Carlton Oaks Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection

Had a Sunday tee time at 1pm. As someone who lived about 1 1/2 hours from the course, I heard mixed takes on the course having a great layout and great pricing but that it needed a lot of TLC; so I had to go check for myself.

The staff was friendly and helpful and the course was far from packed that day. The driving range is essentially a dirt field with some Target set up, but the range balls they use are a mixture of good balls and typical fare. The carts are nice and drywall but lack a GPS while the course also has minimal to know indication of yardages, so range finders, GPS, golf apps, or both are a must for this course.

When it comes to the course, although it was not in great shape (More dirt and rocks than sand and bunkers, patchy fairways, and pretty solid greens despite some diseased portions), it has the bones to be a PGA level of course with it's it's scenic obstacles, rolling fairways that require accurate tee shots, and sizable yet undulating greens. As mentioned before, some TLC and investing money into improving course conditions can go a very long way for this establishment. Notable holes on this course include the 4th hole (510yd par 4 from the championship tees), and most of the back nine; especially the 18th hole which has a beautiful yet challenging second shot awaiting every player.

If you are looking for a challenging course that might not be in the best shape but is also a great deal, this is the course for you!

Staff is great. Course is challenging. Fairways are sparse in areas. Bunkers need to be sand and not dirt. Greens are very well maintained. Attention needs to be paid to the tee boxes, which desparetly need to be graded level.

My Laser got dislodged from the roof bar several times....the course is the bumpiest ride of all courses.

Tough layout and certainly not an easy course. Gives you a good test. But it’s good golf and the weather out east is almost always perfect.

Not an idea course if you are out of town looking for a good experience lots of dried up dirt and surface areas that are unplayable.

Carlton Oaks is a tough course especially if it is windy. Bunkers nice, greens nice but a little slow, fairways still need a lot of work. Nice to see the tee boxes mowed and nice. Very good french fries.

The greens, which are small anyway, were absolutely diabolical yesterday. Fairways were in really good condition.

Guys in the pro shop were very nice and professional. The course is pretty demanding with a lot of target shots needed. I played from the whites but you this course can be played further back and if plays Professional lengths of 7410 to 7228!

Haven't played there in years and I have to say riding a cart was very bumpy as there is a lot of uneven ground and dry patches. A serious evaluation of this and some work in this area would make this course much better. Greens were very true and fun.

FILL UP DRINKING WATER! It was 77 degrees and the water coolers were empty!

Greens were in good shape. It was enjoyable to putt but everything else was suspicious. My cart felt like it was going to fall apart, there’s wood in the bunkers, and difficult to navigate at times. Fairly wide open but a good challenge with tight alleyways off the tee. If fairways and roughs were in better conditions this would be a fun course to regularly play

The fairways are much better this time of year. The greens as well. Can’t beat the price. Pace of play is good as long as you play early or late.