Lake Erie is in view as you approach the entrance to Erie Shores. It’s owned by the Lake County Metroparks and maxes out at 6,100 yards but to a par 70. As you can well expect, the course is in nice shape and is very playable.
(The 339/322 yard par four opening hole starts off with a diagonal carry over water. For the entry level player, it’s quite the beginning to the round.)
Erie Shores was designed in 1958 by a man named Al Brotzman. The course meanders through trees and has three large ponds to keep things interesting. Most players should have no problem navigating the generous playing corridors although it does tighten up on the back at thirteen and fourteen. There’s a smattering of sand traps protecting a few greens but most are unguarded with little earth movement to impinge on short game shots.
(The 343/333 yard par four ninth plays along the water next to the first hole. While a slice is playable, a hook is most certainly not.)
(The 346/339 yard par four eleventh plays slightly right with trees protecting the inside line. For the beginner, a single tree left of the tee box stymies the preordained slice…
…the approach is just a short iron but a solo front bunker can make the right hand pin positions tougher to get close.)
The flat terrain at Erie Shores promotes walking and players will find it a nice jaunt. The course prides itself on being a backyard wildlife habitat, and is a good neighbor to those who live nearby. Its position as an entry level course makes it good for those learning the game and/or is enjoyable for those who want to spend time with family and friends. Madison is a small town that draws people coming out for the wineries or who have a summer cottages. Erie Shores is meant to be a local asset to the community and does a fine job achieving that objective. I give Erie Shores a 3 (average)(worth driving 15-30 minutes to play).
(This is the view from seventeen green looking across the course.)
(I stopped and played nine holes (10-18) recently before I went to the country club down the street. It cost $30 to walk nine holes, and the walk to the tenth tee was further than I was expecting. I shot 37 with 1 birdie, 2 bogeys, and 6 pars. I imagine most good players will have little problem getting around under their handicap.)
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