Fairlawn Golf Club

Fairlawn is an old school, throwback golf course. It is relatively flat, with bunkers and hazards off to the sides, with no holes that are awe inspiring. The clubhouse still looks like a 1960's relic and the golf carts have no roofs. The course does have a certain Maine charm and the grounds are nicely maintained with many attractive flower gardens. The course is usually filled early in the day and after work with members and league players. In the middle of the day there are some quieter times that miscellaneous golfers fall into. There are many vanilla golf holes but a few do stand out. The 7th is an interesting par 5 where you could reach the elevated green in 2, but the pond on the right might alter your plan. The 16th is a dogleg right par 5, that tempts you to cut off as much as you dare in an attempt to get close in 2 shots. Most of the holes are just hit away and hit again. There are a few lay up shots and very little perilous trouble to intimidate you. It is a good course to build confidence on and to have a stress-free, casual round of golf. It is off the beaten trail, but not that hard to find. I have never had issues with slow play, but the average age of players is up there. The course is well maintained, but that does not mean highly manicured and weed and crabgrass free. If you want to see the type of golf course that you father or grandfather may have played, this is your course. You will not leave Fairlawn feeling beaten up, but you will have a new perspective on changes in golf architecture.

I routinely walk this course as a single in 3-3.5 hrs. There are only 2 hills to negotiate, maybe 3 if you miss the green on the 6th hole. They don't have tee times, rangers, or pair you with anybody. I usually play the course weekdays (T-Th) around noon to 1pm. Unlike the previous reviewer, I've found that most 3-4somes let me play through. If they don't, I just play an extra ball or hit some practice chips. Course conditions are normally sub-par, but this summer, they are better than a few others nearby. If you walk, the price is right. Forgot to mention--there is no range.

There is absolutely zero course etiquette regarding pace of play at Fairlawn. It is all too common for groups of 3-4 not to let singles or twosomes through. It is never enforced so regulars and others keep doing it. Today we were 2 hrs 40 mins on front 9, just over 5 hrs 10 mins for 18. The course isn't always that busy but you get behind a group of 3-4 after 4-5 holes and the WILL NOT let groups through.