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Gnats have been an issue on most golf courses due to the extremely wet spring. My peeve with the course..nee clubhouse, I specifically asked the guy who checked me in..do they have a problem with bugs/gnats. Of course, he said no..they didn't but he uses a bug repellent when he played??? So, of course, gnats were horrible..not as bad as some..but bad.
I asked the clubhouse person what he used he mentioned he had purchased vanilla oil at Walmart for five bucks. Vanilla Extract, dilluted, is an amazing repellant for gnats..you dab some on your forearms and neck or...mix some up and spray on your clothes..and gnats HATE it. My point is..if the course KNOWS they have a bug problem..why not have a spray bottle there on the counter for players to use...instead of telling me to go to Walmart and pick something up??? ESPECIALLY when you KNOW you have bug problems!!! It couldn't possibly cost much money to ensure your guests are not overrun by gnats!! Sun Valley has their vanilla extract on the counter for all to use!

Clover wasn't awful but it could be better.

I grew up in North County and I have been playing 'Paddock' for over fifty years. It has seen good times and bad from lack of care to not enough money to correct issues. The course was one that many avoided due to an inordinate amount of blind shots and the overall difficulty of the course. But, today, this course has had a fantastic facelift that is a direct result of a caring ground crew staff and management!
The greens have always been top notch for the quality of the golf course, but, today...they are even superior to what I remember them to ever be! The bunkers have been suspect for years...with lack of sand..but, now those issues are being addressed and either some bunkers have been eliminated or are being reconditioned and they look and play great.
On a personal note, I took my grandson out with me to play. This was his second course he has played with me and not only does he love the game and course he wants to try out for his high school golf team.
I rate courses according to their difficulty and appearance:
A courses: The Bluffs, Annbriar, Winghaven, Eagle Bluffs, etc..
B Courses: Tapawingo, Spencer T Olin, Gateway National, Stonewolf, Far Oaks,
C Courses: Golf Club of Wentzville, Links at Dardenne, Lockhaven, The Quarry, Falls at Turtle Creek, Quail Creek, Forest Park,
D courses: most muni tracks...Eagle Springs, Emerald Greens, Normandie, Old Florissant, Creve Couer, Ballwin, Ruth Park, etc..
Of the courses in the D class: I would rate Normandie first, Old Florissant second, Emerald Greens third. Normandie is a classic course that still has teeth..though at times they have issues with their fairways...Florissant is a lot of bang for your buck..with three par fives on the back for those who like to grip it and rip it..this is for you. #if time permits..play number three from the original tees and as a par five..it was and is a BEAST#.