Walnut Wood Golf Course

I would not recommend anyone, not even a beginner to play here. Awful, just awful. None, and I mean none of the greens are in playing condition. Don't waste your time here.

Walnut Wood is inexpensive and run by lovely folks. In recent years, however, its maintenance has plunged to little more than mowing. It is a sad but too common example of a rural course struggling in today's golf economy where the reduced traffic means its modest fees cannot sustain it. We played on a summer Sunday and there were only about a dozen other players. Some of the holes, especially number one with its blind shot over a large lake with no chance to recover from a short or innacuarate drive, make little sense.

Walnut Wpod is not in the greatest of shape. The fairways are basically close cut weeds. The rough had not been cut in quiet some time. The course is relatively right. Especially off the tee. The greens while slow. We smooth and rolled true. Just too many better places to play unless you are just learning.

Some holes have very narrow openings for tee shots (6, 7, and 8) and I'm not sure Ralph Clenndennon had this in mind when he designed the course. All par 3's are tough and pin placement can entice a big score. There is a three hole stretch on the back nine (12, 13, and 14) that requires a draw off the tee, a straight shot off the tee, and a fade off the tee if you want to play your second from the fairway. I guess this is the reason for the par 73.

This is a fun course. It's not terribly long, even from the tips, but you have to drive the ball well to be in the right position for your approach shots. For really long hitters, there are three Par-5s that are reachable, which is fun.

The greens are in fantastic condition. They're a little shaggy in places, but they roll true. I saw no dead spots, and only one hole had any crab grass on it (and in a small corner of the green, at that).

Fairways are good. A little thin in places, but it's still early in the season. I suspect they'll come in nicely during the summer. The rough is kind of hit or miss. In some places, it's like you're still in the fairway; in others, you'll find yourself in a clump of clover that takes about 50 yards off your shot.

The staff is WONDERFUL. And, at the price, it's a no-brainer to go try this place and see what you think.

This is a nice little course if you've played it before. There are plenty of shots that you need to know where to position your shot for a descent next shot. Advise playing a first round with someone who knows the course. Fairways in good condition. Greens in great condition. All in all, good course for the money.