Review Date
April 14, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: mannington, Shoots in the 80s

Summary:
A very challenging design due to tight holes, rolling terrain and very fast greens. Like many courses its age the trees along the fairways have grown very large and the branches make already-narrow holes even more daunting. Other courses have removed tree to improve the quality and health of their turfgrass but to date Lakeview has not.

Conditioning is always top-shelf even in the off-season especially the greens; in-season the putting surfaces are very quick indeed. When you factor in the frequent natural steep slopes in this part of the Appalachians you get some very fast putts.

Scenery is lovely although Morgantown's growth has put the Cheat Lake area in very high demand. Sadly the resort's landowners and/or their neighbors gave into greed and built townhouses that jut into the course property. This has spoiled Lakeview's famous 'postcard' view from the tee of the par-5 7th hole looking down a steep hill to the lake in the distance. Now the long stretch of green grass is rudely cut in half by the townhouses. The townhouses were overpriced to begin with and have never achieved full occupancy so a bit of revenge there.

Holes 13-17 are on the other side of Interstate 68 accessed via a purpose-built golf cart overpass. These holes are my personal favorite as they are a bit roomier with fewer trees and some great vistas.

Service is always friendly but never obsequious. Director of Golf Aaron Gizzi runs a tight ship in addition to being an excellent teacher and a solid player: he is a co-holder of the course record. Pro shop budgets can be a bit on the lean side due to inventory languishing on the shelves but Lakeview still has a solid selection of items especially apparel.

The resort lodge has been renovated and Legends is a quality 19th hole - its deck overlooks the 18th green and they have a 30-min tape-delay camera loop running on one of its myriad TV screens so you can watch a replay of your group finishing the round. Lots of golf memorabilia and history on display.

Customer Service:
Attentive and friendly without that over-the-top resort falseness.

Similar Courses Played:
Pikeview, The Pines, Green Hills (Fairmont WV), Whitetail (MD), Highlands (Franklin WV)

Review Date
May 6, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: jrlindsay, Shoots in the 80s

Summary:
This course will challenge even the best golfers. The layout is a hilly classic style of course with no gimmicky holes. Some holes require a couple of big hits to reach the green, while the shorter holes usually are guarded with bunkers. This course always provides some breathtaking views especially in the early fall. A must play.

Customer Service:
Cart girls and starters are a friendly bunch. Director of Golf Sales especially helpful in booking outings and tournaments.

Similar Courses Played:
Mountainview course challenging, but layout is not as nice. Fitness center is excellent.