Towne Lake Hills Golf Club Review

by John Kim

Introduction: Towne Lake Hills is another championship Arthur Hills design. This course has quickly established itself as a favorite among local golf enthusiasts. It offers four sets of tees which make a world of difference, both in distance and shot selection. Pin locations are indicated by color of the flag, red (front), white (middle) or yellow (back). It is a very scenic course with almost every hole offering significant elevation change or rolling contour. Additionally, it carries a strong reputation as one of the best maintained courses in the city.

Pre-round: Tee times can be made two weeks in advance for members, one week in advance for non-members. The course has a steady stream of play, but is particularly busy on weekends. Starters and rangers do a good job of keeping the pace of play moving though 4.5 to 5 hours on a Saturday is not unheard of.

When you arrive: A top-notch staff is there to greet you when you arrive. Browse the well-stocked pro shop as you check in. A nice driving range and two pristine putting greens are there for your warm up. Use the range to stretch out and get rhythm, but get to know the greens! A friendly starter will let you know when you can head to the first tee. Pins are designated by red (front), white (middle), and yellow (back).

Hole you will love: #5 is a great risk-reward par 5. Putting for a three is not too uncommon, neither is putting for a triple bogey. Hit a good tee shot and the decision making engines go into full gear and almost make your head hurt. It is a great way to kickstart yourself if you've been struggling on the tough early holes. But be aware, it can wreck your score too.

Hole you will hate: #6. The tee shot is so tough, it's almost unfair. Trouble left and right off the tee, and your drive still has to be far enough to give yourself a decent approach on this long uphill hole that protects its' green with a long treacherous ravine which cuts through the fairway also. Bogey will often win this hole in your foursome.

Overview: I'm a little partial to Towne Lake, because this is where I learned the game. That being said, this is still a remarkable course. It is scenic and in perpetual great shape. It is a course where brains can be as valuable as a hot putter, and thinking your way around the course is mandatory for a good score. Low handicappers will find all the challenge they want from the tips or blues, while not so skilled players will find the course more forgiving and still exciting. You are offered several opportunities to be spectacular, but the risk of failure carries some strong penalties. Bottom line, play this course once...you will return. Again and again.