Shawnee Hills April 2010

Second time out this season and we were treated to some very unexpected spring weather, dodging the 40% chance of rain and possible cool temperatures. It actually turned out to be extremely pleasant - and I'm not just talking about the money I won :)
We made an early tee time at one of the metro parks courses in Bedford - Shawnee Hills. One of the benefits of the metro parks courses are the affordable prices and for the most part, they are run very professionally. Today we had the good fortune of playing on the last day of spring rates. We also had the misfortune of playing right after the greens were aerated. I guess you gotta give a little to get a little.
This is another course that we play a good amount because it is central, inexpensive, getting tee times are easy and it's always in pretty good shape. I think the weather forecast kept most people from packing the course this early, so we got even more lucky in the fact that we played all day with pretty much open holes in front and back. That almost always makes even the most difficult rounds very peaceful.
Now being early in the season, our expectations are pretty low no matter where we play. Aw, who am I kidding. I pretty much have to be accosted and robbed to not have a good time on the golf course. After all, it is the most serene and comforting time I get to spend.
Shawnee Hills has a pretty basic driving range right by the first tee. You used to get a free small bucket included with your round but starting this year, they no longer offer that. I gotta say, it was a nice perk and I was disappointed that they have done away with the complimentary practice. There is a nice practice putting green by the clubhouse where you can chip and putt. The layout is pretty simple, but holes # 11, # 12 and # 13 provide a bit of a challenge, and by that time, you'd better have straightened out your drives and learned a little course management or you're gonna have a long back nine.
The pro shop is pretty cramped and I don't think I was ever tempted to buy anything other than a back up sleeve of balls or last minute tees. The snack shop is a nice highlight as there is a wide selection of food including breakfast food along with the usual dog, burger and sandwich. Think of it like golf course bar food. You wouldn't go out of your way to get it, but it is delicious when you are there. The person that took care of us today went out of his way to make sure we had a pleasant experience at the turn and made sure we got the special deal. Gotta love the guy who makes sure you get the deal.
Pace of play was great, obviously, and other than the greens, the whole course was in great condition. Usually, the one big downside of this course is that the marshals take their job a little too seriously, but due to the light crowd today, that wasn't a problem. The starter was very nice and friendly.
Green fees today were the spring rate of $26, but the regular rate is $39. Still not bad considering the condition the course usually is in. One other perk of metro park courses is the fact that they manage to sneak in a walk on every few tee times. Good if you're the walk on, not so good if you're not. Still, most courses don't offer that. Check out their website for phone numbers and course details.
Overall ratings from 1-10, 1 being the best.
Course - 5 Aside from the greens, it was in great condition. We played the black tees and it wasn't much of a challenge. This is a good course for beginners and novices. They also have a nice par 3 nestled between the standard 18.
Conditions - 5 Aerated greens kept it from getting a 4.
Pro Shop - 6 Nothing really special, but in a pinch, you could get a shirt or hat.
Staff - 3 Today everyone was exceptionally pleasant and accommodating.
Value - 2 Even at the regular rate, it is some of the cheapest golf around.
Overall - 4 It's a decent course to play for most average players. Low handicappers might feel like it is a bit easy though. Good place to practice the short game.
We had a great time playing this well kept and well managed course, and the fact that I took everyone's money had no impact on the positive review of this wonderful public course.

Windmill Lakes April 2010

My first round of the season, and I had the pleasure of playing one of my favorite tracks - Windmill Lakes in Ravenna. Located just off route 14 it's easy to get to and is only about 15 minutes from the I 271 - I 480 exchange. I play here often and nothing was a surprise. The weather was very comfortably in the 70's and the birds chirping on the first tee gave me goosebumps. Perfect conditions. Oh how glad I am that golf season is back!
This course is the home course of the Kent State men's and women's golf teams and PGA tour player Ben Curtis has logged many rounds here. There is even a small shrine devoted to the British Open winner. Two years ago, he was playing on the back when my group was on the front. He lives locally in Stow but lately practices often at the new Kent State Golf Training and Learning Center.
Being early spring in Cleveland, the winter takes its toll on local courses but the crew here usually does a superb job and today was no exception. Most of the fairways were in great shape, the sand in the bunkers was perfect (found out more than once), and the greens were about as good as you would expect this early into the season. The practice green is always getting a good workout and being right next to the pro shop and located right between the first and tenth tee, it is very convenient no matter where you start from. There is a driving range but it was not open today. New this year, Windmill Lakes has installed a very user friendly color display GPS on all of their carts. No interaction is necessary and there are no frills, but it is a great way to get pretty accurate distances and each hole has distances to whatever bunker or water hazard that may come into play. There were no cart restrictions except a few areas were off limits, but the very friendly first tee ranger explained in detail what to avoid before we teed off.
The pro shop is regarded as one of the best in the area. I have friends that drive from all corners of northeast Ohio to visit and get a good deal on clubs, bags, shoes and clothes. Somehow, I never can make it through an entire season without spending some of my annual golf budget in their well managed and superbly priced pro shop. They have end of season blow outs and every weekend you can find shoes or clothes on a clearance rack somewhere. It truly is a good place to get a good deal.
Overall, Windmill Lakes has an excellent layout with some very scenic holes but is probably suited for an average and above player. Simply due to the fact that the green fees attract a more serious crowd, beginners will find it difficult and will probably not enjoy it that much. Better players will enjoy the challenging par 5's and narrow par 4's. Being my first round of the year, I truly enjoyed every aspect of my round and it is very consistently one of the best overall courses in the area.
Now for the nitty and the gritty - Green fees - $39 (spring rate with cart) Pace of play was excellent. By all accounts, they are ready for the season. Website - . Getting a tee time was very easy and the staff is very friendly over the phone. Ratings from 1 - 10 (1 being the best)
Course - 3 - challenging yet manageable
Conditions - 4 - early in the season
Pro shop - 1 - best in the area
Staff - 1 - always friendly and recognized that we play there often. Ranger explains daily pin placement and rules to each group.
Value - 3 - on the higher end but usually worth it
Overall - 3 - I'll play there a good 6 or 7 times this season for sure.
Of the foursome, I came in second and broke even on gambling. Although no one really played that well, we didn't hack it up too badly and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the time with friends. Windmill Lakes is certainly a great place to enjoy good friends, your favorite game, and should be on your list of courses to play this year.

My new golfing blog - golf course reviews

Ahhhhh... It's golfing season again in Northeast Ohio. This season I am going to blog about my experiences on the local courses and provide a brief review. I play in a traveling league and a small group of us play other different courses in between league dates. I really wish I did this last year as I played more golf last year than I ever have. I also played a very large variety of courses. Not too sure how that will play out this year, but we will see.

I plan on letting everyone know how the conditions were, friendliness of the staff, quality of pro shop / snack bar, how much of a value it was, and even share a great shot or two. I also plan on involving a few of my golfing buddies escapades. Mostly a review of the experience though.

I made my first tee time of the year at Windmill Lakes in Ravenna, Ohio this Saturday, April 3rd. I can't tell you how excited I am. This is gonna be great because if I play poorly, I have the first time out excuse to lean on :) No worries.

So join me as I take my Sky Caddie out with a good cigar, spend some time with friends who also share the same passion for this beautiful game so many of us enjoy, and hopefully you will get a chuckle and some insight on some of the nicest golf courses in our area.