Semi OT: Golf in Cincinnati

[John Pflum]

Since this is semi-off topic I'll be as brief as possible.  

I run a little golf weekend in Cincinnati each year that allows folks who only know each other online to get together for some golf and meet the faces behind the names on the discussion board.  I have been on RSG for a number of years now and found GCA.  While I am very much the uninformed novice I've enjoyed GCA a lot and learned quite a bit.  

We'll be playing a great Jack Kidwell course (Blue Ash) and Arthur Hills' Shaker Run (site of the 2005 US Amateur Publix).  Also two courses designed by Dennis Accomb (O'Bannon Creek and Hickory Woods), who has done a few courses in the Cincinnati area.  

If you are in the area and are intersted in coming please visit the website below.  Please PM me with any questions.  Thanks!  

http://www.rsgcincinnati.com

[jg7236]

Shaker Run is a great course.  Who owns it these days.  I believe Mobile Oil owned it for a good while, and Pete Rose owned it at one time.  

[John Pflum]

John,

IIRC it was owned along with Crooked Tree and Walden Ponds by a company I can't remember.  That company was recently purchased by Premier Golf management.

From Shaker's web site:  "Shaker Run Golf Course is operated by Premier Golf Management.  Please visit us at: www.pgmi.ne"  

[JLahrman]

I believe Premier Golf also owns Walden Ponds, which has more than a few decent holes if you can get past the homes lining the fairways.

[John Pflum]

I've never really liked Walden Ponds all that much.  I've played it a few times but it never felt right to me.  I suspect much of that is the atmosphere -- the houses, a couple of the holes that run right along SR 4, etc.  

That's one of the reasons I like Shaker so much.  You seem to be by yourself the entire time because you can really see any of the other holes.  

[JLahrman]

John, I agree.  I think there are some quality holes there but the atmosphere is just lacking.  Plus the stone marker telling you that you've reached the 'signature hole'.  I do like 7, 11, 12, 13, and 16.

Only played Shaker Heights once or twice, and the first thing that springs to mind is...tree in the middle of the fairway (#13?)  I haven't played the new nine though.

[John Pflum]

JAL -- based on the original routing, yes that is #13.  The tree does make it interesting but (knock on wood) it hasn't come into play for me.  I'm usually past it or to the right of it.  

The new nine is ''OK" -- it nice and all but it lacks all of the atmosphere that makes Shaker so nice.  

[William King]

Only played Shaker Heights once or twice, and the first thing that springs to mind is...tree in the middle of the fairway (#13?)  I haven't played the new nine though.

JAL,

Shaker Heights is in Cleveland....and you know how Cincinnati folk feel about the mistakes on the Lake

That tree is memorable only it is now on #4 as they have reversed the nines so you pass the snack bar at the turn. As for the new 9, don't bother. Not that it is horrible, it just doesn't fit.
My personal fav is #10 (old #1) and the fact that I scored the latest of only 2 career eagles there has absolutely nothing to do with it.  

[John Pflum]

Shaker Heights is in Cleveland....and you know how Cincinnati folk feel about the mistakes on the Lake

That tree is memorable only it is now on #4 as they have reversed the nines so you pass the snack bar at the turn. As for the new 9, don't bother. Not that it is horrible, it just doesn't fit.
My personal fav is #10 (old #1) and the fact that I scored the latest of only 2 career eagles there has absolutely nothing to do with it.  

We don't mind Cleveland so much anymore but don't EVER EVER mention the name of those dirty, evil, Super Bowl Champions.  

William -- I assume you are coming again this year?  I believe you'll be bringing the trophy back.......

[William King]

William -- I assume you are coming again this year?  I believe you'll be bringing the trophy back.......

Many are called........

[jg7236]

John,

Have you played Yankee Trace?  The course is in between Dayton and Cincinnati.

[John Pflum]

John,

Nope -- I have not made it up there.  I've heard good things about it, though.  

[Tom Roewer]

Shaker Run is a great course.  Who owns it these days.  I believe Mobile Oil owned it for a good while, and Pete Rose owned it at one time.  

Shaker Run was originally a private club built by ARMCO STEEL in 1979.

[Rob_Waldron]

Check this website:

http://www.cincygolf.org/

[JLahrman]

Of course I meant Shaker Run...told you I'm not that familiar with it.

Yankee Trace is in the same CCFAD vein as Walden Ponds although I like the Walden Ponds course better.

[Glenn Spencer]

I would not recommend Yankee Trace to someone that appreciates architecture. I really can't think of one good hole out there, besides maybe the par 3 16th. It seems like y'all have played Shaker Run quite a few times. I was wondering how much of a negative effect number 6 has on your experiences.

[David Sneddon]

I'll just add that John hosts a first class event over the three days.  It is on my schedule as a "must play" event.