Paradise Lake Country Club (Mogadore, OH)

Short, quirky, and tight is the best way to describe Paradise Lake. The elevation changes and blind shots remind me of Salt Fork, a comparison that will make you smile if you like eccentric golf. How’s this for a first?! Both nines start off with a par three! 

(The 277 yard par four seventh swings around the corner and straight up the hill. Play this one close to the vest and refrain from cutting the dogleg. It’s just a short iron or pitch after the turn.) 

I’ve driven by this place a hundred times while driving to Seven Hills. It’s off state route 43 just past Mogadore Reservoir. It was designed by John Rainieri in 1975 and maxes out at 5,655 yards.  (Rainieri owns Raintree and Prestwick CC in Uniontown) Don’t dismiss it too quickly. The elevation change and par 70 designation play longer than the scorecard indicates. While four of the par fours are sub 300, four others are 390 yards or longer, the par threes are very good with some serious length to them, and the two par fives include the long 528 yard thirteenth. 

(The 333 yard par four fifth doglegs left with a beautiful tree guarding the inside line. A good drive leaves a short iron to this lovely green tucked in the corner of the property.) 

(The 390 yard par four ninth quickly topples over hill, creating a blind shot from the tee. Once you reach the valley, the approach is uphill to a green set beautifully in the trees and hillside. In my opinion, it’s the best hole on the course.) 

It’s difficult to advocate for Paradise Lake since it’s yardage carries that stigma of being executive length, especially for the longer hitters who might complain about hitting driver, or lack thereof. I personally enjoy it, and think it is very attractive. The greens are nice and roll smoothly. It could be a possibility for the CNCGA, and I believe JC commented that it was once on their schedule many years ago. The clubhouse and patio are A+. I give Paradise Lake a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). 

(The144 yard par three tenth is a lovely hole over the water. Anything right of the green will kick down into the hazard. It reminds me Sugarbush’s tenth hole.) 

(The 178 yard par three fourth drops 40’ down to the green. It’s startling to see this much elevation change so close to Kent.) 

(Look at the scorecard and note the par 34 front nine that plays only 2,578 yards from the tips. The only awkward hole is the 340 yard sixth where the drive must get past the 150 marker and stay right to have an unimpeded shot to the green.) 

(Paradise Lake boasts one of the best clubhouse and patios in the area. I hear the sausage sandwich is stellar too. The view goes without saying. Props to Al and Michelle for the recommendation.)