Lake Forest Country Club (Hudson, OH)

Richard Mandell did a great job with the renovation at Lake Forest. Besides widening the fairways, he took out a bunch of trees. Like well over one thousand. It opened up the views, but more importantly, it allowed the rolling terrain to come to life. There are now angles and different yardages to carry to different locations. It has made Lake Forest, in my opinion, one of the top second tier clubs in northeast Ohio. 

Lake Forest was designed by Tom Bendelow in 1930. It was in the height of his American Park Builder’s era when he was transitioning from introductory to championship style golf courses. For those who aren’t familiar with Bendelow, his putting surfaces slope from the middle towards the front while the rear pitches away or to the left or right. The back pin positions are difficult to access, so when you choose to play conservative, putting the length of the green becomes problematic. There’s strong length here too so mid to long iron is a common club for the approach. 

(The 142/127 yard par three sixth plays downhill to pedestal green surrounded by bunkers. It’s a precise short iron, or even wedge, where controlling your spin is vital to hitting it close. It’s a picturesque hole with the large trees and wooden shelter in the background.) 

(The lake is the centerpiece of Lake Forest and the 338/320 yard par four tenth is the signature hole. It buttonhooks around the water demanding one choose an appropriately line off the tee. As the crow flies, it’s very much driveable for the longer player, and it’s great fun watching the tiger golfer take a rip at it. The rest of us must control our nerves and make a good pass on our approach shot.) 

I always thought the 2-5 stretch was the key to a good round. If you can play these four holes well then the next five will give you a few good birdie chances. The only true round wrecker is the par four eleventh where it’s easy to mishit your long iron second from a downhill lie into the hazard. You’ll have to play solid golf if you want to play the last seven holes well. Nothing is overly difficult but birdie is not easy either. The final hole is a long par three to a green perched above the valley. It’s an unusual finish, and while the hole itself is good, it’s a bit anticlimactic. 

(The chocolate drop style bunkering gives Lake Forest a unique look. Mandell reinstated every fairway with them and they are definitely visible from the tee. One would be unlucky to have the mound directly on their line to the green.) 

(The 414/370 yard par four fifteenth is one of my favorite holes. It reminds me of the second hole at the NLE Aurora Golf Club. The hole plays along the boundary line, giving bold drives down the left a premium angle while bailouts to the right must contend the gaping bunker front right.) 

The renovation has really impressed me and I’ve loved the course the last two times I’ve played it. They keep it in perfect condition and the little creek that flows through with the wildflowers make it a great experience. All the improvements have made me bump it up one notch. I think anyone within 100 miles would have no problem driving the distance to play here. I give Lake Forest a 6 (very good)(worth driving 1-2 hours to play). 

(Little things like walking over the bridge to the first tee add to the experience at Lake Forest.)