Washington Park Golf Course

$10 (cart not included), played on Sunday, July 2014 at 1:48 PM

One of three city (of Racine) courses, straddling the Root River. This course has suffered in the past from some neglect (and from being popular for youth, duffers, and hacks).

Management of the three city courses has been contracted out to a private company which appears to be improving conditions at this course (and the two other city courses, 9-hole Shoop Park and 18-hole Johnson Park). This 9-hole course does have power carts available (unlike Shoop).

#1 starts right off with a daunting 583-yard par 5. Heavy (and fenced-off) woods line #1, so you can likely kiss errant shots goodbye.

#2 is a short (240 yard) par 4, so strong hitters can look for birdies or better.

#3 is a dogleg right. If you are good and bold, you may be able to reach (or be near) the green in one, but most will lay up in the bend (as this par 4 expects).

You cross the street for #4, a slight uphill toward the river. Errant shots find a road and woods to the left, or a bit of a gully and trees guarding the green to the right.

Mens tees for #5 shoot across the river to a fairway angling off to the left, while the ladies cross the bridge for a straight-away shot at the green.

A short par 3 (#6) into a backdrop of long grass and trees is followed by a 517-yard par 5 #7 with the river at the left and hooking behind the green. While the fairway is fairly wide, scattered trees separate it from #5, so errant shots either side will make par tough.

Crossing the bridge and heading uphill (left), #8 is a short (199 yard) downhill par 3. With the road along the left side and a gully (between #4) on the right, errant shots are again punished.

You cross the road for #9, a short (147 yard) par 3, where a huge oak center fairway blocks the green. Yes, it's easy enough to hit over it, but if you duff your shot by thinking about it too much, you'll have a tough time to par this final hole.

To avoid disappointment and delay, always call ahead to check for leagues and school practices tying up the course.

$10 (cart not included), played on Thursday, July 2011 at 4pm

This course is great for beginners.