Martin Downs Country Club - Osprey Creek Course

As a long-time regular at Martin Downs, I’ve spent many years enjoying these fairways and recommending this club to friends and colleagues. However, due to the recent and significant deterioration of the course conditions, I have decided to stop patronizing the establishment for the foreseeable future. I kept faith through the previous summer while the course was limited to 9 holes with temporary greens, that the condition of the course through the summer was an indication that the maintenance staff was putting in the investment to turn the course around, and I played the front 9 on a regular basis to keep my familiarity with the layout of the course sharp. I was excited to see what the coming busy season would yield for the quality of the course. At a price point of **$95** for a morning round right now - the current quality of the facility no longer aligns with the cost of the experience—especially when compared to more competitive offerings in our area. To be candid, the value proposition is no longer there for me. If you are a local, you will understand this reference, I have played better golf in better playing conditions at Heritage Ridge, which has historically been a dirt cheap goat track....

I’ve noted several recurring issues that have made the rounds here increasingly frustrating:

* **Green Complexes:** The areas surrounding the greens are unmaintained and rough, they feel almost entirely unkempt, 6 inches tall and full of weeds or dead spots with sand. Miss your approach shot at your own peril.

* **Bunker Quality:** The bunkers have become rock-solid and are frequently filled with debris, mud, or water and this results in posing a risk to both equipment and the ability to consistently play from the green side hazards. Many of the bunkers appear to be literally breaking down and the integrity of the sidewalls appears to be compromised. This more than any other feature makes the course really feel dystopian and like its falling apart.

* **General Maintenance:** The areas flanking the fairways have reached a state where they resemble a cow pasture rather than a manicured golf course. The fairways themselves are about 50% grass and 50% dirt.

* **Inconsistent Greens:** The putting surfaces vary wildly in speed and health from hole to hole, which severely undermines my putting confidence.

I truly value this course, and I believe it represents one of the best layouts in the area - but the price simply no longer reflects the quality of the actual golf. We played 18 holes in the morning on Sunday 4/12 - the weather was absolutely perfect and we went out early. The course was virtually empty. Given the weather, we were expecting it to be packed, but by 11am there were only 6 cars in the parking lot, and we were the only two people in the clubhouse after our round. I believe the condition of the course coupled with the cost of the experience are directly influencing the lack of patronage.

The course has a great layout. Very good par 3’s. Some of the best holes around.

The greens are good because you can roll the ball and score.

We met the owner and he is a very nice person.

We will be back to play Martin Downs!

This is the 2nd time in a year that I played this course, and the last. The owners have not kept up with the course both before the heavy rains we had or after. Fairways are patchy and Barron, sand traps no sand just compacted material.they have a lot of nerve charging $68 for a round of golf when clearly they're not keeping up . Greenskeeper should be fired, weeds and disease everywhere. Greens were in fair condition, but very fast. When there is no grass in the fairway to hit your call, it's impossible to stop on the green with an approach shot

Had a great time nobody was there. Don’t understand why nobody wants to go out there anymore maybe because he asking too much money otherwise had a great day

This course is in terrible condition though I think it’s been worked on quite a bit but the outcome is poor.

There is obvious effort to improve the fairways . Many tee boxes are resided as are some fairway areas. The greens are fast and challenging .

Recent rains have helped to improve the fairway growth

Staff is usually extremely friendly and helpful.

I arrived early for my tee tme

Course completely empty. No one had tee off for 20 minutes! I asked the starter to tee off early He said no because of my hot deal! He said yes if I upgraded for $20. Not away to encourage people to return!

Cant get over paying $85+ round of golf to play on a course with no grass. Layout is great, has potential of a great course, and probably once was, but the course is unplayable in current condition. Literally no grass on tee boxes and fairways, several greens with damage that are unplayable. No mention of any of this by staff, no discount available, just greedy ownership apparently. Go play champions club at summerfield, that course is absolutely beautiful, best greens around. Maybe the maintenance crew at champions could help this course out, bring this course to its potential.

Started playing here again don’t know why anybody’s not coming back here. Places in great shape.

The starter seemed to look down on my being there because I booked on golfnow. I don’t understand the attitude and won’t be back.

Greens are great! Fairways are somewhat sketchy, but the layout is amazing!