(cart included), played on Friday, July 2013 at 4pm
I previously rated this golf course in 2011. Some of my past comments were critical, but I am pleased to say that major improvements have taken place during the two year interim. There have been significant personnel and management changes and the groundskeeping crew is now being properly supervised by a new superintendent. While there is more work to be done, the progress to date has been significant. Many golfers have complimented the staff and have noted that the golf course appears to be in its best condition in nearly a decade. Seventeen the greens have been aerated and top dressed. While some are still being improved upon, all of the greens are better than last Summer. One green has been completely resodded with new turf and should be open for play in two weeks. Likewise, the tees and bunkers have received greater attention and care. The 94 year old Canal Banks golf course deserves a second look from area players.
Member (cart not included), played on Wednesday, June 2011 at 2pm
Renamed Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course (a commemorative plaque for Peter N. Jans is on first tee), this is a deceptively difficult, short course with narrow fairways and small greens.
There are some long par 3s here that require long and accurate drives. The course parallels the North Shore Channel and winds through a scenic suburban residential neighborhood. There are six par 4s and twelve par 3s on the course. There are two water holes and twenty-three sand traps. Practice greens are available near the parking lot.
The course has been neglected in recent years and it is always harder to repair something to its original condition than it is to maintain it in the first place. Things are improving as of late, but there is always more to be done. Many of the trees on the course need to be pruned and this can effect your shots. The soil has plenty of hard pan clay in it and the ball can take some odd bounces sometimes.
Interruptions and petty vandalism are constant problems at this course. Too many neighbors (children, dog walkers, joggers) feel that they can enter the grounds whenever they please without paying any regard to the golfers.
There is a small pro shop at the 1st tee and a refreshment stand at the 7th tee. Visitors with a current day's golf tag are welcome to visit the American Legion Post in the clubhouse above the 18th fairway on the day that they played golf.
Under ideal circumstances, this can be a challenging and fun course, but the groundskeeping issues need to be addressed.