Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Golfer Bob
Medina
2011-07-11
$51 (cart included), played on Friday, July 2011 at 10am
Our golfing group was in Medina for a wedding on 7-9-11, so we sought a "nice" course that would be suitable for various skill levels. Blue Heron turned out not to be the right choice, as it is quite difficult (see the slope and rating), with many target golf landing areas, serious rough just inches off the fairway, and relatively poor graphics and other info to help out a first-time player. Having said that, those of us in the group who were regular golfers (full disclosure: I'm a 13.6 Index, and play about 90 rounds a year, so I have something to reference), as opposed to those who swing the sticks every other year or so, found BH to be an interesting challenge, and perhaps worth another visit. The layout covers a lot of area, with some major elevation changes, gullies, and water, and the development homes do not impact the golf sight line or shots. The course is most definitely NOT walkable, since there are very significant distances between holes; in one case we thought we were lost, we were driving so long. BUT, and this is very important, the condition of the course was AWFUL, especially for a $55 green fee. Bunkers were empty of sand, and filled with mud and weeds, most greens on the two nines we played (Highland and Lakes) had serious problem areas (burnout, cracked soil, bare spots, etc.), and there was clover everywhere. The grass was mowed, but not much else. This gives the appearance of a course in financial trouble, with insufficient maintenance money. Be warned! The staff we encountered were uniformly professional and helpful, and when asked why the course was in such lousy condition, gave a diplomatic shuffle and referred us to the pro shop. Based on all of this, I can only offer a cautionary recommendation, despite the potential of Blue Heron: I'm not from the area, but I know there are other courses within 10 miles that are much better maintained, and cost less. Shop around!!
$51 (cart included), played on Friday, July 2011 at 10am
Our golfing group was in Medina for a wedding on 7-9-11, so we sought a "nice" course that would be suitable for various skill levels. Blue Heron turned out not to be the right choice, as it is quite difficult (see the slope and rating), with many target golf landing areas, serious rough just inches off the fairway, and relatively poor graphics and other info to help out a first-time player. Having said that, those of us in the group who were regular golfers (full disclosure: I'm a 13.6 Index, and play about 90 rounds a year, so I have something to reference), as opposed to those who swing the sticks every other year or so, found BH to be an interesting challenge, and perhaps worth another visit. The layout covers a lot of area, with some major elevation changes, gullies, and water, and the development homes do not impact the golf sight line or shots. The course is most definitely NOT walkable, since there are very significant distances between holes; in one case we thought we were lost, we were driving so long. BUT, and this is very important, the condition of the course was AWFUL, especially for a $55 green fee. Bunkers were empty of sand, and filled with mud and weeds, most greens on the two nines we played (Highland and Lakes) had serious problem areas (burnout, cracked soil, bare spots, etc.), and there was clover everywhere. The grass was mowed, but not much else. This gives the appearance of a course in financial trouble, with insufficient maintenance money. Be warned! The staff we encountered were uniformly professional and helpful, and when asked why the course was in such lousy condition, gave a diplomatic shuffle and referred us to the pro shop. Based on all of this, I can only offer a cautionary recommendation, despite the potential of Blue Heron: I'm not from the area, but I know there are other courses within 10 miles that are much better maintained, and cost less. Shop around!!