MjolnirGolf

The course gets a B+, mindful it is a public track. Sole Staff member who we dealt with was extremely friendly and attentive. The driving range is so-so at best, and the balls beat up and fairly filthy. The course is long and challenging in my opinion from the White Tees (played 6,400 yards if I recall correctly). I am a left handed golfer and many of the holes set up quite nicely for LH’ers who draw the ball. Fairways in good shape. Several of the holes are blind shots - lack of course knowledge stung me a few times. Cannot comment on the bunkers - happily no visits to the beach. The greens are very large, wide and undulate greatly. Many of them slope quite severely as well. All in all I am glad we played it. Inexpensive, challenging round. 40 minute trip from STL.

Course is a semi-private 18 hole layout. Played it the last day before ‘In Season Rates” turn a $120 round to $220. Hard to lose a ball on this track, unless you dunk it in the water, which there is plenty of here. Fairways and greens were in impeccable shape. If drive is in the fairway you get 40-50 yards role in dry conditions. Greens were like glass first 9, softened a bit after the sun did its work. Bunkers litter this course all over - I must have ended up in the sand close to 50% of the holes. If you do not land your ball in middle of green, you risk it rolling off into green side valley or bunker. Caddies were excellent and friendly. It’s a very well maintained, very challenging course that I would absolutely play again. Excellent short game area that apparently inspired Tiger’s backyard practice facility. Driving Range looks into the sun in the AM and has some trees placed in odd spaces so hard to gauge how you are striking it. Clubhouse Staff was great. As we finished our round, the Membership was getting ready to start their Husband Wife tournament and the entire field was dressed for St. Patty’s day to the hilt. Very enjoyable round.

This is one of the 3 destination courses at Big Cedar Lodge. Lots of construction going on in area due to proximity to Payne’s Valley, the new Woods designed course. Very long course with big elevation changes and blind shots, particularly off the tee (makes it hard on first timers). Fairways are wide and with good reason - if you are in the rough, you are dead. Pros - Staff were very friendly and very accommodating. Tee boxes and fairways were in excellent shape. From a scenery standpoint, very tough to beat this course (will be even better when construction on Payne’s Valley And surrounding area is complete). Cons - Pace of play was really bad, largely due to Course allowing 5 somes in October. You just cannot do that in October in my opinion, especially when players paying a premium to play your course. If you put a target stick in the middle of a fairway of a blind tee shot with instructions to hit at the stick, the advice needs to be solid, and it isn’t on at least two tee boxes. Greens in only fair condition, largely due to unrepaired ball marks. The driving range is great, but the clubhouse only has one bathroom which is a little odd. All in all, glad I played it and would do so again if rate was a little more reasonable. If you are asking mid to low $200s for a round in MO, should be close to a perfect course.

This course is very long and very challenging. Fairways and tee boxes in excellent shape. Greens were in so - so shape, but its a public course... Lots of big elevation changes and blind shots, particularly off the tee. If you are not in the fairway (which thankfully are pretty wide), you are dead. Pros - Beautiful scenery for sure - hard to beat it for a non ocean side course. Staff very friendly and very accommodating. On the negative side - price point is a little steep in my opinion, but not prohibitively so. Pace of play was terrible (the Course allowed a 5 some to play in early October, which to me is unforgivable when you are paying $200 plus for your round). On several blind shot from the tee holes, there is a stick in fairway where you are supposed to aim your shot - if you spank your drive over the stick, your ball should be in play, not in the rough. All in all, glad we played it.

Course is in great shape. Very straightforward track. Other than 2 doglegs, dead straight layout. Not much water or sand to contend with and fairways are wide. Advanced golfers might find this course to be little challenge. Ideal for scrambles and rounds with your buddies while cocktailing and swinging for the fences.

One of two great courses at Norwood Hills Country Club in North St. Louis County. “The Big Course.” 7,200 yards from the tips, this is a hitter’s course. Gets the majority of the play at Norwood. Plenty of trees and fairway bunkers on this one. A complete test of a golfer’s skills. The three par 5’s (No. 2, 8 and 15) are very challenging for different reasons (elevation, dog-leg and super long, respectively). Three very challenging greens (No. 2, 5 and 11, which is almost unfair). A few very long Par 4’s tossed in there too. Never disappoints.

This course is a lot of fun to play. Challenging, woodland type course with lots of elevation changes. One of the best Par 5’s in St. Louis (16th hole?) - tee box in the sky and fairway back on earth - great hole. Nice driving range and clubhouse. Played earlier in the week (July 24th) and several greens were in terrible shape (2nd worst I have ever played) - not sure what caused the damage. When greens recover one of the better courses in St. Louis area.

I am a member of this Country Club. This is the shorter but more challenging 18 hole course at Norwood. Lots of elevation changes and blind shots, plenty of trees and some well placed Bermuda in the rough make this a very challenging course. Does not get nearly as much play as the West Course but in my mind this is the more interesting and challenging track. The Par 3’s are some of the hardest in St. Louis. Some of the greens on this course are murder (No. 7 is arguably hardest in St. Louis). Norwood is an extremely affordable country club and with two 18 hole courses hard to beat for the value. If you get invited, ask to play the East.

Highly recommend this track. Played it while on Spring Break in Newport Beach. Nice break from the $200 to $300 rounds at Pelican Hill and the Monarch. Secluded course in very good shape. Easy to walk (and I hate walking). Plenty of Driver holes - not a Par 3 only course. Some easy holes, some tough ones. Very relaxed vibe. Golf barefoot if you want. Patio and restaurant are top notch. Came back one afternoon just to have a cocktail and soak up the atmosphere. Definitely playing this track again.