Sawmill Creek Resort

Course looks great, but still has some major issues on a few holes on the back 9 with flooding. The course is currently working on a drainage solution but I don't know the completion date. So if you dont mind a few bad holes, then great.

We had the entire course to ourselves today,, so pace wasnt an issue...played 18 holes in 2hrs...

Would of been nice if the flags were different colors to know the location or pin pattern and location on the greens...

Friendly staff, and fast carts...

We were excited to play this course remembered hearing great things about it in the past and always see Tom Fazio references in advertisements. We saw a couple of BOGO advertisements on Facebook for August Weekday tee times and searched GolfNow for a deal on the weekend. Looking at their Facebook I read a post stating "We are planting over 100 trees on the course to help mitigate moisture and improve course conditions." with pictures of new trees planted. They also had a post letting us know the restaurant was not open and links to the menu we felt it'd be a good time to check it out.

By 8 AM the day of our reservation Huron had received 1.38" of rain and we were scheduled to tee off at 2:04. We knew it would be wet, at worst, we were hoping not to be washed out and at the best, wondering if they'd be letting the carts out.

Now with COVID going on we never know how regulations will affect certain courses. It's obvious that COVID had drastically changed the environment out at Sawmill but as we'd heard from the locals that it was much nicer 5, 6, 7 years prior -- it just not all due to COVID. There's seems to be a lot to do at the resort but with everything closed and no tourists around it felt almost abandoned.

Seeing the large empty parking lots and few signs of activity in the numerous buildings was glum but nothing the Sawmill staff can be faulted for -- it's completely out of their hands. As we saw the clubhouse sign we began to worry how much this place had fallen, Sawmill does have a "rustic/rough cut/outdoorsy" theme but the signage leading up to the course missed that mark and needed to be updated; it was an eyesore (they may have plans for this, I'll explain later).

As soon as we parked and exited our car a staff member eagerly greeted us with a cart. We were glad to see the carts were in play and loved the prompt warm welcome. Definitely a great first interaction after the worrisome (somewhat COVID responsible) first impression.

At the clubhouse, we saw the 90-degree rule was in effect... I never mind, I feel the walk gives you a little more time to get in rhythm. The clubhouse staff was very nice we had a couple of questions about playing the course as it was our first time. The staff member at the counter had told us about Cedar Fair recently purchasing the resort and the renovations that were going on at the course, the 100+ new trees they had planted, new tile/drainage, and how they were reworking some areas of the course. She also was very optimistic about the possible improvements that were being rumored and looking forward to next year. We heard the possibility of all new concrete cart paths throughout the course as well as some other updates to improve course conditions for 2021, pending the COVID effects. She prepared us for some ground under repair and other various "non-standard" things to be prepared for out on the course as the staff was "rehabbing it back to its former glory". Shortly after the course pro came up as talked with us and gave us some info for what laid ahead. She was very knowledgeable and insightful.

The starter, a nice lady, greeted us and we were on the box at 2:02 as the group ahead of us was cleared and we teed off right on time. It was wet, as is to be expected, but I think the course was handling the water very, very well. By 2 PM the sun and wind had dried the greens and they were so fast and fun to play. I thought the front 9 handled the water exceptionally well. While on their website prior I read, "The front nine also called the "Creek Nine" gives the golfer a traditional northern feel with Sawmill Creek meandering around four of the outward nine holes." That's exactly what I got -- really enjoyed holes 4, 6, and 7 playing from the tips.

Made the turn, headed off the to the back 9 and as we hit hole 12 we thought we had traveled to a different course in the south. As their website states, "The "Lake Nine", or back nine, evokes a feeling of being in the Carolinas. Large, beautiful weeping willow trees protecting freshwater lakeside marshes make the inward nine an experience to remember." IT CERTAINLY DOES!! We were overmatched by the 600 yard par 5 #12. There was quite a bit of work being done in this area as they had warned us about; ground under repair, standing water, temporary structures and equipment around as they work on improving the course. I wish I could say that is why it overpowered us but it was solely on our play.

Being closer to the marsh and lake, as you would expect, water did become an issue here but the greens were still rolling and fun to play. Favorite holes were 12, 13, and 15.

I'm for the future of Sawmill looking to spring of 2021 and on. I'll be sure to submit or update my review because I'm sure with all the work they're putting in and the staff that greeted us, it's going to be hard to beat! The layout is awesome -- had so much fun and loved the greens and will undoubtedly keep my eye open to get out there and play one more time this season.

good layout, fun course, but $60 for summer rates for this course is a lot. Some browned out fairways and rough tee boxes. Still a nice course and super friendly starter and staff.

Elevated green complexes with lots of slope. Stop cutting your greens to 11 or 12 on the stimp. the course is unplayable. I'm an 8 handicap and I four putted two holes.

Over the years Lake Erie has been a challenge for a couple of Sawmill’s holes (primarily #12). . But I appreciate the effort Sawmill is making to rectify the drainage problem on that hole. Today, it was a little beat up but when the work is finished, it will be a championship par 5 and Sawmill will once again be the best course in Erie County.

Thought I would give this course a second chance this year and wish I would have saved my money. Good thing cedar point purchased this property as they will make it right in 1-2 years. Save you money this year and play elsewhere..

Robert

Loved it... great location and conditions. Impressive facility, i hope the new owners find a way to keep it affordable.

Course.was in very good condition from tee to green. Layout is beautiful with smart but challenging holes. Greens were quick but fair and fairways were lush. Hard not too have an enjoyable round on this course! Be prepared to use every club in the bag.

Usually, wind off Lake Erie makes this course extra hard, with it's extra large greens, this day had soft fwys & greens;.no bunnyhop s nor rollouts on a hard fairway. Course in nice shape, as workers filling in divots, repairing sprinklers, mowing aprons, etc. Thanx to GN for special Hot Deals, and weather was perfect for golf along the North Shore. I can tell already Cedar Point is going to invest money in the course & continue to enhance the entire resort facility.

This course was probably nice back in the day, but definitely not worth the money. This course isn’t better than any typical neighborhood course.

Course is a nice layout but maintenance is just OK. There were so many Canadian Geese on the course ands their droppings that it took away from the round. I know Cedar Point bought the course and the price is not cheap but at this time I can not recommend playing it. I was looking forward to returning but probably not this year.

First, Cedar Point has purchased Sawmill Creek Resort & golf course, and is investing heavily into the entire property. I can only comment on the course, to which they are working daily on the drainage for specific holes #12-16. Lake Erie water level has been high over the past couple years, and turned the Hallway Hole #12 to unplayable for much of a season. The greens are some of the largest I play on, so avoiding a 3putt is miraculous. The layout is awesome, 4 great Par3s, and depending on wind conditions, your score can be affected greatly. Keep the ball in-play, avoid 3-jacks, and you'll have a great day @ SawMill Creek. Thanx to GolfNow for the Hot Deals Special, as I always enjoy a round @ Sawmill Creek.