Lyons Den Golf Course (Canal Fulton, OH)

Lyons Den is a 5400 yard par 69 golf course ten minutes south of Chippewa on state route 93. Before scoffing at such numbers, it should be noted that most seniors play at this yardage week in and week out at their local club. Combine this with the yardages the women and juniors are playing, and it becomes clear that there’s a large demographic for courses like this. 

Lyons Den is named after owner William Lyons who was the superintendent at Firestone in the 1940/50s. He designing nine holes in 1962 and added another nine ten years later. The front nine is somewhat forgettable with some quirkiness defining a couple holes and others being straightforward. The three straight par threes features two solid holes that would be welcomed at most courses. The real prize is the back nine which the gentleman behind the counter described as a tamer version of Chippewa’s incoming nine. It is laid out on a ridge and is very well done with some fantastic views! 

(This is a glance of the 160 yard par three sixth. The split wooden fence and cornfield in the distance combine for a nice view.) 

(Only 303 yards, the opening hole plays over a ravine and straight up the hill. The senior player may find himself laying up if he can’t make the carry from the tee.) 

The back nine has a nice variety to it. Holes go up and down the ridge line with several playing along it. A few reservoirs or ponds guard some greens and influence driving lines. There are no bunkers. The greens are beautiful. It’s exactly what a mom n pop course should be. It’s perfect for leagues and playing casually. 

(The 216 yard par three eleventh plays downhill with marvelous views  of the countryside. The pond on the left gobbles up any pull or hook. Par is a good score.)

(The 154 yard par three thirteenth plays over the corner of the water. The green of the par five twelth is in the background…

…nice use of the natural features. I like the rugged look of the ground on the other side of the lake. A beautiful hole.) 

The best story I’ve heard is about the owner William Lyons. Apparently, the front nine is referred to as course #1 and the back is #3. Between the ten years they were designed, Lyons was in Taiwan, and was asked to design a nine hole course for the military. That course is still being used today. It’s name Ching Chuan Kang, also known as CCK. 

(The 391 yard par four eighteenth is an absolute beast! The drive can only go 240 yards off the tee. Of course this rock feature is in play…
…look at that green tucked on the hillside! For a 5500 yard course, it sure does end with a bang!.. 

…a four is a good score. I’m not sure how seniors or women play this hole. It’s a solid 145 yard carry to this green.) 

Lyons Den is a nice course. It was my first sub par 70 course and I was interested to see how it flowed. I feel a great set of par threes is key to such an idea. As for Lyons Den, I give it a 3 (average)(worth driving 15-30 minutes to play).