Mud Run Golf Course (Akron, OH)

Mud Run is home to the First Tee of Akron. It was designed by Craig Schreiner in 2003. For a nine hole course that only tops out at 2,514 yards, it offers plenty of opportunities to hit a wide variety of shots. It even has a par five! That’s something that most beginner-friendly (executive length) courses rarely have. Along with wetlands and a roving creek, Mud Run has enough hazards to teach youngsters how to plot their way around. It also has an excellent putting green with multiple slopes in it to practice bending putts. I personally love how the driving range is in the center of the property. It’s isolated from the clubhouse, hidden from view, giving it a unique vibe. My only critique would be the tight corridors on a few holes where a mishit will be a lost ball. The par three third over the creek is a solid hole. Most would probably nominate the driveable fourth as their favorite. The direct line is all carry over an inside bunker. The ninth will wreck your scorecard. Not only it is a narrow fairway, but the green is set against a wetland where anything short or right will find the hazard. I’m not surprised that leagues have found their way here. That is the real testament to Mud Run. (NR)