The Course
The Course:
Into a topography sculpted by a receding glacier and in harmony with the winding West Branch of the Rocky River, Harold Paddock designed a scenic course and a great test of golf.
Featuring elevated tees and the smaller greens typical of older courses, the rolling track, though short by today's standards, provides a brilliant test of golf in which a golfer can make use of every club in the bag. Each hole has its own character and adds its own challenges to a round of golf. While some holes give the opportunity to lay it out there, other holes put a premium on well placed drives and accurate approach shots. As Jim Wise, former assistant at Shaker Country Club and head professional at Columbia Hills since 1997, warns, "Don't let the distance on the score card fool you. This course can rear up and bite you if you're not careful." Like the river that runs through it, this course demands respect and attention.
Tim Robey, who began as assistant superintendent in 1990 and succeeded the late Don Sweda as Greens Superintendent in 1995, is well aware of the respect that the course demands. His years at Columbia Hills have seen the addition of three new lakes, three new greens, a double track watering system, redesigned bunkers and asphalt cart paths throughout the course. This year a fleet of electric carts has been added to further enhance the playability and enjoyment of the course. A veteran from the days when a flooding river wreaked havoc with the course, Robey feels that the improvements made in recent years have had a beneficial effect in maximizing the beauty of the course lay out while minimizing any negative effects from the river.