Raymond C. Firestone Golf Course (Akron, OH)

Pulling into the parking lot, I saw mature trees, elevated greens, and deep cavernous bunkers, but alas, it turned out to be the North Course. That was my introduction to the public nine hole Firestone course. It was very disappointing. 

(The par four eighth can play very difficult when the pin is tucked in the far left corner of the green.) 

The public nine was designed with a heavy hand by the architect. A lot of dirt was moved, and most of it was used to make huge containment mounds around several greens. It's completely opposite of natural. 

(This pic is a good view of the containment mounds surrounding the green. Architecturally they don't add to the hole, but they do frame the putting surfaces.) 

(The containment mounds here are to the sides with the green sunken between them. This hole is above the valley, so a very nice view of the North Course can be had.) 

(The hill behind the green makes the approach seem like one is climbing a mountain. I wonder how they mow it without tipping over.)

The only positive attribute is the conditioning which they keep at a similar level to the country club. Otherwise it's a rather boring nine holes of golf. Also, I kept looking at the North, a small chain linked fence separating the two, and couldn't help but think the HAVES play there while the HAVE NOTS play over here. What a bummer they couldn't build a nicer nine hole course. I give Raymond C. Firestone a 2 (below average). 

(The par three second possesses one of the more challenging shots on the course.)