Hop Brook opens for season

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Daryl McKernan of Naugatuck watches his tee shot on the first hole at Hop Brook Golf Course Monday. The course is now open for the season. –LUKE MARSHALL
Daryl McKernan of Naugatuck watches his tee shot on the first hole at Hop Brook Golf Course Monday. The course is now open for the season. –LUKE MARSHALL

NAUGATUCK — After a long, cold winter golfers can once again hit the links.

Hop Brook Golf Course officially opened for the season on April 2.

Hop Brook Golf Pro Bob Clark said on Monday the nine-hole, municipal course has seen a lot of business since opening.

“We’re a lot busier than last year,” Clark said. “We’re absolutely hot down here.”

Clark attributed part of the increase to a rise in golf popularity across the country.

Due to the early freezing temperatures and snow in 2013, Clark said he wasn’t able to cover the greens as he normally does. So the greens are coming in a little slower, but they are still coming in well, he said.

“The greens and the whole golf course are in great shape. I couldn’t be happier,” Clark said.

As the season progresses, the course will be hosting a number of events, including fundraisers for Naugatuck Pop Warner and a local resident who has as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“Were going to have a lot of stuff going down this year,” Clark said.

The course will also be hosting tournaments for both men and women, Clark said.

In addition Hop Brook is working with Naugatuck YMCA CEO Susan Talbot to offer golf lessons.

“Sue Talbot came to me with this idea and it’s just a no-brainer,” Clark said.

The six week course costs $99 and will offer lessons to everyone from beginners to veteran golfers who want to learn some of the more difficult shots, Clark said.

“We will cater to amount of experience people have,” Clark said. “It’s just really good for everybody.”

Membership fees and greens fees will remain the same as last year, Clark said.

According to the borough’s website, membership at Hop Brook costs $520 for residents and $880 for non-residents. The greens fees are $20 on weekdays and $24 on weekends and holidays.

Regular visitors to the course will notice some changes in the pro shop. Golfers will find new apparel from Greg Norman and Callaway Golf, Clark said.

The pro shop is also one of only two distributers in the state to carry items from Wilson Golf, Clark said.  

Clark said since Wilson is celebrating its 100th anniversary, golfers will be able to find commemorative shirts and golf balls in the shop.

For more information, visit www.naugatuck-ct.gov.