Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club (Warren, OH)

I played the original Avalon Lakes in the ‘90s, and it was a laid back Pete Dye course very much like Fowler’s Mill. It was solid with classical golf architecture motifs.  Then the decision to go to a more “dye-abolical” design. Everyone has an idea what a Dye course should look like, cue Sawgrass and PGA West, and the new owners felt that was the best way to get more attention and more play from area golfers. It’s very aggressive and completely manufactured. Dye dug out several lakes, created massive mounds, and blitzkrieg the course with 125 bunkers! 

(The 410/371 yard par four seventeenth has water all down the right side. A rise in the fairway distorts the view into the green, making the approach a bit uncomfortable. With the putting surface sloping towards the water, a fade can find itself rolling into the hazard.) 

For most Ohioians and people from western Pennsylvania, Avalon Lakes is the only, or at least the closest, opportunity to see a Pete Dye golf course. It’s also very consistent with his approach to flat sites. The bunkering and mounding distort the desired driving lines off the tee, and with the overwhelming use of water, the golfer is generally forced to execute a shot he’s not completely comfortable hitting. 

Whether or not the course needed a makeover is debatable. The original was plenty strong and hosted an LPGA event for eight years from 1993-2000. Nancy Lopez won the first tournament with 203 (-13) score. In ‘94, Tammie Green won with a 206 (-10). Then Michelle McGann 205 (-11) and 200 (-16) won back to back. In ‘97, Tammie Green 203 (-13) won again with an eagle on the fifth playoff hole to defeat Laura Davies. Se Ri Pak won in ‘98 with a 201 (-15).  The following year Jackie Gallagher-Smith went super low with a 199 (-17). The final tournament was on the present day layout and Dorothy Delasin won with a 205 (-11) score. 

I have to believe the biggest reason for the change was to make a big splash for the newly found resort at the time. Avalon Inn became The Grand Resort. (I play in a group that has a summer golf trip to the Warren-Youngstown area every year and The Grand Resort is loved by everyone! It has all the amenities and the pool/bar area is fantastic! It has grown to four courses including Squaw Creek, Buhl Park, and the Field Club fka Newcastle CC.) 

(The 244/186 yard par three eighth is the highlight of the round. The peninsula green is angled with mounds and bunkers on the right and water all down the left. The putting surface is a whooping 60 yards long! It’s an all carry shot unless you decide to bunt it down the fairway short. Great golf hole!) 

(The 395/344 yard par four ninth has an intimidating approach shot over water. While the left is all carry, it’s also the fat part of the green. A right pin position is well defended…
…a look from behind shows the drop off that guards conservative shots that go long. It’s a stunning view and plays in front of the guests having drinks on the patio.) 

While eight and nine are the showstoppers, the par fives, in my opinion, are the stand out holes. Each one is reachable in two shots, but the player must risk going over a group of bunkers or a water hazard to be in position “A”. Those playing conservatively will be challenged to get the preferred angle to attack the pin. They’re all fun holes and birdie or eagle is possible. 

(The 567/508 yard par five eleventh has a great cape style tee shot over the water. Bunkers line the left side and force you to hit the line that goes further over the hazard. An aggressive drive can cut off some yardage and bring the green into range.) 

(The 535/495 yard par five fourteenth is a Pete Dye classic switchback hole. A water hazard on the right asks for a fade off the tee then the long second shot demands a draw into the green. The bunkers guarding the left extend out 100 yards so any ball that doesn’t carry will find sand. A forgiving chipping area long and right should be the play for the long hitter.)

Avalon Lakes surprisingly flies under the radar. Most of that is due to its limited availability and high public golf rate ($160) that is easily the highest greens fees for a public course in Ohio. Most golfers playing here are either members or resort guests. What is not surprising is the full tee sheet! The course definitely has that wow factor and it’s on total display at the eighth ninth and eighteenth greens. It’s no coincidence that all three are visible from the patio or the ride to the driving range. If you gaze across the street at Old Avalon, you’ll notice just how flat the terrain really is here in Warren. This should give you an appreciation for how much dirt was moved around. I think the redesign did its job, and allowed the resort to upcharge its reputation. I give it a 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play).

(The approach into the 502/446 yard par four eighteenth is backdropped by the energetic pool area. Don’t be lulled by the simple looking green entrance…
…it’s a Biarritz style green with a swale in the middle and back tier. A water hazard horseshoes the back tier. Par is a great way to end the day!) 

[The summer of hard knocks continues as a rough start extends my streak of mid 80s score. I had four penalty strokes. I did see some improvements with my new setup and takeaway. A pin shot on eight was the only money I won. We had a great foursome! Kudos to my friend Mike who was the only golfer out of sixteen to break eighty. We played pin position 3 with a couple up tees thrown in. The overall yardage was 6,228 yards. Check out the tips! This course can test any level of golfer!]

(The view of twelve green from seventeen tee) 

(Another view of nine green. Railroad ties are out! Stacked rocks are in!)