Bend's 2022-2024 Golf Log

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I'll definitely take you up on your KC offer when I get out that way!

 

I would love to be able to play a round on Broadmoor as well as Crooked Tree around Indy; maybe someday! 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I played Champions Pointe GC yesterday, my 48th golf course played in the state of Indiana. It's the sister course to Covered Bridge GC, and it's not as good. Tough off the tee on many holes, a few poorly designed holes here, 16 and 18 really stand out. Won't speak to conditions as the midwest has been inundated with rain. Slow greens and some slow play, not to mention too many houses! Glad I scored a "hot deal" on Golfnow for $66 with cart rather than the $95 they typically charge. I was disappointed with this golf course to be honest. No more golf for me until July (2 more PRP treatments). In July I'll be playing Legends Quarry, Gravel Pit 13 in Minnesota as well as Chaska Town GC in Minnesota. I'll also be playing the Waynesville Inn GC on my way down to Florida. I might try and play Streamsong Black GC and a few more while down in Florida well. We'll see how hot and humid it is, I may just want to sit in the pool!

Edited May 2 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

No real golf updates, but I did finish my 2nd and hopefully last PRP on my left elbow on June 1st. That is 11 in total! Already swimming and doing the rowing machine at the gym.  I am going to start playing again come the first week of July. 

 

I made a tee time at Streamsong Black in Florida. You no longer have to stay on the property to play, although Florida residents do get a cheaper rate. Rate for July was $190 walking, cart is extra plus the forecaddie. I'll probably walk, although it'll be hot and humid I am sure. They also changed the tee time policy from 21 days out to 45 days out for golfers on staying at the resort. THis time I'll eat more than 2 tacos at the turn.

 

Was also thinking about playing the Coral Gables Biltmore course over near Miami as well. It's a 3 hour drive one way from the in-laws, but the greens fee is half of what is is in the Winter. Only $175, not sure if that includes a cart, but I'll probably walk anyway if possible.

 

I am going to play the golf course at the Parris Island Marine Corps Base and maybe Hunter Army Air Field GC as well. I enjoy being on military bases even though some of the golf courses are not all that great. The one at Parris Island is supposed to be pretty nice however.

 

I don't leave for Scotland until August 19th, so I'll probably sneak in another 3 day trip somewhere with my college aged son. I also have some other courses in Kentucky and Ohio that I am going to play when I get back from Florida. 

 

I am hoping to break 100 new courses this year, even with the 2 month PRP lay off.

 

 

Edited June 6 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Argonne69]

9 minutes ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

No real golf updates, but I did finish my 2nd and hopefully last PRP on my right elbow. on June 1st. Already swimming and doing the rowing machine at the gym.  I am going to start playing again come the first week of July. 

 

I made a tee time at Streamsong Black in Florida. You no longer have to stay on the property to play, although Florida residents do get a cheaper rate. Rate for July was $190 walking, cart is extra plus the forecaddie. I'll probably walk, although it'll be hot and humid I am sure. They also changed the tee time policy from 21 days out to 45 days out for golfers on staying at the resort. THis time I'll eat more than 2 tacos at the turn.

 

Was also thinking about playing the Coral Gables Biltmore course over near Miami as well. It's a 3 hour drive one way from the in-laws, but the greens fee is half of what is is in the Winter. Only $175, not sure if that includes a cart, but I'll probably walk anyway if possible.

 

I am going to play the golf course at the Parris Island Marine Corps Base and maybe Hunter Army Air Field GC as well. I enjoy being on military bases even though some of the golf courses are not all that great. The one at Parris Island is supposed to be pretty nice however.

 

I don't leave for Scotland until August 19th, so I'll probably sneak in another 3 day trip somewhere with my college aged son. I also have some other courses in Kentucky and Ohio that I am going to play when I get back from Florida. 

 

I am hoping to break 100 new courses this year, even with the 2 month PRP lay off.

 

 

 

I don't recall Streamsong ever requiring a stay at the resort. I've played all three courses on three visits, and stayed off property each time. Wonderful courses. 

 

[caniac6]

It’s been a while since I played it, but I really liked the course at Parris Island. Lots of gators. The museum on base is not very big, but it was worth going to.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

2 hours ago, caniac6 said:

It’s been a while since I played it, but I really liked the course at Parris Island. Lots of gators. The museum on base is not very big, but it was worth going to.

Definitely gonna check out the museum. My Uncle was drafted during Vietnam and went to basic there. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I have about 2 more weeks until I can get back out on the course. Traded in my Titleist TSi 2 for a Callaway Elite driver. They had $100 off and 150% trade in value.

 

Headed down to Florida in a few weeks, and I am playing these in the HEAT:

 

Paradise Point at Parris Island Marine Corps Base (SC)

Mayport Naval Base (FL)

Streamsong Black (FL)

Delray Beach GC (FL)

The Park (FL)

Babock Ranch (maybe) (FL)

 

I am at 21 new golf courses played this year and even with the 2 month break and no golf in Jan or Feb I am going to try and get to 100 this season. We shall see!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Bend of the River GC in Hadley, NY. We actually lived on the 6th hole when I was in 4th grade and no one in my family would ever take me golfing. This is where my golf addiction began. I used to hunt for lost golf balls and then sell them (and lemonade) to golfer's on the 7th tee box. The course turned 100 years old this year. I have only played it twice. The owner gave me a "member" bag tag today. Felt sorry for me I guess! 

 

Next week I am back golfing!

[Chanceman]

Ha ha. Well done on your homecoming!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Wow, a long 9 weeks away from golfing. Have not touched a club since the end of April. This morning I played The Legends at Parris Island, SC. The course is on the Marine Corps base. Super fun golf course, one of the best military golf courses that I have played so far. $41 with cart. They do allow some public play, but it's twice that rate. Broke in a new Callaway Elyte driver today. Pace of play was exactly 4 hours which is how long I sat at Discount Tire getting my flat fixed on the way back to the hotel after golfing. Defintely worth playing here if you are near Hilton Head and don't mind going through the process of getting on the base. Shot a solid 89 with 2 triples and 2 doubles. Need to stop with the blow up holes! Tomorrow we are playing the Mayport Naval Air Station course near Jacksonville. 

Edited July 1 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

We were supposed to play the golf course on the Mayport Navy Base yesterday, but the wife forgot a 2nd form of ID so she could not get on base. Crap, oh well, next time. We decided to play at Fleming Island GC closer to St. Augustine where we were staying. Course was fun, in fairly decent shape and the pro shop was great about getting us out at the last minute.  It rained on and off most of the round so we only played the front nine. I really like my new Callaway Elyte driver, much, much better than my Titleist driver that I traded in. Course number 663. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can play TPC Treviso Bay, Streamsong Black, The Park and maybe another one if I have the time. The next time we visit St. Augustine I would like to play the World Golf Village courses. Sunday I have a tee time at TPC Treviso Bay in Naples. 

Edited July 3 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Played TPC Treviso Bay in Naples, Florida yesterday. Private but allows public play in the summer when members are not in Florida.  Water on every single hole. Very boring, flat greens in not so great of shape. Very tough off the tee as well. Lost a lot of balls here! Maybe the toughest Arthur Hills' course that I have ever played.

Edited July 11 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[imkirby34]

You may want to retry uploading the photos that didn't load.  There's a thread in the website help forum and I *think* they might've resolved the issue.  At least, I'm no longer having stalled uploads or either the -200 or invalid_image_dimensions errors.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Played Streamsong Black this morning, pretty fun golf course, I liked it more than the Blue that I played a few years ago. Lots of sand, HUGE undulating greens which were somewhat slow. Terrible forecaddie experience, again! $240 with cart plus $60 ($45 plus tip) for mandatory forecaddie. His yardages were most times 30-50 yards off and he didn't know any lines off the tee. Jeez, just as bad as the last time I visited.  They are building a new 18 hole course but it wont open until next year, name (color) yet to be decided. Headed back to Ohio in the morning. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I decided not to journey 3 hours over to West Palm Beach yesterday to play The Park as it was almost $200 to play, even in summer heat! I ventured 35 minutes away and played Webbs Reserve in the Babcock Ranch solar community which is a newer, Nicklaus course routed through a ton of homes still under construction.  It seems like golf courses and adjacent homes go hand in hand here in Florida. Paid $60 with cart and made it through 15 holes; then food poisoning caught up with me. Course was "OK". Staff was great, accommodating and super friendly here. At some point the course will be private. 

Edited July 9 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Dancin]

17 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

I decided not to journey 3 hours over to West Palm Beach yesterday to play The Park as it was almost $200 to play, even in summer heat! I ventured 35 minutes away and played Webbs Reserve in the Babcock Ranch solar community which is a newer, Nicklaus course routed through a ton of homes still under construction.  It seems like golf courses and adjacent homes go hand in hand here in Florida. Paid $60 with cart and made it through 15 holes; then food poisoning caught up with me. Course was "OK". Staff was great, accommodating and super friendly here. At some point the course will be private. 

We played it in February on our golf trip. Agree. Not bad. Nothing objectionable but it is typical FL golf. No reason to go out of the way to play it unless you are already near it.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Back in Ohio. Next week I have Lake Forest CC, Ellsworth Meadows (can't play they are booked up for an event), Brookledge GC,  Black Gold and Oak Shadows lined up.

 

Then next up is a quick trip to Minnesota and I'll play Giants Ridge Quarry, Gravel Pit 13, Chaska Town GC and maybe the University of Wisconsin golf course. I was hoping to get down into the hollers of Kentucky one day as well, but not sure I'll have time. 

 

Right before I head to Scotland I'll be playing Plum Hollow CC, Franklin Hills CC and another TBD course up around Detroit. Probably Dunham Hills as it's getting ready close soon and will be completely redesigned by Mike DeVries. MIght even play the Selfridge Air Force Base course.

 

I'll be flying out of Toronto to Edinburgh, so I'll squeeze in two Canadian courses before and after my trip as well. 

Edited July 13 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[mshills]

On 7/9/2025 at 7:31 PM, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Terrible forecaddie experience, again! $240 with cart plus $60 ($45 plus tip) for mandatory forecaddie. His yardages were most times 30-50 yards off and he didn't know any lines off the tee. Jeez, just as bad as the last time I visited. 

Seems like some things never change. They just cannot get their act together with staffing and the guest experience. I’ve heard the hotel and food has improved, but the caddie ranks there are just not very good. 
 

It’s too bad since Streamsong is one of a very small number of public courses I’d play again in Florida. 

[buckI]

I don’t think they are alone in issues and many places it goes beyond just the caddie.    

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I typically never drop my bag at the bag drop. Why? Because it makes me feel rushed and I always forget something. So as I was walking up the hill from the lot to the bag drop an employee in an empty cart drove right on past me and did not offer me a ride up to the top of the hill. I was stunned. The service is terrible there. Once the new course opens, I'll stay one night and carry my own bag to avoid paying any sort of caddy fees. The value just isn't there. For the prices, service should be paramount here. 

Edited July 14 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[srs06d]

34 minutes ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

an employee in an empty cart drove right on past me and did not offer me a ride up to the top of the hill

Was there last month and had a completely different experience. I'd never been offered so many rides in my life. Constantly had to turn down rides to range/clubhouse/parking lot as the walk was more than manageable. Also had a great experience with the caddies in our group. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

On 7/14/2025 at 1:18 PM, srs06d said:

Was there last month and had a completely different experience. I'd never been offered so many rides in my life. Constantly had to turn down rides to range/clubhouse/parking lot as the walk was more than manageable. Also had a great experience with the caddies in our group. 

I am still gonna go back to Streamsong, I do like the vibe there. I still need to play the Red Courses as well as the new one that is opening up next year. I'll just pass on any caddy.

 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

OK, got some permission to golf from the wife and some tee times made for this Friday:

 

Crystal Springs GC (OH)

Whitetail Ridge GC (OH)

 

Headed up for an overnight to Akron area next week:

 

Brookledge GC (OH) would have preferred Ellsworth Meadows, but no tee times.

Lake Forest CC (OH)

Black Gold GC (OH)

Oak Shadows GC (OH)

 

Last week of July:

 

Quarry Course at Giants Ridge (MN)

Gravel Pit 13 (MN)

Chaska Town GC (MN)

 

I'm no Arg, but I am hopeful to break the 100 course barrier for 2025!

 

 

 

Edited July 17 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Argonne69]

10 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

OK, got some permission to golf from the wife and some tee times made for this Friday:

 

Crystal Springs GC (OH)

Whitetail Ridge GC (OH)

 

Headed up for an overnight to Akron area next week:

 

Brookledge GC (OH) would have preferred Ellsworth Meadows, but no tee times.

Lake Forest CC (OH)

Black Gold GC (OH)

Oak Shadows GC (OH)

 

Last week of July:

 

Quarry Course at Giants Ridge (MN)

Gravel Pit 13 (MN)

Chaska Town GC (MN)

 

I'm no Arg, but I am hopeful to break the 100 course barrier for 2025!

 

 

Any chance you can extend your stay a couple of days in northern Minnesota? Pity to travel up there are not add The Wilderness at Fortune Bay and The Classic at Maddens.

 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Any chance you can extend your stay a couple of days in northern Minnesota? Pity to travel up there are not add The Wilderness at Fortune Bay and The Classic at Maddens.

 

I so wish. Lol.

 

 This is "my wife's trip" to tour Prince's Paisley Park and it was a tough sell to be able to squeeze in the Quarry, Gravel 13 and I still have not told her about me getting a super early tee time at Chaska Town while she is sleeping prior to the Prince experience. I was also thinking about pushing my luck and seeing if she'll let me play at least nine holes at the University of Wisconsin golf course since we are staying nearby on the way back. I am just lucky that she is willing to play a few rounds with me on this trip!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Played the front 9 at Crystal Springs GC in between Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio yesterday. I was rained out from playing the back nine and was also rained out from playing Whitetail Ridge GC, a nine holer nearby. The course was pretty water logged all over, even before it stared raining. Was really surprised it wasn't cart path only. Very few sand traps here. Some fairly tough drives off the tee. Course plays to about 6400-6500 from the tips, feels longer. Fairly hilly piece of land here as well. Some slow play here, typical farm countryside course that allows 5 and 6 somes, blue jeans, t-shirts and the like. Carts were really tired and took the choke forever to kick in just to start moving. The greens appeared heat stressed, but were surprisingly pretty fast. $27 with cart for 9 holes. My 222nd course played in Ohio so far.

[TBone0576]

On 7/17/2025 at 7:43 PM, Argonne69 said:

 

Any chance you can extend your stay a couple of days in northern Minnesota? Pity to travel up there are not add The Wilderness at Fortune Bay and The Classic at Maddens.

 

I teed it up at The Wilderness a number of years ago when on vacation up near Ely.   Played by myself and got around in about 2 hours in a cart.  I should have played 2 balls.  Wonderful resort and if I am every up that way again I would probably stay there.  It would definitely beat the rustic campground with pit toilets.   Was a tough choice between Wilderness and Giants Ridge but ended up choosing the closer course.  

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I wish I had the time to play Wilderness as well. We'll be back through there in a few years when we start traveling more with a camper. It's close too, like 30 miles North of Quarry at Giants Ridge. I could play it the next morning before heading to Minneapolis. We'll see.

 

UPDATE: Wife agreed to leave a day earlier so it looks like I'll be able to spend one night at Fortune Bay and be able to at least play the Wilderness course. 

Edited July 21 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I was invited up to play Lake Forest CC in Hudson, Ohio this afternoon. I drove up early and played Brookledge GC, a very nice municipal course in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Place was packed on a Wednesday morning. No water on the course, and no cart girl selling anything either. Gotta wonder. Course was in pretty nice shape too. Front nine is a bit hilly in spots, but not a rough walk at all. Not too hot, low 80's, but the humidity sucked. My 223rd course played in Ohio. 28th new course played in 2025.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

After Brookledge I met up with a member of Lake Forest CC in Hudson, Ohio. Lake Forest is a private, golden age course designed by Herbert Strong. Everything here was first class, even the food. Greens were very speedy, although most were on the smaller side. 18th hole was a par 3.