Grey Hawk Golf Course (Legrange, OH)

Five years after designing Red Tail, Von Hagge was back in northeast Ohio designing another residential golf community at Grey Hawk. The difference between the two is Avon is a thriving suburb while Legrange is an outlier where selling real estate is more of a challenge. Nonetheless, Von Hagge incorporated his artistry design concept, and much like Red Tail, the aerial game is the style of choice. 

(The 180 yard island green eleventh. If the wind is against, this can be a very difficult shot.)

Von Hagge used several concepts that are seen in Florida and not necessary in Ohio. The first hole has a beach bunker guarding the green on the right. Two holes later, the first of two island greens appears. 

It's a short par four with a green completely surrounded by sand. The fourth follows with a par five whose green is built up to form a plateau with traps guarding the front. 

(Green of the par five fourth. Don't be short, or miss it to the sides.)

(The par three fifth green. It looks a lot like the par three eighth at Red Tail.)

Grey Hawk's best holes are 7-8-9. The seventh is a difficult par five that doglegs left around water all the way to the green. It would reason that the left pin locations are well guarded, but the back right is the toughest as the bunkers hide the flag. 

(The seventh green) 

Eight is then a nice par four with water guarding the right, crossing the fairway, and protecting the green short. Then nine curves alongside the lake. It's in your face, and it takes two quality shots to make a four. 

The back nine has the island green eleventh. Yes the second island green on the course, except this one is surrounded by water. It plays 180 yards and I've always felt it was too long a shot. If the wind is against, it can almost be impossible to hit the green. Even when it moves up twenty yards, it can be a very dangerous shot. 

(Wish there were more holes like this where a well executed draw can work it's way towards the flag.) 

Grey Hawk is so modern, the aerial game so prevalent, that if one is not hitting the ball well, then it can be a long day at the course. I think some of the holes are over the top, and that has, for the most part, pushed Grey Hawk to the rear of the Cleveland golf scene. This was not always the case, especially when Grey Hawk was nominated as one of the most affordable new courses in the country. I give the course a 4 (above average).