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.