Signature of Solon (Solon, OH) [Updated]

Signature is a private course designed by Craig Schreiner in 2002. The fairways are broken by wetlands and low grass crossings at various points. While there is plenty of room to lay back, the skilled golfer who judges his distances properly can place it closer while the longer hitter tries to overpower the obstacles with his length. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only hazard one has to worry about. Red or white stakes line every hole with wild mishits quickly adding strokes to the card. Having a bad day means shooting a 100 plus losing a half dozen balls.

(The final hole of the day plays 405/385 yards  to a peninsula green. Two quality shots are needed to secure a par.)

Signature has excellent greens with good interior contouring. The mounding on the outer edges dictate the hole locations and is a good indicator where the approach should land. Most of the movement is here too. It has a very modern look to it, and I feel the greens are like a catchers mitt so the ball gathers towards the middle. Many of the front edges are tipped   It’s hard to see the bottom of the cup when the pin in in this location. 

(The 376/362 yard sixteenth is the epitome of the course. Off the tee, you’re trying to hit it far enough to get a good look, yet not long enough to find the gunk or get stymied by the tree. The pin in pictured is hidden by the slope. This is much of the strategy found at Signature.) 

The area has always been known for its wet conditions, and when you realize both Geauga Lake and Aurora Lake are very close by, then you’ll understand the difficulty Schreiner dealt with when he was designing the course. It also explains the abrupt transitions you encounter on the course. In my original post, I gave it a very harsh review, but I’ve soften that stance and I am willing to bump it up a couple. I give Signature a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). 

(The massive clubhouse frames the last hole with the round rotunda a bar where folks can watch you finish the round. It’s a very exciting atmosphere!)