Lakeview, a diamond in the rough

[DoughBack18]

     Went to WVU and played a lot of golf at Lakeview and Mountainview during my years there. Was back in the area recently and played Lakeview for the first time in 15+ years. Being older, wiser (hopefully), and a lot more well traveled, I realized just how spoiled I to have that as a “home” course.

 

     From tee to green, and the green complexes included, this is about as well put together a set of holes that I’ve played on a public course in the region. I’ve played both Bulle Rock and Broad Run recently and I’d easily say the layout is on par with both of those.  A great mix of some really tight and some more forgiving holes. A couple risk reward par 4s, and a blend of par 5’s from easily reachable to completely unreachable. The green complexes have some significant slopes and missing greens can really test your short game. 
 

    Down side is that this course needs some TLC. Cart paths are in desperate need of repair on basically the entire course. Bunkers could use some new drainage and a refresh of sand. Some tees could use a few months to heal, and there are some rough patches throughout.
 

     Hopefully they are able to get some of those issue cleared up because this is really a diamond in the rough. Even has some cool history as Jack Nicklaus held the course record for years. A plaque on 18 shows where he his tee shot during that round (about a 330 yarder). 
 

     Photos are the the tee shots on 14, 15, and 16. 3 toughies in a row! 

[cristphoto]

I was there about 20 years ago and recall it was tough.  Pretty location right next to Cheat Lake. The Nicklaus record was posted in the pro shop and it wasn't like he lit it up (I think it was something like 68).  Looking at the scorecard you would think there were typos.  Yardages seemed skewed for some par fours and fives if they were uphill or downhill.  You could get some crazy rolls (both forward and backward!).

[DoughBack18]

You are spot on! Think the record was 67 or 68 by Jack for quite a long time. By no means a birdie fest! And as far as the yardages, a great example of what you’re talking about is on #’s 6 and 7. 6 is and uphill par 4, 429. Hit a decent drive and had a 6 iron in. Hole 7 is a par 5, 564, and I hit a good drive and had a 7 iron in! Certainly keeps your attention and makes you think your shots through.