Gull Lake View Golf Resort

I played the course today for the first time, and shot my best round of the year. I didn’t find the course extremely challenging(played black tees) with todays pin placements and the pace of play was very slow but I absolutely love the course and will definitely play it again. I feel like it’s a bit highly priced, but I enjoyed the layout, the elevation and view of the property. The greens definitely played slow and I got a day with no wind so I’m sure it plays tougher on the windier days. Overall, I really enjoyed it and will play again.

The North Course was in great condition. Very good value on Tee Off. Played early am and was done in 2.5 hours.

The course (east) was in great shape. Greens were just a tad bit slower than expected. Layout is great. Couple really neat holes.

Our server Melanie did a great job as well. She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We will definitely be back.

Can’t say enough good things about this course. Got out early and basically had it to myself. Greens were pure and fast enough, maybe not the absolute fastest I’ve played but honestly better than most. Course design is so on point with the land it lays on. There are no miraculous views outside that at the clubhouse but the course brings this fairly normal piece of property to life. Staff was friendly and very helpful. I read a few horror story reviews before I played here and was honestly a little concerned. Everyone I spoke with was super friendly, even at 7:00 a.m.. Anyone that has issue with course conditions is probably an absolute hack that played terrible and was looking to blame something else instead of their 1-star swing.

Enjoyable challenge. A little more water features on the front nine would make for an increase in challenge and in scenic value.

Really enjoyed our time. Played on a Monday afternoon, and got a good rate ($65). Didn't get there in time to hit the range, but as many have mentioned, the range isn't anything to write home about - but that really didn't bother us at all.

Basically had the course to ourselves, as most others playing were well ahead of us. Probably deserves a 4.5 star rating. I will explain why it's not a 5 at the bottom.

The layout is tremendous. It is a classic Doak design. I've played Arcadia Bluffs South, and this layout rivals - and probably beats it. Some of the holes here felt the same as the holes on Arcadia South. We really all were impressed with it. I will say - the back 9 layout is awesome. Especially 10-15. Not sure anyone plays only 9 holes here, but if you do, make sure it's the back.

As many have said, the fescue/tall grass is essentially a lost ball. We did find a couple that we could play - but they were on the edges and had good sight on them. If you hit it in by a lot, you're likely not going to find it.

I was not expecting the halfway house to be open based on other views, but to our surprise it was. The girl in there was nice, and it was fully stocked.

My only complaints were this:

1) While some have mentioned the course being too difficult - I actually think it needs to play firmer and faster. There were a number of shots we hit that probably should've ended up off the green that didn't, or should've rolled up more onto the green, and didn't. It feels the course should play like traditional links - low to the ground - and on long shots it did - because of wind. However, around the greens, putting from off it was not a great option as the fringe/fairways are much longer than traditional links courses. I felt the greens were a decent firmness and speed, but probably are designed to be a bit more.

2) We were told when we arrived that the restaurant was not open - so at least we had a heads up. They did have bar service there and also at the half way house so we were able to grab drinks/snacks/food. However, it is still a bit disappointing that we couldn't eat at the restaurant after our round - we finished around 6:45pm. The patio of the restaurant has an AMAZING view.

3) As mentioned above - we finished our round about 6:45. We wanted to grab a few more drinks and buy some gear from the pro shop. While there were two young men in there, they told us they could not sell us the drinks or the merchandise because the computers had been shut down for the day. Seemed very strange to shut down the opportunity to make some money at 645pm. Kind of had us leave with a sour taste in our mouths after what was an otherwise great golf experience.

All told, I recommend this course. You can definitely tell why it's a top 100 course in the US, and honestly if they truly get it to the firm/fast label they want, it will remain a top 100 to play for years to come.

Challenging fast undulating greens. Tough pin placements.

If it wasn’t for the nice guy in the pro shop. I would never consider this course again!! Greenskeeper’s need to learn to stay in their lane!!

The course is very forgiving and provides a lot of open areas for shots, but definitely is a bit tricky on the eye. I enjoyed the layout and design immensely, very different than other courses in the area. Will come back next time in the area.

One of the best courses for the price, incredibly well kept, great staff, will be driving 90 minutes to play here again