Thunderbird Hills South (Huron, OH)

My buddy believes this is the best conditioned public golf course in Ohio. It’s located on sandy soil above the Huron River and plays firm and fast. The Palmer family takes excellent care of it, closing the first week of October and reopening the first week of April. It was designed to give Thunderbird 36 holes so it can accommodate all the golfers visiting Cedar Point, Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge, and Put-in-Bay. It has been a resounding success and I would venture to say it’s the premier course in this area. 

(The 445 yard eighteenth is the longest par four and the best hole at the South. The creek and pond are at a distance where a poor drive or a strong wind will bring them into play. A four is an excellent score!) 

The CGA used to play the two man scramble at Thunderbird every year and I can recall when the South first opened. It has matured into a very beautiful parkland course with great views of the Huron River on several holes. There’s no bunkers except for the par three third and it is playable for everyone. It has a good mix of short and long holes. At first glance, it seems like an easy track, and the lack of blow up holes might even give one an extra boost of confidence, yet the course will prove to be a challenge due to its vexing greens. They’re pitched or sloped to a side so a particular shot shape might not hold and roll off. There’s always the option to play for the fat of the green, but those same slopes make downhill putts tough to gauge. Also the longest par fours, mainly 9,11,18, play into the prevailing wind. Par on these three holes will be good scores! 

(The 320 yard par four fourth is a birdie hole if you find the fairway off the tee. Enjoy the view of the river as you stroll to your ball.) 

(The 120 yard par three seventh is not as easy as it looks especially when it’s windy. The water is right in your face and playing to the back of the green will leave difficult a difficult putt…

…I love the view looking down the water as it crosses eight, nine, and eighteen.)

(The 210 yard par three third is the only hole on the river. From the up tees it’s a very pleasant hole, but when playing it’s full length, a four would be a fine score.) 

As a single digit handicap, I view anything over 75 as a bad day. Half the holes are legitimate birdie opportunities and on only four holes will par be challenging to obtain. This formula, along with the great conditions, makes Thunderbird South a very popular golf course. A chance to shoot a career round is definitely possible especially for mid or high handicappers, or those trying to break 80 for the first time. While I recognize it’s superb conditions, I don’t feel it has enough shots to draw me from an hour away. Regardless, it’s tee sheets are full and the summertime draw of rollercoasters and partying makes this a fun day out with family and friends. I give it a 4 (above average)(worth driving 30-45 minutes to play). 

(The 180 yard par three fifteenth has the best view on the course…
…take heed not to go long as the terrain slopes into the hazard. A three is a good score.) 

(The 310 yard par four seventeenth doglegs slight left. One can cut off yardage and take it right down the left tree line. I’ve seen players drive it so eagle is in play.)