Michael K.
Yelp
I had the unique opportunity to play the private Windsong Farm course on a cool, breezy October afternoon with several others new to the course.
We knew that the layout would prove to be challenging, so we split into two-man scramble teams to try to keep things moving. It had rained the prior evening, so carts were not allowed even though the course appeared to have drained quite well. The upside is that pulling our bags behind us gave us a modicum of warmth on a borderline playing day.
As it should be for a 5-star review, I encountered no significant issues -- frustrating golf challenges certainly, but no issues that dampened my experience (besides the gusting wind on the long Par 3 16th over water, but what a great challenge!).
First of all, there are a lot of bunkers on this course (over 70 from what I could count on Google Maps). Most of these are deep-sided with long grass curling around the edges. Drive your ball into one of the fairway bunkers and you'll likely have to come out sideways. The sand is very fine, and even though it was a bit wet during our round, it was very consistent and a lot easier to extricate oneself than the hardpan on some of the munis in the area (don't ask why we were hitting from the sand when we were playing a 2-man scramble!).
Secondly, the long prairie grass that lines most fairways was turning stunning shades of tan, purple and red. Really pretty and relaxing as long as you didn't hit into it (in which case don't even try to find your ball).
Thirdly, despite the lack of trees and limited over-water carries, you'd better hit a long straight ball if you hope to even bogey some of the longer par 4's. As a bogey golfer, I felt very good if I could scramble to bogey from the Sand tees, and if I had been playing my own ball those would have been the exception scores. Outside of the 16th, Par 3 holes were fairly easy. I actually played the long Par 5's quite well for some reason, but there is a lot of trouble to be found.
We had a great outing and really appreciated the opportunity. Interaction with course staff was limited to a short conversation in the small-ish but nicely appointed Pro Shop. Members will have to provide reviews on other aspects of the club, but I would certainly consider joining if I played enough golf in retirement to justify membership.
So, how did we score you ask? 5-over on the Front and 6-over on the Back as the wind picked up and our senior bodies tired. Not too bad for not knowing the course or having any sort of rangefinder. If there's a next time I will play my own ball to see how I do!
