Ozcat

I've been playing Cooks for over a decade. The Raintree debacle nearly ruined the place, then the last few years have seen steady improvement back under Cook ownership. This year, it appears the weather took a toll. The fairways are completely lost! The gentleman in the clubhouse explained that they were underwater for 10 days earlier this season, and it effectively killed all of the poa that had taken over. What is left are the worst fairways I've ever seen. However, it could be a blessing in disguise. He explained the poa was not the original grass, so in a way the flooding did them a favor and wiped it all out. They plan to reseed this fall, so I'm hoping it bounces back stronger than even next year.

The layout remains one of the best in central Ohio. Let's hope the conditioning at some point will match it. Still had a nice round, all things considered. The greens were in pretty good shape.

Had heard about this track for years and finally made it up that way. My only complaint is that I waited too long! Everything was superb. Greens were in fantastic shape and the staff was incredibly nice. Well worth the drive from Columbus and for $35 for a weekend morning, you get a course that would be $60 in town and probably in worse condition. I’ll be back for sure!

I’ve been playing this course since 2007, and without question, the current conditions are the worst I have ever experienced out there. I noticed a handful of traps had been worked on, but there were still more than a few that were unplayable. Nearly every green had either bare dead spots or fungus/disease issues, or both... Unrepaired ball marks were prevalent, though I’ll rarely blame that on the course. Crabgrass and weeds everywhere. When I asked the pro shop what was going on with conditions after our round, they said “Really? Nobody else has said anything.” I pointed out the weeds and they said “Clover? That grows this time of year.” It sure does. But not in my yard, and certainly not on tee boxes and greens of other reputable courses in the area.

It’s been wet, and hot. But I’ve played Blackhawk, Turnberry, Cumberland Trail, and Chapel Hill in the last 9 days and none of them have these issues. Clear lack of maintenance budget at NAL right now.

I love the layout, so I’ll give her another shot someday. But not until I hear that it’s back to where it should be. Spend your money elsewhere.