If you ever find yourself in Kansas for any reason, and think you can't turn it into a mini golf vacation, you are mistaken. There is great golf to be played in Kansas, no matter where you are in the state (and there is a lot of room out there for you to "be). As I've already pointed out earlier, in the Kansas City area, there are great public and private courses, including Tomahawk Hills Golf Course and Wolf Creek Golf Course (the only course I've played and one of the few remaining in the country that is truly a men only golf course); in Topeka there is Lake Shawnee Golf Course, and a little further west, right along I-70, is Rolling Meadows golf course located in Junction City, Kansas and Indian Hills Golf Course in Chapman, Kansas.
And, this course review is even a little sweeter. It is actually my home course. At Rolling Meadows in Junction City I took my first golf lesson, hit my first golf ball, and learned how to play the game. It didn't happen until the summer of my freshman year in college. My mom got into golf and bought my step-dad some golf lessons. Because I was back for the summer she asked if I wanted to go to. I didn't have anything else to do, so I tagged along. As all of you golfer's know, it only takes one good hit of a golf ball to get hooked, and that is what happened to me. Now on to the course.
One of the great things about this golf course, and one of the nice things about a mini-golf vacation in Kansas, is that golf here is dirt cheap. I think in the summer time (the rates are the same all year round) it costs around $38 for 18 holes and a cart. And after twilight (which at this course gives you plenty of time to play 18, and it's an all you can play twilight, so if you get done early you can start around again) the rate is closer to $20 with a cart. You really can't beat that deal.
Now, on to a little bit about the course. Rolling Meadows is a public course, owned by the city of Junction City, so the clubhouse isn't going to knock your socks off. It has two levels, the upper level reserved for tournament gatherings and things of that nature. The lower level houses the pro shop, concession area, and restrooms (so go down the stairs and around the corner to check in when you get there). There is an adequate stock of beer, soda, and hot dogs, so you should be able to remain hydrated and full, but other than that, there isn't much to offer. I am not even sure if they have a set of rental clubs (but let's be honest, if you are a golfer you are bringing your clubs around with you anyway - I know I do...).
When you finally get to the course, you will see that each nine starts with a par five. And, as a little historical aside, the front nine used to be the back nine. It plays great either way, but it is interesting to note when you are out there playing. Back to the course. There are several water holes on the course, and along the outskirts is out of bounds and hazard that can get you into trouble if you aren't ready. From the tips it can play pretty long, so if you want a challenge, back it up and see if you've got game.
The condition of the course is usually decent. Rolling meadows recently changed out its fairways to introduce zoysia grass, which is much more resilient in the Kansas heat and humidity than Bermuda, or any other grass for that matter. When out there on the course you should be at least satisfied with the course of the fairways. Once you get on the greens, be prepared for a slightly slower than normal roll. I love fast greens and much admit I'm disappointed at the speed of these. But, it is a public golf course, and a dirt cheap public golf course, so you kind of have to take what you can get.
Overall, I'd say this course is about a 7 out of 10. It is a great value, is usually in good shape, and is really a joy to play (number 14, an elevated par 3, is one of my favorites, as is number 10, a reachable par 5). You will be challenged on some holes and have some risk reward on others.
Just remember, the next time you are out looking to have a golf vacation in Kansas, don't forget to take a look at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. You won't be disappointed.
Showing posts with label Kansas Golf Course Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas Golf Course Reviews. Show all posts
Thursday
Indian Hills Golf Course | Chapman, Kansas
Although I don't live in Kansas anymore, I've still got some great courses lined up to review, including Indian Hills Golf Course in Chapman, Kansas. This course, however, is unlike almost all of the other courses I've reviewed because it is truly a small town golf course. You won't see any signs that women aren't allowed to play golf, that pants are required, or even that jean shorts aren't allowed! It is the kind of course where you can truly get out, let your hair down, and play a pretty fun little golf course. Hunker down for a great golf course review.
The first thing you notice when pulling up to the golf course is that it truly is a municipal golf course - the roads are gravel! Once you get to the clubhouse, you might be surprised to find that it serves multiple purposes. If I remember correctly it is also used as a meeting house for some things, and they might even rent out some space to other business (they weren't open when I was there). Needless to say, this is a bare bones clubhouse. I don't even think they had any equipment. They did have logo balls, and, as you might expect, the beer was dirt cheap!
The staff was very courteous, even though they had no idea who we were (we live in the town over). In some cases, you might expect a little hostility to the out of town folk. But they were nothing but kind and courteous. Maybe we caught them on a good day!
The first thing you'll notice about Indian Hills Golf Course is the lack of trees. I think it was cut out of a wheat field or something, so there is no trouble, and no shade in those hot summers. The scorecard shows the distances to the holes (it is a relatively short course, depending on which way the wind is blowing, and it can really howl out there), but I didn't find them to be very accurate. If you come here, you definitely want to bring your golf GPS. With it you'll have no problem knowing how far you need to hit your golf ball.
The condition of the course was decent considering where we were. The fairways were a little thin and the greens a little slow, but for $30 (golf AND cart!) I couldn't complain. Even made a couple of long putts if I remember correctly. Overall Indian Hills Golf Course was a fun little course.
If you are ever in Chapman, Kansas, check out Indian Hills Golf Course. It won't knock your socks off, but it will definitely get that golf fix you're looking for (if, for example, you're travelling across the country).
Think I'm wrong? Leave your comments and let me know what you thought about Indian Hills Golf Course.
The first thing you notice when pulling up to the golf course is that it truly is a municipal golf course - the roads are gravel! Once you get to the clubhouse, you might be surprised to find that it serves multiple purposes. If I remember correctly it is also used as a meeting house for some things, and they might even rent out some space to other business (they weren't open when I was there). Needless to say, this is a bare bones clubhouse. I don't even think they had any equipment. They did have logo balls, and, as you might expect, the beer was dirt cheap!
The staff was very courteous, even though they had no idea who we were (we live in the town over). In some cases, you might expect a little hostility to the out of town folk. But they were nothing but kind and courteous. Maybe we caught them on a good day!
The first thing you'll notice about Indian Hills Golf Course is the lack of trees. I think it was cut out of a wheat field or something, so there is no trouble, and no shade in those hot summers. The scorecard shows the distances to the holes (it is a relatively short course, depending on which way the wind is blowing, and it can really howl out there), but I didn't find them to be very accurate. If you come here, you definitely want to bring your golf GPS. With it you'll have no problem knowing how far you need to hit your golf ball.
The condition of the course was decent considering where we were. The fairways were a little thin and the greens a little slow, but for $30 (golf AND cart!) I couldn't complain. Even made a couple of long putts if I remember correctly. Overall Indian Hills Golf Course was a fun little course.
If you are ever in Chapman, Kansas, check out Indian Hills Golf Course. It won't knock your socks off, but it will definitely get that golf fix you're looking for (if, for example, you're travelling across the country).
Think I'm wrong? Leave your comments and let me know what you thought about Indian Hills Golf Course.
Tuesday
Topeka Kansas Golf Course Review | Lake Shawnee Golf Course
Believe it or not, I do not have two homes, one in Seattle, so I can review Seattle golf courses, and one in Kansas, so I can review Kansas golf courses. I have family that live both places, and I am actually relocating from Kansas to Seattle, so I've had a lot of time to play golf in both places.
One of the places I've had an opportunity to play in Kansas, and really enjoyed, is Lake Shawnee Golf Course in Topeka, Kansas. Lake Shawnee Golf Course is a public course located, as the name suggests right on Lake Shawnee. I don't remember exactly what it cost to play, but on a Thursday afternoon it was under $30 for 18 holes and a golf cart. Not a bad deal.
As you can see from the photo, the course is guarded in large part by a huge lake. This means two things: first, there is plenty of water to hit golf balls into, so bring plenty - I personally love to lose those custom logo golf balls you get in golf tournaments; and second, there is plenty of water for the course. So, even in August, we were treated to a very lush, very green course (even though it was over 100 degrees the day we played!).
On to the review. Upon driving up the pro shop was what you might expect from a public course - not terrible, not great. Any more when I go into a pro shop I don't expect to find a lot of great gear and clubs, they don't sell, and my low expectations were met. The staff was friendly even though we were running a little late on our tee time, and the beers were cold and relatively cheap. I think they were under $2.00 a piece if I remember correctly.
As I intimated above, the course itself was in great shape. As you can see from the Lake Shawnee Golf Course scorecard, the course is not that long. Where they made up for it was the twists and turns and relatively fast greens. I would have to say my favorite hole was number 17, a challenging 180 yard par 3 over water (on the day we played it was made even more challenging by the howling Kansas winds). I believe I parred it, so that made it even more fun.
If you are ever on business in Topeka, it is the Capitol of the State of Kansas, and have some free time to play golf, I'd highly recommend scooting on over to Lake Shawnee Golf Course. The price, staff, and condition of the course are hard to beat.
Golf Course Reviewer.
One of the places I've had an opportunity to play in Kansas, and really enjoyed, is Lake Shawnee Golf Course in Topeka, Kansas. Lake Shawnee Golf Course is a public course located, as the name suggests right on Lake Shawnee. I don't remember exactly what it cost to play, but on a Thursday afternoon it was under $30 for 18 holes and a golf cart. Not a bad deal.As you can see from the photo, the course is guarded in large part by a huge lake. This means two things: first, there is plenty of water to hit golf balls into, so bring plenty - I personally love to lose those custom logo golf balls you get in golf tournaments; and second, there is plenty of water for the course. So, even in August, we were treated to a very lush, very green course (even though it was over 100 degrees the day we played!).
On to the review. Upon driving up the pro shop was what you might expect from a public course - not terrible, not great. Any more when I go into a pro shop I don't expect to find a lot of great gear and clubs, they don't sell, and my low expectations were met. The staff was friendly even though we were running a little late on our tee time, and the beers were cold and relatively cheap. I think they were under $2.00 a piece if I remember correctly.
As I intimated above, the course itself was in great shape. As you can see from the Lake Shawnee Golf Course scorecard, the course is not that long. Where they made up for it was the twists and turns and relatively fast greens. I would have to say my favorite hole was number 17, a challenging 180 yard par 3 over water (on the day we played it was made even more challenging by the howling Kansas winds). I believe I parred it, so that made it even more fun.
If you are ever on business in Topeka, it is the Capitol of the State of Kansas, and have some free time to play golf, I'd highly recommend scooting on over to Lake Shawnee Golf Course. The price, staff, and condition of the course are hard to beat.
Golf Course Reviewer.
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