Golfing With Shawn: Chippewa Golf Club

Chippewa is the type of golf club golfers want to play. It's in perfect shape, it's playable, and with the addition of several new tees, is as much as a challenge as anyone can want. Architecturally it has solid design principles, however, the three holes that stand out, or at least are the most talked about after the round, are affectionately called the "Bermuda Triangle" 14th, 15th, and 16th.

The front side plays to a par 35 and if youre looking to shoot a good score, then then you need to take advantage of the easy holes and opportunities on this nine. The golf is pretty simple here at Chippewa. The only holes worth mentioning is #2 and #7. Two is a redanish par three whose green slopes front right to back left. The green is uphill so the difficulty is gauging the proper place to land it for the bounce. Seven is a short par four. I think the options off the tee make it fun to play. Layup or drive it close, the second must be come in from the front angle to green. If you're coming in from the sides, it's hard to make the ball stop close to the hole. Good birdie opportunity.

The back nine is the tougher of the two sides, and besides the triangle, possesses a couple really nice holes. Ten is beautiful par five that sweeps across the hillside. It's such a fun shot trying to turn the ball over to take advantage of the slope leading to the green. The par three twelfth has a long but narrow green. The severe slope places an emphasis on hitting the putting surface or else the golfer has a very difficult up n down to save par. With a width of only 15 - 20 yards, it's an elusive target to hit, especially if there's any type of wind. It's one of my favorite par 3 s anywhere.

Finally we get to the triangle, the three hole stretch that defines Chippewa. All three holes are very difficult par fours whose greens are large but unpinnable except for the back tiers. Thus the first 2/3s are simply false fronts, with the pins more or less always being in the rear. I know there's been talk of redoing the greens, but I haven't seen or heard of anything yet. The 14th is a demanding par four of 429 yards. Most of the fairway slopes off to the right. The best position is the left side where a level stance can be found, otherwise it's a sidehill, downhill lie uphill to the green. The 438 yard 15th is in my opinion the most picturesque hole on the course. Wildflowers sweep down the hillside as the player hits his tee shot. Another incredibly slopes green plays two clubs longer from the fairway. It's very difficult to get on the rear tier. The 16th is the longest hole in this stretch, playing 449 yards. The tee shot plays out to a downslope that runs all the way to the water. Most players hit off a downhill lie to an uphill green. It's the least sloped green which makes up for the very difficult second shot. This stretch is the key to any round at Chippewa. Play well here, and you have a chance to post a good score.

Chippewa has been a mainstay in many of the golf associations of northeast Ohio. The work management has put into the course has made it one the most popular in the area, especially the conditioning which is second to none. This course has grown on me over the years and I find myself looking forward to it every time I play it. 5 (good rating)

I would be remiss if I didn't mention two of Chippewa 's best features. It has a stocked pro shop that is one of the areas finest and an excellent grill which makes getting to the course early a good idea with a delicious breakfast. Little things like this add to a courses ambiance. Count me as a fan.