Lake of Isles North Course

[jweiss1982]

I know if just opened this week, but has anyone played it yet? I'll be heading over there this weekend, for the first time, to take advantage of the promotion and would appreciate any feedback/advice...Thanks...J

 

 

[geoangus]

I assume you're talking about the Sunday - Thursday offer?

Today was the first day, so no, haven't played it yet this year. What do you want to know? You are going to enjoy it!! Picturesque, lots of terrain and elevation changes. The course was cut through the woods of an old scout camp. Holes are laid out links style through the woods, and other than #1, #10 & #18, you don't see any other hole than the one you're currently playing. Carts are mandatory, as there are some serious distances and climbs between some holes. Fauna and flora abound - I've usually seen deer crossing somewhere on the course.

Good practice facility, though you're hitting off mats. Top shelf, resort like service. When I played there last Spring, we were one of the last groups in, and I was surprised to see the pub closing shortly after we came in.

As far as the course: awesome. A yardage guide, laser, gps are definitely your friends, as driver can run you into trouble if you choose the wrong line or if you're a tad wild. Some holes can be a little unfair to a slicer as the ball just seems to roll right off the course, across the cart path and into the abyss. I've played with some high handicap guys who have gone through at least a dozen balls. BIG rolling greens and lots of sand.

Check out the website hole tours.

I don't know your game, but the only suggestion I have for you is to make sure you play the proper tees. There are some easily managed forced carries, but there are a few (#17 comes quickly to mind) that can be quite demanding, particularly if there's some wind. I know you just played Fox Hopyard, so to compare, I typically carry my driver around 240. I haven't had issues playing the Blues at Fox Hopyard. However, the Gold at Lake of Isles plays around 6700 too, and I really feel like I have to pure my driver to carry the 17th tee shot from the Gold tees. The two times I've attempted to play it from the Gold, there was wind, and while I could carry the water, I but couldn't carry the marsh on the other side. This might be no issue for you, but just wanted to give you the head's up.

My only complaint, other than the regular season rate: - its a tough course for many, and the pace of play always seems to bog down as the round goes on. Most of the rounds I've played there approach 5 hours. I'm sure it's because guys refuse to play the proper tees.

[dartboss04]

I outlined my thoughts in my Top 5 Public courses thread, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I would play more to experience the nature and beauty of the course versus really expecting a great score. As geoangus said, there is just so much trouble everywhere.

Last time I played there this past fall, I used one ball through 17 holes. Granted, I am shorter off the tee than geo and was playing the silvers, but once you play the course, I think you can appreciate the feat. Of course I realized this feat on the 18th tee and proceeded to plunk not only the miracle ball but another into the pond, finishing with a stellar quintuple. Thank you mental collapse. Haha.

Although I like to play Fox Hopyard a little more as it is more manageable for my game, Lake of Isles is by far the most beautiful course I've played. If you have a moment before your round, take a walk out onto the back deck behind the club house. It's a really nice area.