Pros:
(3.014 Rating) A beautiful shot shaping par 3 course with recent amenity upgrades.
- FUN FACTOR - I think the best thing going for Log Lake Park, is the fun loving gameplay and atmosphere. First off, Log Lake is almost all short pleasing wooded lines with high birdie and high ace potential. Sure there are woods along the edges on every hole, but it's not oppressive thick like many of the southern courses I've played. So I think searches will be limited and disc loss odds won't be high. Although I didn't experience it, I would guess the vibe here is great. Seeing things like seating at every tee and the fairways were generally clear of downed branches are good indicators.
- RAW BEAUTY - Log Lake is nearly 100 percent heavily wooded golf. Amen. Every line to me looked better than average, although I prefer this style of golf and environment. I would not claim however that any of the lines had a bombshell look to them. I scored this aspect 75 percentile.
- UPGRADES - I'm happy to report that new concrete pads and new tee signs have been installed. I probably would have scored this course more than a quarter point lower without the upgrades.
- SIGNAGE AND NAVIGATION - In addition to the new tee signs, a new course map has been posted. Personally, I thought the navigation was good, but not flawless. There are a couple double back transitions and there is a decent gap between (5) and (6).
- AMENITIES - Much of this has already been noted in my review; concrete tees, signage and benches. The baskets are Chainstars and they were in good condition. Other extras include a practice basket, shelters, and picnic tables. I'm pretty sure there are restrooms in the park as well.
- HOLE VARIETY - About average. Lots of shot shaping to the left, right and thru tight gaps. Water comes into play a couple of times and there is some mild hole length variation from the mid 100s to the mid 300s. Unfortunately, no multi-play holes and its fairly flat.
- QUICK PLAY - I played it in 50 minutes solo and took pictures. It generally flows well and it is mostly easy to follow.
Cons:
Preferential issues
- MILD CHALLENGE - For the Pros and MA1 players out there, this one is not going to be an ideal course. Most of these players will only need a putter or perhaps a putter and a mid. There is very little length here. Only 3 holes are over 300 feet. Although I shot 4 over as an MA2 level player (snow conditions), I'm pretty sure I'd throw 6 to 7 down on average on a summer's day. A few of the holes felt like chip shots, but there is still enough bite I think to appease players at my level. MA3s and MA4 are going to enjoy the challenges here if they like wooded courses.
- IFFY LINES - Hole (16) is a text book poke and hope hole and a few others I thought were borderline. Players that like boring open forgiving landscapes might not like this course.
- WALK BACK TO THE PARKING LOT - It's a plus 400 foot walk back to the parking lot. Not ideal, but not a deal breaker either.
Other Thoughts:
I played Log Lake with 6 inches of snow on the ground. Just prior to playing here, I had learned about putting a 3-foot ribbon on a disc with tape to help from losing it in a snowdrift. It worked! I think this means I'll be getting my snow wings badge in the mail shortly. Anyways, I really enjoyed this shorty technical course. Locally, it reminded me of The Backyard in Traverse City, but without all the spacing issues, and it also reminded me of the woods portions of Almira Township, but a slightly better version of woods golf. I would highly recommend it to MA3s and MA4s that enjoy wooded courses. MA1s that enjoy bomber courses should probably not even bother stopping by.