stevepona

Bear Creek is one of Gary Kern's best public layouts. He did a great job of routing the holes. There is terrific hole-to-hole variability over every type of topography. The greens are large, very undulating, and will be firm/fast when not punched. The course will make good golfers golf their ball. Bear Creek SHOULD be an upper-echelon public course in the St. Louis region.
So, why isn't BC a destination? Pace of play. It took 3 hours to play the front 9. Two of my foursome bailed after 12 holes. Another bailed after 15. I drove >45 minutes so I was determined to finish. But that came with a commitment to (probably) never visit again. 6 hours for 18 holes is simply indefensible.
Special note about the grounds crew. Their commitment to consistent conditions can be seen throughout the course. Special tip of the cap for all of the new sod around the cart paths (why can't people keep 4 wheels on concrete?!) and other high-wear areas. Even though the greens were punches, holes were filled and the greens were very playable. That doesn't happen by accident.

Mystic Oak is a cute (not long) rural course that is in fine condition. It has 3-4 quirky holes that can drive you mad. But, it's a course where a lot of birdies can be made. The fairways are pretty generous and the greens are pretty flat. If you're looking for a championship layout in pristine conditions, look a few miles away. If you're looking for a casual round with that buddy who doesn't play very often, this is your place.

Far Oaks is a solid course with a strong back-9. The greens are usually firm, fast, & true. The clubhouse MAY be the best public facility clubhouse within 500 miles. Crafted from timbers found on the property, it's truly an impressive structure. Far Oaks is not the most challenging but it can sneak up and bite you and will be in the Top-10 of anybody's must-play list in St. Louis.

There is nothing bad to say about Annbriar. They understand how to perfectly balance down-home country personal service with first-class golf layout and manicured conditions.

My only additional comment is a personal wish; that they would increase the speed of the greens. Don't get me wrong. Their greens are VERY putt-able. The ball rolls true and on-line. A little more speed would be welcome so we can enjoy the challenge of the contours and subtleties, though.

I'm guessing asking for faster greens is like asking for a different frame around the Mona Lisa. Annbriar is a spectacular and A++ public golf experience...period. Play it and treat yourself!

Every once in a while, I'll jump on an amazing GolfNow rate at various favorite courses. I thought I found such a gem this week at Spencer T.. Little did I know our slot was 1/2 hour after the last group of 70 golfers from a professional association (older golfers who rarely play).
Our tee time was Tuesday afternoon but I just finished 18 on Wednesday night...I know. It just felt like play was that slow. But it really was that painful.
Spencer T. is a spectacular layout. It's always in better than great condition. The range is solid. The staff is professional and friendly. Tuesday was just painful. But I learned a lesson...I'll still seek the perfect rate at the perfect courses. But I'll try to be wiser about sliding behind large tournament groups.

I can't say enough good things about the new ownership & management. Their dedication to the course is evident every time we play because we see / experience something new or improved. The course is a really fun and challenging layout that will demand you use every club in the bag. If you haven't played here yet, make your reservation today. I guarantee it's not as far away as you think and I also guarantee you'll add it to your rotation.

Greens resembled pool table felt. Absolutely perfect. Everybody on the grounds crew - mowers, high school labor, super - took the time to say hi and thanked me for playing. Every one of them engaged asking what I liked and what could be better. THIS is a golf facility...for golfers.

Solid track on all accounts. Great group of par 4's, challenging par 3's, a couple of reachable 5's. Love the bent grass fairways. Greens usually in good condition. Plenty of room off the tee on every hole and five sets of tee's to appeal to every golfer. On the St. Louis must-play list.

If you live in N. County, Lockhaven should be in your regular rotation. If you live in the City, W. County or S. County, Lockhaven should be on your occasional play list...it's worth the drive. Make a day of it; go to Fast Eddy's, admire the River, see the Piasa.
The course features a very good layout with topographical change throughout. It's not a long or hard course. But each hole offers a different challenge. The greens are Lockhaven's best asset, but they need a little assist from the grounds crew to prevent further bermuda invasion on the fringes.
Fans of Walter's Management will be happy. Others will reserve judgement. But, this course is a great addition to the semi-public course menu in St. Louis. Go play it.