mikepsc30

We were excited to play this course remembered hearing great things about it in the past and always see Tom Fazio references in advertisements. We saw a couple of BOGO advertisements on Facebook for August Weekday tee times and searched GolfNow for a deal on the weekend. Looking at their Facebook I read a post stating "We are planting over 100 trees on the course to help mitigate moisture and improve course conditions." with pictures of new trees planted. They also had a post letting us know the restaurant was not open and links to the menu we felt it'd be a good time to check it out.

By 8 AM the day of our reservation Huron had received 1.38" of rain and we were scheduled to tee off at 2:04. We knew it would be wet, at worst, we were hoping not to be washed out and at the best, wondering if they'd be letting the carts out.

Now with COVID going on we never know how regulations will affect certain courses. It's obvious that COVID had drastically changed the environment out at Sawmill but as we'd heard from the locals that it was much nicer 5, 6, 7 years prior -- it just not all due to COVID. There's seems to be a lot to do at the resort but with everything closed and no tourists around it felt almost abandoned.
Seeing the large empty parking lots and few signs of activity in the numerous buildings was glum but nothing the Sawmill staff can be faulted for -- it's completely out of their hands. As we saw the clubhouse sign we began to worry how much this place had fallen, Sawmill does have a "rustic/rough cut/outdoorsy" theme but the signage leading up to the course missed that mark and needed to be updated; it was an eyesore (they may have plans for this, I'll explain later).

As soon as we parked and exited our car a staff member eagerly greeted us with a cart. We were glad to see the carts were in play and loved the prompt warm welcome. Definitely a great first interaction after the worrisome (somewhat COVID responsible) first impression.

At the clubhouse, we saw the 90-degree rule was in effect... I never mind, I feel the walk gives you a little more time to get in rhythm. The clubhouse staff was very nice we had a couple of questions about playing the course as it was our first time. The staff member at the counter had told us about Cedar Fair recently purchasing the resort and the renovations that were going on at the course, the 100+ new trees they had planted, new tile/drainage, and how they were reworking some areas of the course. She also was very optimistic about the possible improvements that were being rumored and looking forward to next year. We heard the possibility of all new concrete cart paths throughout the course as well as some other updates to improve course conditions for 2021, pending the COVID effects. She prepared us for some ground under repair and other various "non-standard" things to be prepared for out on the course as the staff was "rehabbing it back to its former glory". Shortly after the course pro came up as talked with us and gave us some info for what laid ahead. She was very knowledgeable and insightful.

The starter, a nice lady, greeted us and we were on the box at 2:02 as the group ahead of us was cleared and we teed off right on time. It was wet, as is to be expected, but I think the course was handling the water very, very well. By 2 PM the sun and wind had dried the greens and they were so fast and fun to play. I thought the front 9 handled the water exceptionally well. While on their website prior I read, "The front nine also called the "Creek Nine" gives the golfer a traditional northern feel with Sawmill Creek meandering around four of the outward nine holes." That's exactly what I got -- really enjoyed holes 4, 6, and 7 playing from the tips.

Made the turn, headed off the to the back 9 and as we hit hole 12 we thought we had traveled to a different course in the south. As their website states, "The "Lake Nine", or back nine, evokes a feeling of being in the Carolinas. Large, beautiful weeping willow trees protecting freshwater lakeside marshes make the inward nine an experience to remember." IT CERTAINLY DOES!! We were overmatched by the 600 yard par 5 #12. There was quite a bit of work being done in this area as they had warned us about; ground under repair, standing water, temporary structures and equipment around as they work on improving the course. I wish I could say that is why it overpowered us but it was solely on our play.

Being closer to the marsh and lake, as you would expect, water did become an issue here but the greens were still rolling and fun to play. Favorite holes were 12, 13, and 15.

I'm for the future of Sawmill looking to spring of 2021 and on. I'll be sure to submit or update my review because I'm sure with all the work they're putting in and the staff that greeted us, it's going to be hard to beat! The layout is awesome -- had so much fun and loved the greens and will undoubtedly keep my eye open to get out there and play one more time this season.