The Windermere Club

I played Windermere a few months back and it was in some tough shape. Not in bad shape. But clearly needed some love. This last round the overall course was in much better shape. The greens were punched a few weeks prior it seemed so the greens were firm and fast.

Played a Saturday afternoon which happened to be the first home game for the college so there was nobody on the course in front of me, which was great. As a solo player most rounds I play quick so it was nice not having to wait.

I’ll be playing again soon.

I booked a 9:10 tee time with my 11-year-old son. Hole #1 was backed up with three slow foursomes, so the starter (Mr. George, age 77) kindly suggested we start on #10 instead. He thought we’d be in the clear but little did he know the first group on the front nine (three women playing the fastest golf I’ve ever seen) would catch us as we finished #10.

On Hole #11, one of them hit her second shot while my son was just 20 yards from where it landed — no “Fore,” no apology, just a glare. We waved, trying to be polite, but they clearly had their own “speed challenge” going. We made the mistake of not letting them through at #12, figuring it would never happen. Then the “ranger” shows up — before I could explain, he barked, “YOU shouldn’t have started on #10, that group plays 18 in two and a half hours, so let them through.” I told him George had told us to start there. That was news to him.

When I added that I didn’t appreciate them hitting into us, especially with my son out there learning the game, all he said was “Thanks” and drove off. The three ladies passed without so much as a thank you or any acknowledgment that we’d let them through.

Course conditions didn’t help: lots of weeds, fire ants, and rough areas around the greens, though the greens themselves were in decent shape. After living in Columbia 25 years and playing here 5–7 times, I can say the course has gone downhill and needs an injection of money to get back to what it once was.

Even with free junior play, I won’t be back. If you’re bringing kids to learn the game, this isn’t the place — not with unsafe play, no etiquette, and players treating the round like a race instead of golf.

great course, it offers an enjoyable round of golf for all levels

helpful staff

will play again soon

This is a tough course that stays in pretty great shape year-round, but is in especially good shape right now. There is a wide variety of holes (two long water holes, plenty of sand traps, and pretty amazing undulation throughout) and I just can't imagine getting tired of playing this course. I've probably played it 15+ times over the last year and I can never wait to go back for more. Go play this course!!

Only grasd on entire property were the greens. Only 2 views of the lake. See my Google review. This place is all burnt hard clay aside from the greens. Dont pkay here. Not kicking the staff in anyway. Just being honest.

The course looked beautiful online and in person. I booked a tee time online for 2 golfers there was no option to add a rider. I did not want to lie and say I had 3 golfers. So we arrived today after traveling 1 hour and 5 minutes. The associate was already being rude to a course regular as we entered the clubhouse. When I advised I had booked a tee time, the associate confirmed 2 golfers and I said yes sir and a rider. The associate immediately responded with an attitude that we couldnt have a rider today as he needed to save carts for actual golfers. My 2nd golfer advised the associate he couldn't believe the guy was going to turn us away and lose out on 120 plus a rider fee. The associates attitude struck once more and he advised as we walked out that we should have called ahead and advised of a rider. I made the tee time online and there was no rider option. I have never played at a course in my 25 history of playing golf where you couldn't have a rider and an associate in the customer service industry was that rude. So, needless to say we will not be giving this course a second chance and any of our golfing friends who ask for course recommendations will be advised to play here. In fact, we will strongly recommend not to play there. The Woodland Country Club 7 miles away from Windemere was able to host us and did so with care and compassion. So if you are in the area and looking at Windemere play The Woodland Country Club instead. 😊

Play was fast and no waiting. Tee boxes were a little beat up. Greens were good.

Overall it was good day. Would recommend playing there.