Hop Brook Golf Course

More than any course I’ve returned to recently after many years, Hop Brook stands out as the most improved. How so? Much of the added oomph derives from longer holes, because deep tees, moved much farther back, have been added on nearly every hole. It seems like common sense to do this, given longer-flying golf balls of this modern age, but far too many clubs, who actually have the real estate to achieve such improvements, do not, sadly. Give Hop Brook credit for being one of the few to manage this intelligently and comprehensively. They’ve also made the smart decision to add bunkers on holes three (numerous) and eight (a few). I’m also thinking the wetlands zone on the left side of six was not there when I used to frequent the course so long ago: my last round here was in the early eighties.

The other major change is the course’s superior conditioning today, representing a quantum leap forward from the only fair grooming the course once delivered. Consequently, HBGC seems a wholly different animal--and a fiercer one that will threaten you a bit more. With quicker greens and better groomed fairways, it plays faster and better. The bunkers are particularly manicured and cared for; they’re well raked and filled with fine white sand. One small weakness was a bit of brownout on most of the fairways, surprising and unusual given all the heavy July rains.

The course, set nearly in downtown Naugatuck, benefits from its position next to the cascading Pigeon Brook (if I’m correct) running alongside the sixth hole; you begin from a tee positioned just behind and alongside the brook. Fairways are well-proportioned and the first five holes are separated well enough. The six hole does parallel and border, directly, holes eight and nine. Even though this is a ‘river valley’ course, holes one through five have some striking elevation changes. Variety, then, is a strength of this nine-holer.

The vigor of this track comes mainly from the par-threes and fives. Each one of these holes features character, variety, and some unusual aspect that sets it apart from the ordinary. The par-three seventh exemplifies this well by its raised green, armed with ideal defenses: bunkers on either side and a large hump guarding the middle. And if you’re long, you’ll be chipping from an awkward, downhill lie.

The par-fours fall closer to the side of routine than exciting, though a couple are dog-legged and most all have some of the ground movement characteristic of Golden Age layouts (this was designed in the 1920’s). But a standout is the third, which begins on an elevated tee, presenting a beautiful view of a landing area framed by woods left, a row of mature trees right, and bunkers sprinkled alongside the fairway. The hole concludes at a clever green complex with a sand bunker on the left flank and two grass bunkers to the right.

An Outstanding Hole: Six, Par-5, 512.

A great dogleg-right, strongly encouraging a fade from the tee. But the second shot will be the clincher if you dare slam another long shot down to the green, as the smallish surface is protected by a high-lipped bunker on the right, and, further right, the brook.

An Exhilarating Hole: Five, par-3, 152.

Wow, what a downhill tee shot! This was good when I used to play it way back when, but now, with the longer tee, the vista amazed me. It’s a sheer pleasure to hit a solid shot and watch your ball descend what seems like eight stories to the putting surface.

Some Conclusions:

Hop Brook ranks among the better nine-holers you can play in Connecticut. With great conditioning and a solid layout, this is a very good option for anyone who wants to sneak in a quick yet serious round. Clearly, this is a popular course, busy upon my arrival and positively packed when I left today at 3:30. I paired it up today with Sleeping Giant in Hamden today and enjoyed both rounds thoroughly.

Don’t hesitate to play it.

The course was in pristine shape - except the ruff was uncut & too long!! If you didn’t stay on the fairway - you were in trouble, it didn’t matter where.

Even though it’s only a 9 hole course it has an excellent layout. Only my second time there but loved it.

Great and challenging layout. Not too long but shot placement is critical. 5th hole downhill par 3 is great. Plan to play at least twice a month

Course was in decent shape, greens were very very fast and hard but overall well worth the money. Low rate with a cart for 9, will definitely go back.

I want to start by saying I like playing this course. Not much of challenge if you hit relatively straight. The greens aren't bad. The only problem I have with Hop Brook is pace of play. The weekends are booked out. We asked to skip to 6 to sort of create a shotgun start and were told no. I was not going to wait 2 hours at the first tee and watch 50 golfers tee up. I did get my raincheck and I'll book for a weekday. Have to say, one of the absolute best par 3 holes around is hole 5.

Hadn’t played this course in over 20 years. Better than I remembered it. Good conditions considering a mid December day. Pace was awfully slow though. Not the course’s fault.

Great course to prepare you for other courses. The course design couldn’t be better for the size of the area. Not particularly challenging but has its holes that will make you work. 1 and 6 are two tough par 5s. Great par 3 on the 4th hole. Steep downhill crossing over a street. Few gettable birdie holes. The pace is amazing.

The game pace was too slow and some of the green conditions needed maintenance. Staff was nice and the layout was interesting.