The Elms (North Lawrence, OH)

The Elms hosts the Tigertown Open, Ohio’s richest one day tournament, and attracts the regions finest players as they battle for the $5,000 first place prize. 
(The 505 yard eighth is a beautiful rolling uphill par five. In an unusual twist, there’s an alternate green higher up and to the left in above picture.) 

Each year the highlight of the golf season at the Elms is the tournament . If you go to their web page, there’s a clock with a countdown to the event and this year will be the 68th edition. It’s a successful tournament that gathers 150-180 entrants every year. Obviously the prize money is the main draw, but it’s also the tradition and the condition of the golf course too. 
(The 166 yard par three ninth is well bunkered and demands a precise iron shot to get below the hole for a chance for birdie. ) 

The Elms was designed in 1924 by an unknown architect. When I spoke to the owner, he speculated that it was one of the construction guys who built Canton Brookside. I wouldn’t be surprised by this since several of Donald Ross’ project supervisors went on to become architects themselves. 

(The 473 yard par four sixteenth has water fronting the green. It’s the start of a fearsome finish, and anyone who can par the last three holes will be in good shape.) 

The main defense at the Elms are the small greens. I haven’t seen putting surfaces this small since Pine Lakes in Hubbard. They have tilt to them, and when they’re playing firm and fast, can be difficult to find in regulation. The plus side however is a good birdie putt. Several stand alone with nothing guarding them, while others are bunkered tightly. There’s usually a proper side to be coming in where the tilt holds the shot. When the tilt is against, then it’s challenging to keep it on the green. 

(The 440 yard eighteenth has a cop short of the green that is high enough to hide the bottom of the flagstick. It also influences the approach to a front pin position. The viciously sloped green has caused plenty of three putts for those contending for the Tigertown Open.) 

The routing brings several holes back to the clubhouse. I find this interesting because I feel the future of golf might be playing four or six hole loops.  The Elms has the ability to set this up while still maintaining a standard nine for league play and others. This course is nearly 100 yrs old, so I’m not sure if this was the thinking back then, but it definitely gives management flexibility. 

(Looking back from fourteen fairway to seventeen green) 

The Elms is well known in the Massillon area, and is endeared by many. I don’t think it’s too well known up here in Cleveland except for the excellent players who may be playing in the Tigertown Open. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 mins). 

(The clubhouse reminds me a lot of Turkeyfoot’s. It has a diner type feel to it with bar stools at the counter, and tables. The outside patio has several view points to watch the action on the course. This used to be an old farmhouse, and is 152 yrs old. Also, the club had a swimming pool, but like all good things nowadays, they closed it because the insurance was too high.)