Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: BCowan on May 30, 2014, 10:50:37 PM

Title: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on May 30, 2014, 10:50:37 PM
Sylvania is a great Willie Park Jr track.  Large Oak trees canvass the property and the movement of the land is 2nd to none IMHO.  I caddied at this course from ages 12-16, and many improvements have been made in the last 20 years.  The club over the last 10 years has removed some Oaks to increase sunlight to the greens and airflow.  They are in need of much more removal, but Rome wasn't built in a day.  The greens are now maint. firm, compared to sponginess when I was out there 20 years ago.  Prior to studying architecture I never realized how good the natural features were (Ravines, gulley's, natural hazards).  That is probably what I love most about the course and Willie Park Jr.  The greens are pretty small and I do not have the original photos.  The course has 5 par 3's and 5 par 5's which is common Park Jr fashion.  Arnold Palmer won the Ohio Am here in 54' and it was last hosted in 02'.  Another thing I never realized until a friend mentioned it the other day is the course has a lot of blind tee shots (which I love). 

Club History-

    I want to first thank Drew Rogers with providing me all that he knows about the course's history and the original routing maps.  SCC was originally a par 75, 6350 yard course.  The original clubhouse was by the present day Tony Paco's in Sylvania. The present day driving range was where the original 18th hole was.  The original routing never came back to the clubhouse after the 9th green.  Holes 1, 2, 6, and part of 7 never existed.  The original 8th hole a par 3 that was 115 yards has since been removed. 
 
   They aren't positively sure who oversaw and executed the necessary hole realignments… or if an architect was even involved.  Drews guess is the pro (also the superintendent) directed things for the most part over a period of time in the ’30’s and ’40’s - his name was Louis Chiapetta. Louis actually had some previous background working with Park, Jr.  The club also had a golf consultant (Grange Albus) that oversaw some odds and ends of Park’s direction in mid ’20’s…so that is a best guess how the holes were rearranged.
 
   Today’s #1 and 2 received some adjustment in the '80’s by Hills… Steve Forrest is believed to have built the current green there…as well as the green on today’s par-3 6th.  Ferdinand Garbin reconstructed all of the bunkers in the early ’90’s.  Also of note, on today’s par-3 14th, the foreground ridge was actually more complete original, which is to say the saddle in the middle was not there.  It would have been completely blind at Park’s direction.  In 1939, R.A. Stranahan authorized the lowering of that ridge to open a partial view of the green.  The original routing had 7 par 5's. 

(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/6116/GVf4VO.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/4102/KcTV1O.jpg)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/1386/SkN9VN.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2835/NTvXmn.jpg)

Great Youtube video of the course (6 mins) by Kyle Truax!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KnsOMW92no (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KnsOMW92no)

SCC #1 Tee (Par 4),  Many trees have been removed between #1 and #2 (Prob 100)  You used to not even be able to see the 2nd hole.  #1 and #2 flood a lot in the spring. 
(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/SCC%201%20tee%20b_zpson3npfdb.jpg)

SCC #1 Fairway,  The original 18th fairway is to the right of the present day 1st fairway.  The original 18th hole is now the driving range. 
(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/SCC%201%20approach_zps8jv04qpj.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/2971/k83ajz.jpg)

SCC #2 Tee (Par 5),  The 10 mile creek that goes through this hole goes through another 3 or 4 courses in the Toledo area.  The creek has to be crossed twice on the hole, the green is original I believe, except you originally came up the present day 1st fairway.  (Joe Bausch)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/4788/gXJQc0.jpg)

SCC #2 Fairway
(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/SCC%202%202nd%20shot%20morning_zps4lczg08l.jpg)

SCC #2 Approach
(http://imageshack.com/a/img841/4673/ducqv.jpg)

SCC #2 Original route to the green.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img839/2282/2lba.jpg)

SCC #3 (Par 3) This hole is one of the best on the course.  Green slopes a lot back to front.  Get above the hole with the modern day green speeds and you better leave your head cover on.  You can see areas where they have continued to cut trees down.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img842/6179/8rrmi.jpg)
(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/SCC%203%20tee%20Morning_zpsdor3lrls.jpg)

SCC #3 Greenside (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/327/6GZAFH.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/5235/dg4dyY.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/3843/tmY0Fs.jpg)

SCC #4 (Short Par 5)  Blind tee shot, you want to be in the left half of the fairway for a better view of the green. 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/4849/2N9TjO.jpg)

SCC #4 Fairway
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/4905/fLNOGy.jpg)

SCC #4 Approach
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/583/HaT3AM.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/8863/CGk4vT.jpg)

SCC #5 Tee (Par 4), This is the #1 handicap hole.  Straight away with a narrow fairway and a ridge 280 yards off the tee.  The green runs away from you in the fairway.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/4597/RJScDQ.jpg)

SCC #5 Fairway
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/3352/FjndbE.jpg)

SCC #5 Left side green side (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/5201/ph3Kb7.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/667/2IdfKr.jpg)

SCC #6 (Par 3)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img843/5894/0mwqk.jpg)(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/8782/x65hZm.jpg)

SCC #7 Tee (Par 4), Calls for a slight fade off the tee.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/8238/SloH4O.jpg)

SCC #7 Fairway (Par 4), Great mild dogleg to the right. 
(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/SCC%207%202nd%20shot%20morning_zpsuljrqd7o.jpg)

SCC #7 Right of green (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/5410/UGaOct.jpg)

SCC #8 Tee (Par 5), Lots of room off the tee, straight away hole.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/9715/mKu1GL.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/6143/Y8bCgP.jpg)
 
SCC #8 3rd shot approach (Jason Way), Fairway lines moved to left for 2nd shot landing zone.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/1993/EgWaox.jpg)

SCC #8 looking back from the green
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/1174/MT6bhY.jpg)

SCC #9 Tee (Par 3) 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/6342/OY36KF.jpg)

SCC #9 Green (Par 3)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img835/9990/0u6s.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/2434/azQNeU.jpg)

SCC #10 Tee (Par 3), One of the easiest holes on the course, enjoyable to say the least (Photo from ladies tee)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/9886/qlNeZT.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2470/NEwpio.jpg)

SCC #11 Tee (Par 4), This hole is so good, has so many natural features on it.  The ideal landing area for the drive is the same elevation as the tee box.  From the back tee, one has to hit it 235 yards to carry the lower level of the fairway and make it to the desired spot.  Advantage being that one doesn't have a blind shot and there is a gully in front of the green. 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/2778/MtwfmW.jpg)

SCC #11 Fairway,  the hole was fairway bunker less when I caddied there 22 years ago, now a bunker is left of the fairway
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/463/szicW9.jpg)

SCC #11 Approach
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/1700/XeggRH.jpg)

SCC #12 Tee (Par 4) One of the best holes in Toledo.  Especially if you can shape it right to left.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/3898/TVQ07z.jpg)

SCC #12 Approach
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/8599/n3bjMl.jpg)

SCC #12 Gully 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/7489/0Yhyw6.jpg)

SCC #12 looking back (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/70/efZF5T.jpg)

SCC #13 Tee, This tee was lengthened 60 yards or so 15 years ago.  Trees need to be removed. 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/4818/ZGakrJ.jpg)

SCC #13 Fairway
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/9066/gR9Bf9.jpg)

SCC #13 looking back (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/9087/CyMjrZ.jpg)

SCC #14 Tee (Par 3) Long par 3, plays shorter.  The green is somewhat of a butt-crack green.  The green contour matches the shape of the land halfway between the green and tee.  The cart path was removed!  Originally you couldn't even see the flag stick.  RA Stranahan wanted the U shape cut out of the fairway
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/904/HtVYgh.jpg)

SCC #14 Green side
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/5029/hSIAre.jpg)

SCC #14 Green (Butt Crack) like green that mirrors land
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/2742/JBtYc7.jpg)

SCC #15 Tee (Par 4),  Need to be in the left side of the fairway.  If one goes down the hill there is about 13 yards of fairway to work with.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/263/y69mVL.jpg)

SCC #15, At top the hill one has a longer shot but the stupid tree on the right is less in play
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/788/079ZSL.jpg)

SCC #15 Behind the Green
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/1544/XhkCNa.jpg)

SCC #15 looking back (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/5683/G7ATDu.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/5994/yc9OWn.jpg)

SCC #16 Tee (Par 5), This is straight away par 5, reachable in two. 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/9919/aQtTwN.jpg)
 
SCC #16 Fairway,  the 2nd shot needs to favor the left side.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img837/3805/p8oj.jpg)

SCC #16 Approach
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/9055/GfV1Do.jpg)

SCC #16 approach (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/824/JyzwZc.jpg)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/4567/Z4wmBL.jpg)

SCC #17 Tee (Par 5)  Short Par 5, long hitters can really take advantage of
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/8646/7dicav.jpg)

SCC #17 From top of hill (210 yards out)  shorter hitters have to decide whether or not to take on gully 70 yards short of green
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/9207/T6kh62.jpg)

SCC #17 Green side left
(http://imageshack.com/a/img834/9821/c3oy3.jpg)

SCC #18 Tee (Par 4) Chute is wider than photo shows (Jason Way)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/2760/V0qCCA.jpg)

SCC #18 This step near the creek was taken out and regraded to a constant slope
(http://imageshack.com/a/img843/8181/06oe.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/9782/yFpXOc.jpg)

SCC #18 Looking back to the tee
(http://imageshack.com/a/img921/5067/Y6BUcf.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/5738/B4fACa.jpg)

SCC timber ho
(http://imageshack.com/a/img843/7679/0hedl.jpg)

SCC Fire wood
(http://imageshack.com/a/img845/9641/i4iun.jpg)

SCC caddie shack (For all the caddies)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img845/2330/c06i.jpg)

Words of wisdom from Tommy (This sign is 20+ years old)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img835/6752/usspi.jpg)

How to get a vacation
(http://imageshack.com/a/img839/889/geq4.jpg)

The office
(http://imageshack.com/a/img839/5870/ua6m.jpg)

Thee yard
(http://imageshack.com/a/img843/1117/snzu5.jpg)

Tommy G, the man!  Caddie master for prob 40+ years! 
(http://imageshack.com/a/img835/8792/i0xh.jpg)
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Jeff_Brauer on May 31, 2014, 09:34:21 AM
Thanks for the photo tour of one of those far less heralded places.  I have toured it several times, but have never played it.  Very nice place, and locals usually mention their negative first - the blind tee shot on 4.  Not sure why, with all the nice holes with no complaints, but that is what I always hear.

Art Hills has done some work here and TCC.  Seems as if they left more of the Park shadow bunkers well out of play over at TCC, which I like to see kept.  But, it seems they allowed the overall character of SCC remain intact while making required changes (like adding range)

Wouldn't know about the food in the clubhouse....I can't get past the Tony Packo's west side location in the little shopping center up near the front entry.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Terry Lavin on May 31, 2014, 09:41:22 AM
Ohio has a deep bench.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on May 31, 2014, 09:42:56 AM
Thanks for the photo tour of one of those far less heralded places.  I have toured it several times, but have never played it.  Very nice place, and locals usually mention their negative first - the blind tee shot on 4.  Not sure why, with all the nice holes with no complaints, but that is what I always hear.

Art Hills has done some work here and TCC.  Seems as if they left more of the Park shadow bunkers well out of play over at TCC, which I like to see kept.  But, it seems they allowed the overall character of SCC remain intact while making required changes (like adding range)

Wouldn't know about the food in the clubhouse....I can't get past the Tony Packo's west side location in the little shopping center up near the front entry.

   Thanks for the kind words.  #1 and #2 are A Hills holes and are decent, much better than his 3 tiered green at TCC and pond(s) out there.  I think some of the bunkers need to be re-worked, and with the tree removal you can see more green contours.  I think the original range was by the tennis courts or where Tony Packo's (Sylvania) is now located  ;D, I don't know where exactly the original range is, that was before my time.  Tony Packo's is the staple for Toledo thanks in large part to Jamie Farr.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Jeff_Brauer on May 31, 2014, 10:00:07 AM
My parents dated there, (at least at the original Packo's on the east side) and it is a staple of every trip to Toledo.

A few years ago, I went up and Steve Pate was playing in the senior Open.  Took him to the original.  Finished fifth, I think, but most of his press conference was about his trip to Packo's.  I still send him stuff from their on line shop......
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Steve Lang on May 31, 2014, 06:06:41 PM
 8)  Ben,

Thanks for pics of SCC, like seeing an old friend.. haven't played there for ages.

TP's was a staple in T-town before Jamie Farr's constant plugging on Mash... though many signed buns on the wall were due to his influence..  we used to love playing Collins Park's 9 holes on the east side (other than how cheap it was)  cause TP's was so close on Front St. for post play chili & dogs. 

Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: David Stamm on June 01, 2014, 11:50:35 PM
Thanks for the tour, Ben. I've been curious about this course for a long time. Terry is correct. Ohio's bench is indeed deep. Very solid looking course.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Richard Hetzel on June 02, 2014, 06:19:37 AM
Thanks Ben!
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Evan Fleisher on June 02, 2014, 04:49:55 PM
Thanks for the write-up and photos Ben!
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Jeff Shelman on June 02, 2014, 11:27:13 PM
They could certainly get rid of some trees, but there would be a whole lot of worse ways to spend part of a day than playing here.

I'd tee it up there in a second.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on June 03, 2014, 10:03:30 AM
Jeff,

    It is amazing that they used to have a lot more.  I haven't seen a bigger lumber yard at a course then what I tried to photograph.  That lumber yard could heat a small town for an entire winter. 
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Brian Finn on August 10, 2014, 10:30:15 AM
I played Sylvania CC yesterday.  The course sits on a nice, rolling property and is a lot of fun to play.  Like my favorite classic courses, it had just the right amount of quirk.  A handful of blind shots and nice use of ravines throughout the property produced some really interesting holes.  The par 4 fifth hole and par 4 twelfth really stood out to me as the best holes on the course. Among the par 5s, the fourth, sixteenth, and seventeenth were very good (and diverse).  The par 3 fourteenth was different, in a good way.  This hole (and many others) seemed like it could become truly outstanding if the green were expanded to its original size and shape.  I saw lots of neat corners and edges that are now fringe or rough, but (to my untrained eye) looked like part of the original green pads. I imagine an architect skilled at restoration could reclaim these areas to enhance the greens.  Some tree thinning on the internal parts of the property would really enhance some of the beautiful views across the course.  It seems they are gradually working on this already. If the club ever went for a full restoration plan, I think the first and second holes could be modified to look & feel more like the rest of the course. #2 in particular seemed out of character.  Overall, Sylvania was a fun and interesting course. I was glad to have the opportunity to visit. 
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Dan Grossman on August 11, 2014, 12:11:05 AM
Just saw this thread. I played SCC several times as a junior golfer in the early 90s and is (was) always one of my favorites. Tree removal us impressive, despite what it looks like now. I'm a huge fan of Willie Park Jr. Has anyone played Ashland CC in Ohio?  Not as good as SCC, but fun.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: DMoyse on August 24, 2014, 08:07:17 PM
Great pictures Ben! Thanks for this!

Have played there 2 years ago. Great, classic course, lots of history. #3 (uphill par 3) is a victim of modern course maintenance, with any ball above the hole going 10 feet off green (down the hill) with the slightest hit...
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Michael Marzec on September 01, 2014, 10:42:19 AM
Great photo tour, Ben! Just stumbled across this after looking at your Wille Park Jr. Course list and saw Sylvania. I am adding this to my list of must plays while I am still living nearby.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on September 01, 2014, 10:45:00 AM
Great photo tour, Ben! Just stumbled across this after looking at your Wille Park Jr. Course list and saw Sylvania. I am adding this to my list of must plays while I am still living nearby.

Let me know when you want to play.  Sept is a great month for golf!  thanks for the kind words
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Niall Hay on September 01, 2014, 09:42:13 PM
The course and the land look pretty good.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Michael Marzec on September 04, 2014, 08:01:39 AM
Thanks, Ben! September sounds good to me. I saw the Walking Society event at Indianwood and was hoping to play, but I will be in Kentucky  then. I will PM you (if I can figure out how) regarding Sylvania.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on January 28, 2015, 10:05:44 PM
Nice write up on Drew Rodgers and the renovation work at SCC.  I'll try and have before and after photos up in the early summer.

http://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/Article/Rogers-to-lead-renovation-project-at-Sylvania-Country-Club/3333/Default.aspx#.VMmhQS6f9Vf
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BHoover on January 28, 2015, 10:14:47 PM
Very nice. Good to hear that the classic features of the course will be restored and/or retained. What type of work will he be doing--bunkers, greens, trees?
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Mike Tanner on January 29, 2015, 01:14:42 PM
This brings back memories for me too. My Uncle Harold and Aunt Bette were members there. One summer when visiting Toledo my father and I joined them for a round. I had barely any interest in golf then, and certainly none in architecture, but I agreed to go just to be able to hang out with an aunt and uncle I only got to see once a year. I still remember the rolling hills and ravines on the property and my sense of being in a secluded park  despite being right next to a busy street. 
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on May 18, 2015, 11:22:33 PM
Collar of short grass added to the first green. Also tree removal around the green
(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/20150518_121555_zpsro3koteg.jpg)

(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/20150518_160934_zpszmtx0lhk.jpg)

(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/20150518_160924_zpsgacnoy5i.jpg)

(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/20150518_160905_zpsxpam2wrj.jpg)

(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/20150518_121648_zps9e97215e.jpg)

(http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b564/bunkers79/20150518_1215551_zpszaef8r8s.jpg)


Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Brian Finn on May 19, 2015, 06:35:21 PM
Those photos look great.  I am thrilled to see the work is underway, and can't wait to see more.  Drew Rogers is the perfect guy for the job. 

On my one play there, I thought the course was good, and could be excellent simply by uncovering what is already in the ground (via tree clearing, green restoration/expansion, etc).  I understand they are also doing drainage work, which will certainly help conditions stay consistently firm.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Adam Lawrence on May 20, 2015, 11:02:13 AM
I'm with Drew in Chicago at the moment. He mentioned to me this morning he'd seen these photos appear, and was very surprised - fast going, as they only completed the work a couple of days ago1
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on June 07, 2015, 11:14:22 AM
I'm with Drew in Chicago at the moment. He mentioned to me this morning he'd seen these photos appear, and was very surprised - fast going, as they only completed the work a couple of days ago1

   Thanks Adam for connecting us.  I have attached original routing photos above that Drew emailed me with his approval.  Also a bit of history attached above.  SCC originally had 7 Par 5's and was a par 75. 
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on September 28, 2015, 10:57:54 PM
Sylvania CC will be hosting the Ohio Am this upcoming year 16' on its Centennial year.  I played Sylvania recently and can't express enough how good the land and design is.  Willie Park Jr Classic.  Clinger would be proud...
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Chris Harder on October 01, 2015, 10:33:05 AM
Thanks Ben for reminding me how good the golf really is in the Toledo area! I miss my time up there. I remember the rounds we played together at Inverness and you always trying to hit the bridge to carry the water on #7! . Its been over 7 years since I have been back to Toledo, and I want to get back to play the Toledo Open. I work in Mississippi now, and about 5 courses in Toledo would be ranked in the top 3 here in Mississippi!
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on October 01, 2015, 12:14:17 PM
Harder,

Good to hear from you.  Nothing like a strategic bridge for a Lil help ;D.

Ran into Bix last fall, he is at Kirtland, small world.  If you ever are back in Toledo send me a PM.  I live in Ann Arbor now. The Andersons are building headquarters on 2-8 at Bradywine.  They are using excutive course for their new 18. 
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on June 22, 2016, 04:20:51 PM
Some nice changes to the 18th hole.  New bunker to the left of the green with trees removed.  A tree and bunker removed on the right side with short grass added.  Photo from Drew Rogers page. 

old (fuzzy)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/6968/5gHJjc.jpg)

new
(http://imageshack.com/a/img924/6717/ysRMiL.jpg)
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Brian Finn on June 22, 2016, 04:56:40 PM
Phenomenal stuff Drew Rogers is doing at Sylvania.  An absolute gem poised to really shine. 
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Terry Lavin on June 22, 2016, 08:48:50 PM
Drew' got game, so to speak.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: MCirba on June 25, 2016, 06:51:49 AM
Looks great.  Can't wait to see it in person.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Evan Fleisher on July 01, 2016, 09:40:35 AM
I thought the course had good "bones" but needed some serious spit-shine and a few tweaks here and there.  Looks like those changes are underway!  Hope to get the chance to get back out there someday and see all that is new.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: MCirba on August 08, 2016, 11:13:12 AM
I had the great pleasure of playing Sylvania yesterday, courtesy of Ben and Matt and the Walking Golfer's Society.   What a treat where the terrific landforms are/were used expertly by Willie Park, Jr.

The course has had a few renovations over the years, including some by Sandy Alves in 1923 as well as those done later after the original clubhouse burned to the 1st and 2nd holes.  I think Joe Bausch will be delighted by how many of the other changes he was able to visually pick out during a first go-round.

In any case, here's the course as originally designed by Park in 1916 (opened after WWI in 1919) from a 1921 brochure.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8800/28565198830_5b4cf35e8c_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Joe Bausch on August 16, 2016, 11:20:01 AM
Photos of Sylvania from a recent visit:

http://www80.homepage.villanova.edu/joseph.bausch/images/albums/Sylvania/index.html
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: MCirba on August 16, 2016, 11:43:38 AM
Terrific study in the effective use of existing landforms to craft a well routed course.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: BCowan on August 20, 2016, 09:07:18 PM
Joe Bausch and Jason Way thanks so much for the great photos.  I've been waiting to take down my poor ones for awhile.  Looking forward to one day if and when the renovation is fully complete.   
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: Jason Way on August 20, 2016, 10:58:24 PM
Kyle Truax also took a bunch of photos of Sylvania and created this solid photo montage:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KnsOMW92no


Not bad for a guy who must have been exhausted from carrying me the day before in our match.
Title: Re: Sylvania CC -Photo Tour- (Sylvania,OH) Willie Park Jr.
Post by: noonan on June 08, 2017, 12:28:27 AM
I played here this week.
1. The green speeds were really fast and they were firm without being hard. Wonderful greens.
2. Land use was great. Loved the greens perched up high.
3. Rough was penal! The ball sat deep and the grass was lush.
4. What a fun course to play!