Pros:
• Located on a beautiful lake with rolling hills and defined fairways. Very scenic and picturesque and made for an enjoyable round.
• Tee Signs with maps and distance
• Course navigation is very easy to follow. I didn't have to look at the map.
• Beginners and Advanced players can have a good time here.
• Front 9 plays back to, and the back 9 starts near the parking area. This allows for quick rounds or stopping at the car.
• Good variety of long and short fairways
• The fairways bend and turn requiring turnover and flex shots.
• Varying terrain. You will be throwing up and down hills
• Fairways are lined by tall grass, but you're given a wide area to throw down.
• The Challenge was above average, but was pretty straight forward. Staying in the fairway and working the doglegs are the main objectives when playing Lake Fisher.
• FWIW: Camping and fishing on site, as well as nice areas to walk around.
• Road Trip Tip: However you approach them, Lake Fisher DGC and the Centerville DGC complement each other nicely. If you add one, add the other in the same trip.
Cons:
• Though it's already been addressed, there are no teepads or tee areas. You just throw from near the Teesign. I realize that the "Clean Air & Water Act" can prohibit the pouring of concrete on wetlands, but rubber mats could be utilized here. It would go a long way in stepping up the course, as well as giving shorter shots to beginners on the longer holes
* It is possible that pads are planned for the future.
• When going from 11 to 12 you have to cross 8's Fairway. Although this is sometimes unavoidable, signs should be placed for safety sake. A Sidewinder to the head can put a damper on ones round.
• The rough lives up to its name. The rough will tear up your legs if you are wearing shorts and/or sandals. My legs were on fire and bleeding by the time my round was finished.
Other Thoughts:
Lake Fisher reminded me a little of Edmundson Park in Oskaloosa, Ia. Coupled with the defined fairways of Oakland Mills in Mount Pleasant, Ia. It was a good time and I really enjoyed playing here. The fairways varied from basket to basket, and even had a few canyon shots. #8 was a cool down hill run that backdrops against the lake. Don't over throw! Though it's not extremely challenging, the long distance runs definitely make it hard to stay in the fairway. I felt it had a good fun factor, with a medium challenge.
It is an open course and there isn't much relief from shade, so bring fluids for the hot days. The rough is brutal, and can be tough on those wearing shorts. Lake Fisher is worth checking out if you live in one of the surrounding towns. It also has the potential to host some good tournaments. I had a good time, and hope that I can make it back one day. It's definitely one to check out.