Reviewed by: RMP690, Shoots in the 80s Summary:
This is an old (1911) challenging course, that typically is maintained in excellent conditions. The back-nine was designed by Willy Park, the former British Open Champion, and famous scottish course architect. The course is hilly (not for walking nowadays), and has no water hazards. The fairways are pretty forgiving (i.e. wide), but you can lose a ball on most any of them if you hook or slice. The course is not long on paper, but it plays longer than the yardage - especially for those who's average drive is under 250 yards. This is mainly because of the hills, and because nearly every hole finishes uphill.
The par 5's are reachable on paper, but practically speaking, only the 14th can be reached in two by any but the scratch players. The front nine par 5's zig-zag, and therefore require more height and length to get home over the trees that line the fairways. Number 17 is very long, has a soft fairway (little roll), and plays uphill the whole way.
Most of the par 4's are ordinary, with the best being no. 9, the worst being no. 3, and the most scenic being no. 11.
The real gems of this course are the par 3's. They are all over 160 yards from the blue tees, with two that play 180+ with the hills. They all have difficult putting greens, and three of these holes are strategically well bunkered. Just being on these greens in one is no guarantee of par.
Typically, the greens are very fast but readable and true, and the rough is moderately high (not too punishing). Customer Service:
This is a private country club. Service is excellent, and the pro, Jim McGrath, is very friendly and helpful. There is a very relaxed atmosphere here, and you never feel rushed or uncomfortable as guests at other private clubs sometimes feel. Similar Courses Played:
The clubhouse is unexceptional, but nice enough. The proshop has everything you could want, and the prices are very reasonable. The Grill Room has good food, and excellent service. There is a grass driving range, and one of the most difficult (and well maintained) practice greens I've ever seen. This green is good prep for what awaits you on the course.
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4 of 5
