Pros:
This is my NEW review of Findley State Park. This is to account for all of the changes over the past few years.
Findley State Park is a beautiful oasis in rural Lorain County. Just outside of Wellington, you'll find acres upon acres of lush woodlands that host what is easily one of my favorite courses played to date.
+ There are two unique layouts that share the course. While many holes share the same fairways, they play to different permanent baskets and tee off from alternate locations. It can be tough to execute this design, but it is done very well here with very little confusion.
* The Lost Island / Blue Course is the primary attraction here at Findley. It's the longer, more challenging layout that features several tough par fours and an island pin. This layout plays to the orange baskets.
* The Original / Red Course is a less challenging alternative. There aren't any water carries, but it still isn't for beginners.
* Both courses now have the option of playing 24 holes. This includes the six new holes lettered A-F between Lost Island 6 and 7. These holes are fresh, unique, and very fun!
* I haven't had a chance to play it, but there is also a 9-hole putter course near the campgrounds. This would appeal to beginners who don't have the skill to play the tougher courses.
+ All holes for the Lost Island Layout have concrete tees. Most of the Classic Layout holes are also concrete. The Prodigy baskets are some of my favorites, and catch very well. They are also easy to spot in the dense woods.
+ The volunteer group here at Findley is one of the best you'll ever find. There are constant improvements being made, which is one of the main reasons why the course has jumped to a perfect score in my book.
+ It's hard to pick three favorite holes here, but if I had to, I'd go with #3, #15, and #16.
* #3 really starts off the experience. It's a steep downhill shot into a grassy valley with the basket perched up a hill. There are multiple hyzer and anhyzer lines from the tee (which feels like you're throwing from a deck).
* #15 requires a straight drive to set up an epic downhill approach shot to another elevated pin. Water may come into play with an errant throw to the left.
* #16 is the signature Island hole. It's another par 4 that once again requires a well executed drive to have a clean look at the island, which is way down hill. This is a high risk, high reward hole that might make you empty your bag (if you're brave enough).
* Honorable Mention: #4, #5, #8, #14, #17, #18
+ Navigation is literally flawless. There are next tee signs everywhere, with each tee for both layouts being clearly marked.
+ There is plenty of parking available on site. Across the bridge, you'll find restrooms and drinking water. There is a nice shaded practice area next to the parking lot as well.
+ Additionally, the amenities are top notch. You'll find benches on nearly every hole, along with trash cans and brooms.
+ The carvings are SICK! You'll find over a dozen scattered around the course. These carvings are crafted by hand, and feature many fun characters and creatures. Some of the carvings also act as navigational signs.
Cons:
- The baskets for the Original Layout might blend in to the surroundings. They're much less visible than the bright orange Prodigy targets you'll find for the other layout.
- The flow for the first three holes is a little unusual. You park, walk across the street to play 1 and 2, then cross the streets again to play 3.
- The stretch from holes 10-12 is a little bit bland compared to the rest of the course.
Other Thoughts:
Findley stands strong with some of the best courses I've played to date. It's such a fun track that has extremely passionate locals who dedicate countless hours into making it the best course in the state. In my opinion, they've achieved that goal. But it won't stop them from working to make it even better.