As you arrive on the first tee, you will notice the first, tenth, and eighteenth all play parallel to each other. Essentially they're the same hole. All three are long tough par fives. The first hole is the worst of the bunch. A valley of rough needs to be carried with your second shot, which is probably too much to ask on the second shot of the day. Ten is a little uphill and plays very long despite usually being downwind. Eighteen is the exact opposite, downhill but into the wind. The three tier green is the biggest defense. It takes a well gauged shot to get close for a birdie.
The triumvirate of holes that stand out in my mind are the ones that play on the bank of the lake, 2nd, 11th, and 17th. From any of the greens, you can watch the action on the others. It's a great spot on the course. Two is a lovely par four that doglegs left. Long hitters can take it over the elbow but they have a lot to carry including water. Most will club down off the tee and hit a short iron to the green. Eleven is another short par four but this one has no options. Layup off the tee, and then a across the lake to the green sitting on the hill. Seventeen is the island green. It's downhill, 130 yards, and is just a wedge, but you really need to control your swing to get it close.
Besides an island green, Salemi designed a couple other feature holes. There's the split fairway par five sixth. The upper fairway does make the hole play shorter, but the lower fairway is easier to hit off the tee. The penisula green seventh is an excellent par three. The left and lower sections bring the water into play. The long par four ninth can be seen from the turnpike. The fountain in the middle of the lake entices all the motorists to come play.
Boulder Creek has three terrible holes that I can't stand. Twelve is a good par three. Nice view, well designed. Thirteen is long, tough, and uphill playing along a steep hillside. It's a great par four. Then the three holes... You have to climb that steep hill to get to the 14th tee. Fourteen would be ok if they cut down some trees. You cannot hit at the fairway. Fifteen plays up that steep hill you played down. And has a silly two tier green to boot. Fifteen is just flat out boring. If those three holes were better, than this would easily be a top ten public course in the state.
Boulder Creek has a very nice driving range but the one amenity that underwhelms is the clubhouse. For a course of this caliber, that is a deficiency that can't be overlooked. Nonetheless, the course is definitely worth a look if you're in Cleveland. It's a solid 5 (good rating)
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