[Dan Herrmann]

I stopped by Monroe GC (Ross) in Rochester yesterday to see an old friend who's an assistant pro there.  I couldn't play, but I looked at some of the holes.



Really wonderful architecture.  The 18th green has a wonderful grass bunker to the right and behind the green, which has a diagonal "gully" running through it.  

The conditioning was first rate.  The members all seem to walk, and I think everybody I saw on #1 had a speed cart.  The tee sheet was almost full for the day  -  the members really make use of and appreciate the course.

The Monroe Invitational is this week - a leading men's amateur event.

I was blown away by the place.  Granted, I didn't see the whole layout, but I was very impressed by what I saw.

I know Gil did a master plan here too...

Here's a layout and description of each hole: http://www.monroeinvitational.com/course.cfm

Any treehouse info/comments on Monroe?

[Chris Cupit]

It's a very nice golf course--I played in three or four Monroe Ams back in the late 80's.

Definite hidden gem.  

Holes 5, 9, 10, 11 and 18 are really good.

[Chris Cupit]

But...from your picture, I'd say chop down those two Christmas trees on the left!

[Jimmy Muratt]

Monroe is an excellent golf course, and a very well preserved Ross.  It is built on a good amount of sand so drains extremely well and usually plays pretty firm.  Dan, you are right, most members walk and an extremely easy and enjoyable walk it is.  Keep an eye out for the original drawings by Donald Ross in the clubhouse, always interesting to see.  

[Matt_Cohn]

The tournament is a whole lot of fun and the golf course is very enjoyable.

Anybody who thinks that Pinehurst #2 is "typical Donald Ross" should spend a day or two at Monroe. It would make for a good edumacation.

[BCrosby]

I'm not sure how much of hidden gem Monroe is. I have definitely heard of it. Several times. Supposed to be one of Ross' best. I would love to play it someday.

Agreed about the trees.

Bob

[Dan Herrmann]

Bob,
I just meant that it doesn't get a lot of national recognition.  Doesn't get a lot of local recognition either - my non-golfing brother that lives in Rochester knew Oak Hill and CCR were top notch, but was surprised when I told him how wonderful I thought Monroe was.

Ross also did Irondiquoit up there.  That's 4 Ross courses within about 10 square miles in a town that really isn't that big.  Pretty darn good representation.

[BCrosby]

Dan -

I surprised Monroe doesn't get more local attention. (A little like Lawsonia in Milwaukee?) I remember reading somewhere that Ross thought it very special. I think that some of Ross's field sketches for Monroe show up in Hunter's and Thomas's books.

I've always wanted to see it.

Bob

[Chris Cupit]

One kinda cool thing about Monroe.  During the '68 US Open Trevino stayed with one of the members in his house for the week (Kircher or Kirchner??)  Anyway, Lee wins at Oak Hill and develops life long friendship with this family.

In 1988 Open returns to Oak Hill and Trevino practices at Monroe to get away from everyone--same week as Monroe Am and a number of us get a cool "clinic" from LT.  (We were smart enough NOT to approach him or talk to him)

[Dan Herrmann]

Chris, Great story - thanks for sharing!

By the way, I thought the 'clubiness' of Monroe was something special to see in operation.  The way games were set up, the heavy play, and the fact that the head pro, a 20+ year vet of the club was playing on a Sunday morning were great.

It takes time and effort to get there.

The members of Monroe have something special -I hope they don't ever take it for granted.

[John Foley]

I think Brad did a pretty good write up on Monroe a while back for Golfweek. The land there is prretty typical of the area w/ very good vertical movement. Hear the story about the Kircher family/Trevino connection also.

There are a few member lurkers out there which I have encouraged to jump in. I've not played, but have walked the course. I hope John Lyon chimes in as I think he has.

Dan - Brook-Lea is also Ross so you've got 6 total here, 5 of them with-in a 3 mile radius? Not a bad place to play if I say so myself!

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