Ernest4928376

The mgmt team needs to re-evaluate the condition of this course. What was once a gleaming gem of the Niagara Region is now the ugly duckling. Every green is blasted with unfixed ball marks. Every pin location covered with spike marks. Every greenside bunker unkept. Most fairway bunkers not even in playable conditions.

Is this the course's fault, that golfers today don't respect the course? Not entirely. But if I was on the mgmt team, rather than having my volunteers sitting around the clubhouse, I'd have them circulating the course, looking for an un-raked bunker, and have them fix it. If they find a customer not respectful enough to rake a bunker, say something to that player.

The only reason I SETTLED on golfing here tonight, was that it was the only place I found that I could race to, after work, and still squeeze 18 holes in, before dark.

I won't be back, unless something drastic happens to the condition of this, once pristine, course.

We have had a very dry summer this year (2016), and it's showing. This course is located on The Welland River, has many water holes on the course, and yet it feels like someone is not turning on the sprinklers to water the course.

the greens are burning up.
the fairways are hard and crisp.
the rough is 1/2" long and dead. don't worry about missing a fairway, there is no penalty to hit from this stuff.

i either hope it rains soon and often, or that someone focuses on giving life to the grass at this property.

My buddy and I made a +2hr drive to use an internet special. Well worth the drive.

PROS:
> great course layout
> tree lined fairways, anything but a Links style
> choose the proper tees and you will be in store for a great day of golf
> we used the internet special to play our 2nd round free

CONS:
> The greens, the greens, the GREENS !!!
I can only describe them as fluffy and spongy. Some had multiple types of grass/fungus/green stuff growing on them.
They wouldn't hold an approach shot, and were the slowest greens I've ever had played in my 25+ yrs of golfing.
> We had a immature young man (trying to) play in front of us (and his girlfriend). He failed to allow us to play through and eventually initiated a verbal argument with our playing group. I guess that is what you get when you tee off at 3:30pm - the quality of clientele drops ?!?

That being said, I have 2 more coupons and I won’t hesitate to drive +2 hrs back here to use them.

My buddy and I secured a Sunday morning tee-time on this hidden gem of a course. You really can't beat the combination of greens fee + quality of course.

PROS:
> good practice facility (range + two large putting greens)
> good course design, tree lined fairways, rough is manageable
> the food at "the turn" is delicious and affordable

CONS:
> the pro shop staff nearly tried to get us to pay full price, because when we booked our tee time, the employee quoted us the wrong rate. in the end, they upheld the quoted green fee.
> the price for a small bucket of balls is outrageous

This is not my first time playing Sawmill, and tonight I tried to squeeze in 18 before dark. It almost happened.

PROS:
> forgiving layout (i.e. rough not too punishing)
> greens in good condition
> pro shop staff very polite
> real good practice facilities (2nd best chipping area within 30 miles)

CONS:
> none that I could think of at the moment

I play this course regularly and it doesn't disappoint. The greens are in great shape, the course is fairly forgiving (you can miss a FW by 10 yds and still find your ball most times), the ProShop staff are top-notch, and if like to practice, this is a hidden gem. Large putting green, large range. The one reservation I have for Sparrow Lakes, is although they have a practice bunker, there isn't more than 1/4" of sand in it, before you're down to solid ground. I'd love to see a new load of sand be brought in, and this play would be the BEST VALUE FOR YOUR BUCK within a :45 minute drive.

Pass on renting a cart, and walk this flat course, get some exercise, and enjoy the peace and quiet of this part of the area. Nature is always around you.

There is a stigma that looms over this course and it has to do with it's tradition of being a members only course. Even though this is a public course, you can feel the current members recognizing who part of the club and who is visiting. But don't let that distract you from the fact that this is a fun course to play and if you live in the area looking for a quiet, relaxed place to play a round of golf - you can't go wrong here.

Pros:
> spring rate was $20 to walk = STEAL
> the course is very forgiving. not many water hazards, the fairways are easy to hit for the avg golfer and if you are in the rough, the grass length isn't too punishing
> it's located on the border of PTC and Wainfleet, and it's so quiet and tranquil out here. you can really lose yourself in the outdoors here
> my personal opinion, for some reason I love tree lined courses (rather than a links-style) and this is a typical example of that. Every fairway has trees running up and down both sides, but they are spread out enough that you can find your ball, make a full swing and punch out back onto the FW.
> everything you see on the course appears to be donated by ex-members. benches, trees, ball washers, etc... demonstrated a strong "family" bond out here
> the condition of the entire property grounds is great. not a lot of dandelions, etc..., fairways in good condition, not many greens with damage.

Cons:
> a cloud that hangs over the place while you're playing. the members recognize who are guests & you can feel it.
> the practice facilities are poor. I didn't realize there was a driving range until I played the back 9 and noticed it. the pro shop didn't advise of it.
> the putting green is situated into the side of a hill. you can't find a 6' piece of the practice green that is flat, you're either up, down or sidehill on every square foot of this thing.
> some of the fairways have irrigation problems, and the irrigation system (tubes, plumbing, etc.) is exposed. it's a visual thing, since you'd get a free drop.
> from the outside, the proshop and 19th hole look like they've been there since day 1 and may have just been converted from barns or farmer living quarters, and look as if they in dire need of a makeover.

Played here on 2 separate days, during my week long vacation. Should have played 3 times.

Pros:
The value for your dollar (whether on their own website, or another)
The staff seemed genuinely appreciative of my business
The practice facilities (free range included with quality golf balls, and the practice green was more than adequate.)
The course design was challenging, and fun. I experienced elevated greens, deep bunkers with beautiful sand, fescue, forced carries, and rolling greens.
The rough was not too punishing, so you could just grip-it and rip-it most of the time.
Most greens were in great shape, and very large. There were a few greens that looked like they were in need of some TLC, but the pin positions never made that a problem (as long as your approach shot was accurate)
On course water stations, scattered throughout the property.

Cons:
I went to another "BIRD" course owned by a large HOTEL CHAIN, when I should have just played the Grand Cypress "NEW" course instead.
Like previously mentioned, some greens need some TLC, but of the 27 greens I played, I'd estimate only 5-8 showed problems.
The chipping green was on small side, and you had to chip from what I would describe as "the first cut of rough" (not real chipping area laid out, unless you wanted to push your luck and chip from the driving range tee box area), but there was a fair size bunker to practice from.
If I had to nit-pick, I'd love to see GPS like other courses are offering. I had a GPS watch, and the yardage book, so I wasn't in the dark, but I like the peace of mind that comes with a course specific GPS system in the carts.

My biggest perk, and it wouldn't be something that I would expect every guest of Grand Cypress to experience, is that while I was playing my 2nd round of the week, Golf Channel was taping an episode of Golf Channel Academy with Martin Hall. Timing is everything, and as I was on the 18th green, Mr. Hall was riding his cart back to the club house, and I had a chance to have a quick conversation with him. As you can imagine, it was quite amazing to meet a guy who you've been watching on t.v. for years, taking advice from, ride right up past your green. AND - he was polite enough to stop, rather than just ride on by, ignoring his fan(s). Thank you once again Mr. Martin Hall

The course immediately impressed me, but as time wore on, my feelings continued to sour.

Pros:
> The staff in the ProShop and Starter were super nice. (even the Valet guy told me I could park close)
> The range, chipping green, and putting green were all top notch (and included in green fee)
> I loved the GPS feature in the cart, with its touch-screen capability, to give you an idea of where to lay-up.
> The course design was fantastic, and as long as you select the tees in accordance to your skill level you should have a good time.

Cons:
> I wouldn't want to play this course during a busy period.
> Too many greens in need of some real TLC. Sure there are the signature holes that are near-perfect, but the majority of greens I recall, did not live up to expectations.
> The three-some that I joined up to create, eventually caught up to a 5-some (yes, 5 GUYS!!!!) on hole #10 (after they made a pit-stop at the turn). We were forced to wait for them for the next 9 holes. There was even a MARSHALL conducting a small promotion on a par-3 (see photo), and he did nothing to question or suggest letting us play through. It's experiences like this that make a rookie to the game of golf never pick up a club again, but I know that it doesn't happen all the time - but it still doesn't change the fact that it's the easiest thing to prevent. Someone in the ProShop might have failed, the Starter might have failed, BUT the MARSHALL conducting the "Par-3 (hit it on the green and we'll double your wager) contest" - certainly FAILED.

The condition of the greens, along with the 5-some, left such a sour taste in my mouth, that when I return to Orlando, I would not return to Hawk's Landing.

I cannot believe the condition of this course, in relation to the ratings I've seen on this website. 18 reviews in last 6 months, and 11 RECOMMENDED this disaster?!? Wow. FAR too many other courses in Niagara (at this price), in far better condition. Rolling Meadows, Willowdell, Sawmill, Sparrow Lakes. I used a coupon and only paid $20 and for this quality of course, it was $10 over priced.

Pros:
In late Oct, there was 10 other golfers and us.
The greens were in pretty good shape.
The ProShop staff was friendly and courteous.

Cons:
Fairways were a mix of different grasses, mud, dead spots.
Then - you couldn't distinguish between rough and fairway because they were cut at the same height
Their tee boxes tended to be uneven. It's my belief that a tee box should be as smooth as glass, so that you're not teeing you ball up above or below your feet. They were hacked up by previous customers, and they weren't trimmed low enough (should resemble a green, not intermediate rough).

I have heard that this place USED to be a hidden gem. It will likely take too much hard work, dedication and $$$ from the course owner to get this course back to something that could be called "average".

For the price of a green fee here, golfers can play at other courses in far better condition - OR - if they want to pay a bit more - choose from dozens of top quality courses, all within :20 minutes of this place.

My first impression...I walk into the club house and the staff are in the "money grab" mode. Don't bother asking me if I am riding or walking, just charge me the higher rate.

The greens keeping staff is very good. The greens are smooth and true and in good condition. It's not their fault that the majority of today's hackers (not real golfers) don't bother to clean up after themselves (rake a bunker, fix a divot or ball mark).

Now the worst part. My buddy and I (both 11 handicappers), had to wait for the group in front of us since hole #8. We grabbed a burger at the turn (staff is friendly there), and proceeded to have to wait at every hole on the back nine. I called the course from #14 asking for a marshall to assist, but nobody came out, nothing improved.

So, if you can find a tee time when the course isn't busy, it's a great course with many challenging holes - but don't count on the staff to help you out if you find yourself behind a bunch of idiots with no golf course etiquette. It's quite obvious that Customer Service is not a priority for the owners of Rolling Meadows.

And to put things in perspective, I'm not writing this after a bad round, I shot a +3 on the back.

I golfed with family who live in London, they confirmed that FCN is a nice course. I'll break it down like this. We played after 3pm on a day when thunderstorms were forecasted, so not very busy, no pace of play issues.
Pros: huge practice putting green,pro shop staff phenomenal, replied to my email within minutes, very private location, slick greens, undulating fairways, gps on carts, deer who like to play in the bunkers while we tee'd off :)
Cons: came with the smallest bucket of range balls I've ever seen, chipping green on the small side, saw cart girl on 2nd hole and never again, bunkers need more sand than just 1/2", greens REAL firm not holding more than wedges, if u dont like trees, this is NOT the course for you.
I'd like to go back for two reasons. Too see if i can improve my score and because the course was a nice little challenge.

If you want to challenge your "flat stick", look no further than Hunter's Pointe. The greens are undulating and fast, and if you have trouble gauging speed and distance, you're going to post a high number.

The rest of the course was in great shape, the staff was real friendly and accommodating (even when our cart ran out of battery after 6 holes), and the other 3 golfers than I joined with were real good guys.

I bet you this course would be really nice if it hadn't rained 3" the previous day. My biggest pet peeve is the retired 4-some ahead of us for 14 straight holes and not letting/waving us through. What has happened to the courtesy that was once found on a golf course? And don't get me started on everyone ignoring their ball marks on the greens.

I wouldn't hesitate to return to this course, especially if I could find another great deal on GolfNow.com

Pros: This is a mature course with beautiful trees and woodlands. The greens are tip-top shape. Killer rate from GolfNow.com

Pros & Cons: There are no fairway bunkers. There are only a few holes where water is in play. Makes it easy to bomb tee shots without fear of severe penalty.

Cons: The greens keeping staff did not meet my expectation of stopping the mowing when we were teeing off, or putting. EVERY other course I've visited, and I've played 147 rounds of golf over the past 7 years, and every staff on a lawnmower paid me the courtesy of shutting down their machine until I hit the ball.

How do you not enjoy yourself with a deal like this. Incredible rate. Course is forgiving (hitting in the rough is not devastating). Only problem, that the course can't really control, where the wind gusts. There are not a lot of tall trees in the middle of the round and it's a buzz kill when you have a par 5 and a stiff breeze right in your face.

I will certainly return to this course, wind or not, because the starter and proshop employees are polite, and the course (especially the greens) are in fabulous shape right now. Oh, and did I mention, that the rates are unbeatable?!?

Except for the unseasonally cool temps and gusty winds, today was excellent.

The course was in great shape, divots were repaired, no ball marks on the SPECTACULAR greens, the fairways, fringes were cut nice, and the rough wasn't too "narly". Another perk that often goes unnoticed - the Blue tee boxes were level and you didn't have to go hunting for a good place to tee your ball.

Golf Vacation - Day 3 of 3
It's pure coincidence that we "saved the best for last" during our first trip to Vegas.

Starting from the top, the greeting from the bag staff was welcoming, the pro shop staff were outstanding, and the starter incredibly helpful by giving us a complete run down of how the cart gps worked (with Jack's hole-by-hole tips and flyovers).

The experience I had here was so outstanding that even though a flight from my house is 4.5 hs and covers 3 time zones, if 3 buddies wanted to take a weekend getaway to play this course, I would join them without hesitation.

Pros:
> Staff professionalism from top to bottom, start to finish.
> Cool technology on cart gps. No reason to ever guess on yardages or which club to use.
> Swag. Free tees, free water bottles in ice cooler on cart, free ball repair tool, free yardage book (as a souvenir).
> Course conditions and challenges
> Breathtaking scenery. Not just nature, but the homes surrounding the course are located in a gated community and are stunning.
> Reasonable ProShop prices. Purchased a Bear's Best club towel for $20. It will be attached to my bag every time I play for the next 20 years (unless someone steals it)

Cons:
> I know I said the staff was perfect, but the first time the cart girl drove by I attempted to tell her that she might want to inform the maintenance crew that someone in front of us isn't raking the bunkers after use. It makes the course looks bad. Her attitude was that of - that's not my job, I don't care, save your breath...unless you want to buy something.
> Carts are not allowed in parking lot, so you may have a long walk after a 4 hr round out to your car, with your clubs on your back.

Golf Vacation - Day 2 of 3
I'll try to keep this short and sweet, no fluff. This was our first time in Vegas and wanted to play some desert style courses. Everyone I talked to recommended Badlands (for the experience & challenges) and I'm not disappointed because both of those were fun.

Pros:
> It lives up to the hype of target golf
> Perfect desert setting. I expected to hear "beep beep" and see a roadrunner being chased by Whiley-Coyotee
> Course was in really good condition, especially when you consider that it's a desirable destination PUBLIC course.
> Cart based GPS with every stat imaginable = no club selection guessing

Cons:
> Cart based GPS that constantly harassed us with messages to keep up with the course's pre-approved playing time. Problem is - the group in front of us was playing slow and we had no where to go & the group behind us never caught up to us. We're on vacation, we're not in a rush.
> I would assume that most of the golfers playing this course are tourists, just trying to play a "must play course in Vegas", and typically most men (when in a group setting, where alcohol most likely is involved - IT's VEGAS BABY) will play from the wrong tees and end up hacking their way through 18 holes.

4 pros vs 2 cons and I wouldn't recommend this course to a friend?!?!? What's up with that. The constant messages were that much of a pain that it ruined the experience. If the warnings were valid, I'd understand, but they were unwarranted.

This private course recently opened its doors to the public and it's a hidden gem. It's challenging with it's many elevation changes, tight fairways, tree-lined fairways and fast greens.

Buy securing a tee time online, my buddy and I played at 3:25pm for only $35/person (STEAL!)

Even though I didn't score well, the scenery and challenges of the course allowed me to have a great time. I'd go back without hesitation.

The only reason "Hospitality" got 2 stars, is because some guy in the ProShop was trying to be funny, but it came across wrong.