THUNDER HILL GOLF CLUB (440-298-3474)
Ohio Golf Course Review - 7/20/07
Thunder Hill Golf Club in Madison, about 35 miles from Cleveland is a beautiful 18-hole Fred Slagle design that has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 toughest golf courses in America (#46). Known to have "as much water as it has grass", this layout once featured nearly 100 water hazards (26 have been removed) - challenging golfers to finish with ball they started with!
There are three sets of tee boxes on each hole, and the tips measure a whopping 7504 yards with a slope of 152 and course rating of 78.5. Scratch golfers have their hands full here! The alternate sets play to 6436 yards/ 137 slope and 4769 yards with a slope of 121. The most difficult portion of the water hazards are taken out of play from the front tees, making this layout playable for women, seniors and juniors.
The Kirby marking system is in place, with yardages posted every 25 yards from 200 in. Sprinkler heads are also measured to the center of the green, and color coded flags indicate the day's front, middle and back hole locations. The bent grass putting surfaces are very consistent and can yield some low scores, if golfers can maneuver their ball around the considerable hazards which also include over 60 sand bunkers.
On property is a complete practice facility with grass range, short game area with sand bunker, plus putting green. The clubhouse includes a pro shop, locker rooms with showers for men and women, a restaurant/lounge with nice dinner menu, plus banquet/outing capacities for up to 250 people.
Thunder hill also has an 18-hole short course which is fun to play and is perfect for beginners hoping to establish their confidence before venturing onto the championship course. This course plays to about 3200 yards.
Thunder Hill is beautiful and challenging. Bring some extra balls, but do not let the thought of all the water hazards sway you from playing this course. Good shots are rewarded. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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