Hooper Golf Course

The 1927 Wayne Stiles designed Hooper Golf Course in Walpole, NH is getting some upgrades. The land and topography that the 9 holes sit on are world class. They’re so good that even Tom Doak has said in his Confidential Guide to Golf (Volume 3) that he can’t think of a better 3 opening holes in America. The movement in the fairways is so natural and bold and its fun to play as you watch your ball kick in all directions. The approach shots are testy as there is great movement in the greens with most of them being back to front and having a bowl type shape and playability to them. The greens vary in shapes and sizes (some very large with subtle slopes) and have shelves, humps, and bowls that you can feed your ball from. A dirt road comes into play on and play along 5 of the 9 holes and is OB making it hard to pull a comfortable club on some tee shots. If there is a blind tee shot on this course like the phenomenal risk reward drive-able par 4 3rd and the par 5 5th, you can always see the top of the flagstick from the tee box. 

They are currently finished up on a bunker renovation by MAS Golf construction (who did the bunkers for Brookline) and they give off Brookline vibes with the natural look on the edges and thick, lush rough surrounding them. Not to mention the yellow flag sticks and yellow townhouses and tavern that surrounds the property. The tree removal behind 1 green came out beautifully and gives the backdrop feel behind the green and opens some great vistas. Hooper truly lives up to its standard of being one of the best 9-holers in the country and is only going to get better with the ongoing changes. There is something about big, wide, rolling fairways with mini contouring that feel like only God has touched them. After playing Hooper and seeing all the accolades and rankings it has received, I do wonder why Granliden on Sunapee doesn’t get just as much love. The 1st at Hooper and the 6th at Granliden are in the talks of being the best 2 holes in NH.