rschoenhals

Although there are spotty areas on some fairways, the course is in mostly good condition, and the greens are in good shape with lots of contours on several. Local knowledge helps a great deal since there are several blind shots, and it isn't always obvious where the hole is located until you get closer. Holes that cross the river can be especially challenging unless you're a long hitter as occasionally it's wiser to lay up. Most of the par 5s are uninspired, but some of the par 4s and 3s make up for that, with good variety. Overall, it's a pleasant experience with helpful staff and plenty of challenge from most golfers, depending on which tees you choose. Many tee boxes could use some work, however.

Got a fall awesome deal so tried a new experience. Some trouble with leaves, of course, and some fairways were a bit patchy in spots, but the layout held my interest, and it was a fair test of golf. Lots of doglegs and some swamps and water, but most fairways were surprisingly generous and greens seemed true. An enjoyable round of golf (very fast due to few people playing) in spite of less-than-ideal fall conditions. Local knowledge would have helped on a few holes. Would definitely return, if discounted.

Black Forest is a championship course that's really growing on my golf buddy and me, in spite of the atrocious fall weather on our last visit. This big, hilly, broad-shouldered course is a challenging but fair test of golf. Fairways are wide enough for a reasonably accurate golfer, and there's plenty of variety among the holes, with many being quite memorable. Doglegs, swamps, a small lake, and LOTS of sand bunkers keep your attention all the time. I've played many of the "name" courses in the Golf Mecca, and Black Forest is my favorite so far.

This very well-kept 9-hole muni in sight of towering office buildings is a really enjoyable golf experience! Only 1 par 5, but it's challenging fun as are the 3 wonderful par 3s. There's not a boring hole on the course, with elevation changes, doglegs, hazards and sand that make you wonder at finding such a playable gem tucked away in the middle of a city. And you'll see wildlife, maybe even some deer! I play there regularly, especially with their pay-ahead discount deal.

This relatively short, up-north-style, woodsy 9-hole course puts a premium on accuracy. Big hitters, if they're not also accurate, have no advantage here. Even the one challenging par 5 demands good drive placement, but it's worth it. This out-of-the-way beauty is part of a municipal park complex, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but it includes a year-round driving range, tennis courts, picnic area and more. Every hole is interesting, and it's well-kept. There's nothing more relaxing than playing in the evening or early morning here among the trees . . . as long as you keep it in the fairway and bring insect repellent. A couple of trees could be trimmed back a bit, but that's part of the fun. Great for shaping shots in either direction!

This muni is busy, but pace of play is usually good, thanks to friendly staff and loyal fans moving things along. Built long ago on an old farm (no idea how they ever farmed this hilly land), nearly every hole is interesting and a couple are downright quirky fun. There are small creeks and valleys to carry with a few well-placed bunkers that don't usually present a problem. Not overly long, there are enough elevation changes and trees to keep things interesting. Greens are in fine shape, varying in size, tending toward small. There are a few patchy spots in some fairways — not enough to prevent an enjoyable round, though.

Used to play here fairly often, it can be fairly challenging and tends to play long. It's been family owned forever, on a converted farm which has some elevation changes, creeks, ponds and doglegs. A couple of holes have optional greens for varied distances and placements. Rewards long, straight drives and punishes long, crooked ones. Course condition has always been good in the past; haven't played there this year. Several holes are memorable and some are average. A tough, uphill 200+ yard par 3 can humble you, as can some of the par 5s.