fuzzypop

With such a nice layout, Gray Eagle could be an excellent venue. The problem is either course greens keepers or management don't seem to care. I've played this course nearly 50 times over the past 8 years, only because I live fairly close by. While the course shape is better this year than in the past 4-5, I'll bet it's more to do with our cooler/wetter summer than course management taking better care of the facility.

The only reason I played yesterday was because of the GolfNow green fee of $19. It is not worth more than $20 on any given day. I shot a 93. The reasons are plentiful.

1. The greens do not roll true from hole to hole. There are numerous holes, marks, brown spots and Cicada Killer burrows on three holes on the back nine.
2. The bunkers are not sand. They are dirt or hard pan. It is not a test of golf skill but luck to get out of them with a decent putt opportunity.
3. The course uses little flags positioned up and down the pin to determine pin location. They also have a pin position number noted on each hole on the scorecard. The pin position number is not accurate. I suspect they select a pin position number for the day, but the greens maintenance team do not adhere to this when setting up the holes.
4. Yardage markers are non-existent on the tee boxes and barely existent on each hole. Without a range finder or gps you will have no idea your distance on any shot.
5. Tee boxes are shredded and uneven. Good luck finding an small area to place your tee let alone stand without being in a hole or on slanted ground.

Although not a regular experience, one other thing happened yesterday that I am compelled to mention. I pre-paid for a 3-some at a great rate through GolfNow. It turned out that one of my 3 could not make it. I asked the man who checked me in to give this paid round to the next single who came in and ask him/her to join us if interested. While we were on the first tee getting warmed up a single showed up. I asked if he got his round for free. He said he did not. I believe Gray Eagle chose to charge him the regular rate rather than meet my request to increase some daily green fee take in. Rather unsporty if you ask me.

I don't typically write reviews, and certainly not ones of this length. I only do so in hopes that the pro or management at Gray Eagle will see this and start to rethink their strategy to attract golfers. There are far too many courses in the area, and they're philosophy is not working.

I've played Fall Creek golf club a few times but still get a little lost from green to next tee on some holes. Overall, the course is in great shape. Greens are small and well maintained. Fairways are in good condition but in need of mowing when I was there. Not a long course but great for some practice and confidence boost. The $13 ($10 green fee plus $3 taxes and fee) rate on Golf Now was an exceptional value. The holes are close together. The scorecard map for No. 11 still shows it as a par 4, which is now the driving range. I had to drive around a bit to find it as a par 3 beyond the driving range. A sign would have helped to guide me. I would recommend the course at the discounted rate I found. I would probably not play it at the normal rack rate.