timcowans

Arranged a foursome for Cook's Creek. Wanted a place convenient to players coming from both Lancaster and Columbus. Had not played the course in 20+ years and heard it had gone downhill. Was pleasantly surprised. It is a scenic track yet very playable from the right tee boxes. We played the grays. Courteous staff and a special treat to speak with the owner, John Cook Sr., who was there when we finished play. The course is showing some age and a couple of the greens had something like grid lines (that did not seem to affect putts). But it is clear there is commitment to bringing the course back to a top level Central Ohio public course. With Friday green fees around $30, quite the bargain compared to the current king of best public course in the area. Longaberger should be looking over its shoulder.

An old favorite of mine for a simple, confidence building round. This course was reportedly to be closed several years ago but keeps popping up on Golf Now. (Pro shop guy confirmed again the rumors that closure could be imminent if the home developing purchaser goes forward.) Wanted to play a short course with my beginner golfing nephew, so went back for a round. We had an enjoyable time on the front 10. (course has a front 10 and back 8). A nice mix of short scorable holes, with a couple of more challenging ones to keep an intermediate player challenged. When you are "just playing 9," getting a 10th bonus hole is a fun way to finish. I am rooting against the developer so that this course stays an option for years to come.