- Staff
- #1
Golf has been played on the island since 1897, while the Clubhouse itself was built in 1906. The course starts out right on the banks of the Mississippi and then winds through a ton of mature trees until eventually ending right back by the river. It's not particularly long, but is quite narrow in many spots, making it a challenging place to play unless you're fairly accurate. Wind is often as issue on the holes near the river as well. However, it doesn't rate terribly difficult compared to other (in my opinion) easier courses in the area.
This was formerly one of the most exclusive clubs in the area, but economic issues eventually caused it to change to a semi-private club. The course saw some very bleak years that just about ruined it, but the US Army's MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) Division now operates it and has it in pretty good shape most of the year. It took a ton of work for them to bring this course back to the condition it is in today.
The course features Bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens.
Practice area: B-
Driving Range - There are both grass tees and mats, with mats reserved for before/after the growing season. Four sets of flags at 75, 100, 150, and 200 yards. The range itself has an old water tower bridge that protects the 17th hole from range balls, yet people that can carry 250+ are asked not to hit driver for safety. The grass on the range is ok, but often bare in spots and not always mowed as well as it could be. The mats are very old and my advice is to go somewhere else if they are on mats.
The practice green is very nice. Fairly large, undulation similar to what is seen on the course. Nice bentgrass edges for chipping.
Some are not aware, but there is a special designated short game area hidden in the middle of the course between holes 4 and 5. Here, they have maintained a bentgrass fairway that is about 100 yards in length and a small green and greenside bunker. The beauty of this area is that the grass is exactly what you encounter on the course (and other nice courses), giving a great opportunity to work on short and long pitches. The bunker is pretty bad though. The only downside to the location is that it's only accessible by golf cart or car.
Course conditions - B
Right now we are just entering growing season, so there are some bare spots here and there, but overall this course has above average conditions. Fairway lies are always quite tight, but the turf is soft enough that it allows for easy divots. The rough is typical Midwest rough - tall and grabby.
There are a number of bunkers, most of which are in good shape, with pretty fine sand.
The greens are typically 'muni-quick' and in good shape, though I noticed one that had some issues and needed repair today. Again though, it's quite early in the season.
Layout: B-
The layout is one that you love to hate. With some extremely tight fairways bordered by trees, misses off the fairway often require low punch shots back in play. If you're a good driver of the ball, this can be a fun course to play, but if you're prone to big misses I'd find somewhere else or you will probably lose some balls and get pretty frustrated.
There are four sets of tees and the back tees are reasonably challenging at 6585, though some will certainly wish it was longer. Holes 6-12 are especially challenging holes, with a mixture of length, tightness, and doglegs that require great accuracy to score on.
I rated this a B- not because it's a boring layout, but rather due to my intense hatred for tree lined, narrow courses. Ha! Not so bad these days, but as a beginning player this course was a bit frustrating for me.
Pace of play A
Marshalls are rare, but I've never had a really long round here. Today I played solo in two hours, though the course was basically empty. Still, I can get around it pretty quick most days.
Price - B+
$40 with a cart on the weekend, which is about $5 more than other local courses in the area, but the Bentgrass does up the value. The typically run a special after 4pm on weekdays that is very popular - pay for 9 and play 18.
Amenities C
There is a halfway house at the ninth hole (the course doesn't come back to clubhouse at the midpoint), but it is not staffed all that often. Prices are fine. There is a restaurant and bar, but it's not really the type of place you would get a snack from before playing. The clubhouse itself has a small cooler with drinks, but is pretty bare bones in terms of selection. Same goes with golf gear.
Overall B
For our area, it's firmly a mid-level course that has some unique perks. The scenery along the river is special, and something we often take for granted. The Bentgrass tees/fairways/greens are enjoyable to play. The short range and lack of amenities stop it from being a high level facility, but the price is very fair for what they offer.
