Billyharford

I have played Northern Hills many times as it is one of my local courses. Previously private, it has recently become a "Muni" or municipal course and that is not an improvement. It has always been a fairly easy course having wide fairways and a course that does not play very long. Since becoming a "Muni" the greens fees have increased and the course has become more crowded. Additionally, they have cut back a lot trees and made an already easier course somewhat pedestrian and boring more tuned to the very high capped weekend golfer. The course has always been maintained decently with less readable undulating greens. I prefer my greens with very large but readable undulations. The carts have been improved slightly now equipped with a yardage identifier. The new club house staff is as friendly, as were the last. The "19th Hole" café is unchanged with the same competent staff.

In short, the new "Muni" Northern Hills course is very average. Previously, I found it more desirable because it was easy on the wallet, less crowded (allowed for play at your pace, fast or slow) and the course was challenging enough. I can no longer recommend it with the current price, crowd and pedestrian course play. Silver Horn, also close by, is a more challenging and prettier course with a better café. Prices and crowd are now comparable.

Best hole on Northern Hills is #17 (Par 5) with a double level green.

Enjoy and Best wishes