Opiniion
Note:
I first golfed at this course in the 70's and was a bartender at this club in 1980.
At the time it was a bustling golf course, consisting of two- 18 hole golf courses, the championship course still exists today. There remains a nine hole executive course.
The courses were always busy during the day, twilight leagues for the after work crowd and a full bar until closing. A game or two of cards after hours rounded out the night in the locked clubhouse, a one way exit.
One claim to fame, Bob Hope had played there, his signed scorecard for 9 holes adorned one of the walls.
But somewhere along the way, they lost focus on the golfing part of the deal. Their bread and butter has always been catering and weddings and banquets and it continues to this day. At one point, part of the small course was sold, to make room for the residential buildup that was ongoing at the time.
This course established in 1915, a golden era for golfing, has a picturesque view on the first hole, many elevated greens, tees, and sometimes both on the same hole. In my youth, we walked this course, nowadays, thankful for the gas carts to get around. Electric carts wouldn't make it up the hills.
There are only 4 sand traps on the whole course, the 3rd, 5th, 15th, and 17th holes. They look like they have never seen a rake, almost mud like. A definite penalty if you get in them. Beware!
The greens are very small in almost all cases. The main problem is the cutting of the greens seem to be an after thought> Your putts will go slow and slower.
Last time I was there, the tee boxes had not been mowed, they were in much better shape this time.
The fairways were in good shape, well watered, and had recently been mowed, and played fairly.
Water is not a problem on this course, laying up to avoid water not needed, because there is none.
There is no bag drop when you pull into the parking lot. When you go to pay, stay to the right as the signs where to go are a mite confusing. This time, you could pay green fees, check in with the starter, get your cart and drive around the outskirts of the 18th fairway, around to the parking lot, to your car, load up, drive around again, and back to the starter. Allow extra time for this convenience.
There is not a pro shop. Some balls and tees are all that seemed to be available.
The bar area had been re tiled. The previous time, the carpet was wrinkled and was a definite tripping hazard. Upkeep in the bar area was minimal. If it was broke, but not completely broken, it was ignored.
Course upkeep as a whole is minimal. The snack bar stand was in disrepair. The signs signifying what the number for which hole, looked like it had never been painted since they were put in place.
There is a hidden beauty to this course, with tree lined faiways on almost every hole. Sometimes shooting up, sometimes shooting down. A slice will catch the sides of the fairways and spin into the woods. Play a nice draw and you will be ok. Most fairways allow you to grip it and rip it. Stay out of the 4 bunkers and you have a chance for a great day.
The course web site is not helpful on getting a feel for the course.
3 out of 5 stars
