Brandywine Country Club (Penisula, OH)

When I was young, and first started playing golf, I bought John Tidyman's "Cleveland Golfer's Bible." The book introduced me to all the courses in the city and surrounding area, guiding me to the best, and sometimes, most interesting places. 

(The 153 yard fourteenth drops over 100'

downhill!) 

Brandywine falls into the most interesting category. Oddly enough, when one is driving on Akron-Penisula or Truxell roads, the front nine is in view, and it is a traditional looking nine holes of golf. Never would one suspect the extreme nature of the back nine. 

(The green at #1 is very attractive. Look how it's open in the front but falls off on the sides and rear.) 

(The bunkering is beautiful! The grass face stares back at the player, letting it be known not to miss it short right.) 

(The short par three ninth is a lovely hole. Front pin positions require a smooth swing, and a bit of panache, to knock it stiff.) 

The back nine occupies a hill strewn parcel of land, with the golf holes tucked in between. By routing the holes in the valleys, the playing corridors are very restricted. 

(This is the view of the twelfth fairway looking back to the tee.)

(The thirteenth plays straight uphill with the hole doglegging right around the trees. If the drive doesn't make it to the top, then the ball is significantly below your feet for the approach.) 

There are obviously very significant issues with the back nine, but I have a different opinion on it. I feel they tried to get too much out of this land, and with a different mindset, could make this a really exciting part of the property. My solution: an 18 hole par three course. They have a nine hole par three course already across the street, but I think they could put twelve strong holes where the back nine is, and trim the river side property to six. The Z hole itself has enough natural features for three of them. 

(The par three fourteenth is atop the hill, and is the first of back to back par threes. All the the trees in pic should be taken out, leaving a spectacular view of the CVNP.) 

Brandywine has the good fortune to be located in the Cuyahoga Valley National. With great anmenities such as Penisula, Kendall Lake, Hale Farm and Village, and Blossom Music Center, the park sees more than two million visitors a year. With the big push to play golf in less time, a regulation nine holes coupled with an 18 hole par three course could do well. The way it is now, Brandywine is basically a nine hole course already. The back nine is poorly done, with the exception of a few nice holes. I give Brandywine a 2 (below average)(worth driving 15 min). 

While my overall rating is low, I will say that the front nine is above average (4). I enjoyed playing it very much, especially after hiking with my family at the ledges and having a few hours for myself. 

Nn