compared to other 9 holers in driving distance, this is a cute course. Had a good time, interesting layout, some fun fairway looks. Overall had a good time.

Only issue I had was pace of play and tee times. There is no starter and tee times are too close together. Very popular course.

Solid course for the dollar. Staff was very friendly and the holes were fun. It started out very slow but picked up past the second hole.

Great nine hole course to work on all shots and some challenges of uphill drive and down hill par 3

A quirky 9 hole course that is fun to play. Greens are in good shape, fairways and rough a little worn. Worth a look if you want something a little different.