All I can say is WOW! I'm just getting back into the game after mostly a 25-year hiatus (life just got in the way). I've been hitting the range and seeking a course that I could play that looked somewhat reasonable for a relative newbie.
Made a tee-time for Monday morning 11/10 and decided to take a ride over Sunday afternoon just to check the place out and see what it was like. I walked down to the 1st and 10th tee boxes and was immediately impressed with the condition the course appeared to be in. Ran into John, one of the starters, and struck up a very pleasant 20 minute conversation (Hi John, hope to run into you again). I was thoroughly excited to come back and play the next day.
Arrived Monday morning about 45 minutes early to get some practice swings in. The course has a really nice putting green and even nicer, faux 75-yard hole behind the 1st tee, where you can practice not only your chipping and putting but also your wedge shots. This was a really nice amenity. There is no driving range but there are two mats with a net that allow you to loosen up for the longer swings.
I teed off at 9:00 am and as I approached the 1st green, so did the rain (which was not in the forecast). Oh well, I thought it might be a 5-minute sprinkle but what ensued was a 2-hour downpour that I pressed on through, cursing my way every shot as I wasn't prepared well enough to keep my gear dry. Despite the weather, I was amazed at how well the course held up. The low part of the fairways collected a bit of water, and yes they were soft. The cups filled with water but I can't recall seeing any standing water, whatsoever on the green. I couldn't believe that these greens were not only playable, but just about perfect.
As I approached the 9th, I was conflicted as I just didn't think I could continue with cold hands, wet grips and gear but at the same time, I didn't want to leave as I was so thoroughly impressed with the condition of the course. In fact, even with all the weather, there was a constant buzz of greenskeepers blowing all the leaves off of all the fairways and greens. Yes, it was mid-November, leaves everywhere but these folks somehow managed to keep everything as clean as if it were May or June.
Just as I teed off on 9, the showers stopped and the sun came out. I parred the hole (my only one), stopped at the car for 20 minutes and dried everything off with some beach-towels we had in the back and walked to the tenth.
My game sucked but upon reflection I realized what a gem of a course this is. Kudos to all involved in running this place and maintaining its condition. I genuinely hope to play throughout the winter months. We often get sunny days in the 40s and 50s and if this was any indicator, I'm sure this course will be completely playable throughout.
Thanks all - can't wait to return. Jeff
4 months ago
What a wonderful par 4 and under course. A great price for someone who doesn't golf all the time. The food and drinks are very reasonable. We got through all 18 in about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Try the turkey club.
3 years ago
Fairways golf course offers a truly unique experience: a par 65 course that still takes 3 hours to play. With a historic building for a clubhouse/bar, smaller greens (but big enough at the right spots), relatively tight fairways, and strategic design, Fairways will make you wish you were the only one on the course. However, you are not. As with other course in the area, Fairways sports many leagues, so playing solo is a real rarity, as you are more likely to find yourself behind a foursome more interested in each player’s shot than keeping things moving.
Despite the pace of play, lack of par 5’s, and almost entire lack of up and down, Fairways retains the status of a “must play” in our area. Why? Is it the food? They do make a good cheesesteak, but it’s not that. Is it the condition? It certainly wasn’t pristine, more like somewhere around ‘good’ or ‘very good, but not awesome’. Is it the location? Fairways seems to be more wrapped around a neighborhood than having a neighborhood wrapped around it. The design? Maybe, but it’s more like the design works really well for the course rather than the course working really well because of the design. Fairways is a must play because it does a good job at all of the above, and the simple fact that the 4500 yard distance will make you think you can destroy this course, but you’ll find yourself “golfing your @$$ off” instead.
Another reason you’ll love fairways is because it makes you think twice. First, you’ll think “with a par 65, this is my chance to break ____” (insert: 70, 80, 90, or 100). Then after playing it, it will make you think again.
If you’re one of those people who rely on the driver as the solution to all your problems, come to fairways to learn what a “layup” is. You’ll find you have other clubs in your bag beside driver, wedge, and putter. You’ll also find that maybe instead of seeing how far you can hit your tee shot, it might be better to figure out how far you want to leave yourself from the green.
5 years ago
The starter berated a pair of woman in front of us and it was very uncomfortable to watch. As if that wasn't enough, when we came back around to the 10th tee, he stared us down like we did something wrong. When we asked him if everything was alright, he just continued to stare us down and didn't say anything, making it extremely awkward. This was just an unacceptable level of unprofessionalism and ruined our round.
Aside from that, the fairways were overcut and felt like hitting off of dry turf. Not worth the price of admission, as there are much better options nearby (PineCrest & Five Ponds).
5 months ago
Getting back into golf and this place is a nice beginner course. Easy to get appointments and course is in great shape. Enjoy playing there.
4 months ago
