Browns Lake Golf Course

Disclaimer: I only played 9 holes on a late Sunday morning. It was the back 9 which is par 37 and tips out at approx 3300 yards. This review is going to be based on the back 9.

Playing on a Sunday morning with nice weather, I was expecting a full course and a slow pace of play. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to walk on with little delay and the pace and play was good. In a two-some with multiple other two-somes out in front of us, we were able to finish 9 holes under 2 hours. I believe we were able to move around so quickly (and the other groups as well) is due to the lack of hazards, deep rough, OB, etc. You really have to try to lose a ball on this course. Based on that alone, the "fun factor" is higher here than other courses that just punish you all round long. Just based on the yardages, there are multiple holes that give you a chance for birdies throughout the round.

Pros: The clubhouse and the course's employees were excellent. Definitely worthy of a 5 star rating. While quaint, the clubhouse has everything a golfer could need, including a nice seating area where you can have a burger, dog, or beer after the round and go over your scorecard. There also is a nice outdoor patio seating area as well. The burgers and dogs were freshly grilled for us and were excellent. While on the course, the beverage cart checked on us 3 or 4 times (really nice for only playing 9!).

The course itself definitely lends itself to playability. Some driveable par 4's give you different options off the tee. The course layout doesn't lend itself to favor a cut or a fade. You can play to your strengths all day. Having trouble with your driver? Hit a wood or hybrid off the tee and you'll still be able to get around just fine and still give yourself a chance to score well.

Prior to playing, I noted to my playing partner that the practice greens were running on the slow side. On the 12th green I found out why. Some of the greens have such a severe slope to them that if they ran them any faster, it would be very difficult to have any approach shots, chips, or even putts from above the hole hole the green. As the course played today, it still places a premium of remaining below the hole. I would say it is better missing short and off the green rather than being on the green and above the hole and several of the greens. Sloped greens, in my mind, also add to the playability of this course. Beginners will be happy being on the green, better players will have to decide where to leave their approach shots and not just take dead aim at every pin.

Cons: Not a lot of variety in the design of the holes. There is some variance of yardages but the 11th and 12th holes are similar, the 13th and 17th are similar, and the 3 par 5's, the 14th, 15th, and 18th are similar. On the back 9, only the 10th hole and 16th hole are unique. Nothing really stood out to me as being picturesque or being a "signature hole."

The routing can be slightly confusing on the back 9. If you aren't paying attention to the posted signage, you could easily tee off on the wrong hole. In addition, many of the holes run directly next to each other with only several mature trees separating the holes. Make sure to uniquely mark your ball because there can be multiple times where people are playing in your fairway, or you their's.

The bunkers themselves are in good shape, however the people playing this course HAVE to do a better job of raking them. Even though there is nice sand, hitting out of deep foot prints is no fun for anyone. Likewise, repairing ball marks and spike marks on the greens is a must. I know this is a problem that is not unique to this course.

Verdict: Just based on the staff, the value (9 holes with a cart on a Sunday morning was only $20!), and the playability for people of all skill levels, I would give this course a rating closer to 3.5 stars if I could. The course conditions are average but it's worth a visit if you are in the Burlington area or passing through like I was after a weekend trip to Milwaukee. I have no hesitation recommending it for others to try out.

We were very happy with the condition of the course for the time of year. They were working hard to keep the leaves off of or chewed up on all the areas where you are likely to play. For November we were very pleased considering we played a course the week before where the greens were already plugged and putting was impossible. That course also cost us over twice as much to play. This is a great value for the price.

Staff greeted us in a friendly manner.

Felt good to have him say that fees had been paid.

Course was in very good playing condition and the putting surfaces were very true.

Staff is outstanding ! Always very courteous! You can't beat this course for the discounted rate you get on golf now!

HAD A GREAT TIME. COURSE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. PLAYING AGAIN SEPT 6-16

Greens are really good, but could use a little watering on the fairways.

Course was a bit dry due to the recent weather, but for the most part in great shape. Lots of trees and hills to make it challenging. Great course, Great people, and will definitely play it again. Thanks

The course was very dry with several areas of patches. inconsistent with cutting of the rough.

Making the turn to 10 was all backed up due to golfers stopping to sit and eat than jumping in to complete the back 9.

Well maintained excellent greens. I loved the layout of the holes. Holes had varieties of shapes. Challenging par 4's under 300 yards are fun! Nice practice area.

Love playing Browns Lake Golf Course. You need to hit your target(drive) on several holes to give you options on the 2nd shot. You need to remember to keep the ball below the hole due to a lot of the greens having various slopes on them. Possibly 3 putt if above the hole. A lot of blind shots, but if you play this course enough, you'll learn where certain areas to land your drive will give you an advantage.

Decent layout ,small greens no 150 sticks and seems like all the tee boxes need alot help!!!

Pace of play a little slow. Pretty nice layout. A lot of trees. Some of the greens are fairly tricked up. You need to stay below the hole on approach shots or you will end up three putting.

The course was on the dry side and on a few tee boxes there was no grass. Otherwise, the course was in decent shape. Stopped at the turn to get a brat and was told they weren't ready. Lunchtime and they aren't ready? The carts top rattled so loud it was unnerving. Seems like a little maintenance needs to be done on and off the course,

Always enjoy playing here, the place has a nostalgic feel to it. Layout is from an earlier era of the game of golf, keep your head up and pay attention to people yelling four. Greens can be tough, small but very sloped. Fairways narrow and lined with mature trees, hitting straight is more important than distance here. The crew does not a nice job keeping this place up.

Did a Hot Deal so cost with a cart was not much more than a $1 a hole. Their Spring rate are very reasonable too. There was some visible work on the course but it did not interfere with play. It may be the reason some holes had the same spot for all the tees, white, gold and red. A little different layout with par 35 Front Nine and par 37 Back Nine.

Great course. Tees and fairways in great shape. Rolling with 1 par 5 on front and 3 on back. Great for the money!!!!

Plenty of trees but easy to play many holes from multiple fairways with a hook or slice off the tee. Cart girl showed up three times during round.....perfect! Greens were a bit slow.

Nice course...keep a map of the holes handy because there are allot of blind holes. Plenty of opportunities to get into trouble, definitely a target course.

Fast play! Courteous people let us play though. Aeration holes filling up. Fun average course.

Very nice course. I will play there again. Very good price.