Madison Parks provides playable golf courses at affordable rates but will Yahara Hills make the grade in this golf course review? The bigger question for Yahara Hills lately has been rumors around its closure and selling of land. Is the golf course, at 36 holes, worth hanging on to for Madison Parks? In this blog, I will review Yahara Hills golf course. A blog perspective will be coming with my opinion on the possible closure of Madison golf courses.
The golf course boasts some history with events taking place on its grounds over the past few decades. These include women’s and local municipal championships. Most recently, Madison hosted a 36-hole City Tournament split between Odana Hills and Yahara Hills golf courses. Yahara Hills has two named 18-hole courses; West and East. During my visits, I played the East course which was in its great condition due to recent tournament play.
Municipal Parks Courses
Municipal courses are designed to bring new golfers to the game. Overly challenging golf courses may have an adverse effect on this goal. To this point, municipal courses will have minimal carries, non-elevated greens and lots of fairway and rough. This type of course setup, like Yahara Hills, will require minimal strategy from a player. In some cases, budget constraints limit design options and interesting architectural layouts. All said, Yahara Hills fits this description adopting the benefits and drawbacks from these characteristics but should not receive a poor golf course review because of them.
Another expectation for municipal courses is affordability. Yahara Hills fits this mold as well. At ~$30 a round, Yahara Hills is approachable for all golfers both new and experienced. Madison Parks golf courses are under pressure to turn a profit with the budgets under strict scrutiny in 2019-2020. In fact, a task force has been assigned to research what courses should/could close in the area. More to come on that topic in a different blog. For now, Yahara Hills has loads of tee times at all times of day and should be supported as a local park.
Holes Layouts
In previous blogs, I would details my top holes but this Yahara Hills golf course review will be treated differently. Unfortunately, top holes will not be recognized due to many of the holes blending with one another. This golf course attribute is a very obvious negative for Yahara Hills. All the holes look and feel exactly alike. But again, golfers should have this expectation before booking a tee time at Yahara Hills.
Yahara Hills follows a specific blueprint throughout the 36-hole golf course. This blueprint consists of par 4 holes measuring 350 yards with a bunker placed on the left or right at 230 yards from the tee. In some cases, the hole may include a slight dog leg left or right. Overgrown trees and brush line the holes but are quite generous to errant tee shots. Hole after hole, Yahara Hills delivers on the same blueprint. This includes each par 3 which play at 160 yards to the middle of the green.
The size of the greens at Yahara Hills might be its only defense. The greens are so large making it a 2-club change based on front/middle/back locations. A rangefinder is an absolute must to get an accurate yardage for the approach. Generally speaking, the greens are consistent throughout the course although do tend to follow the same theme of slanting back to front. Keeping your approach below the hole is almost always the right position.
Yahara Hills Experience
I am careful not to be too hard on Yahara Hills in this golf course review. Yahara Hills does not pretend to be a destination, nor does it market itself as such. All the staff are professional and friendly. The staff do their best to get you on the well-conditioned course at an affordable rate.
Expect to be welcomed by the starter who is helpful and friendly. The only thing dwarfing the course greens is the practice green. This thing is HUGE! Golf purists will find plenty of walkers peppered throughout Yahara Hills. The entire 36-hole course has very minimal cart paths encouraging a walking round.
Untapped potential for Yahara Hills exists within its clubhouse. The clubhouse is a noticeable feature when viewed from the golf course side. A large patio overlooks the East course and a small pond. Unfortunately, there is very little enticing players to stay for a drink or food before/after a round. This would be the only opportunity for a bite because the course layout does not bring golfers past the clubhouse at the turn.
Summary and Change of Tone!
Play Yahara Hills if you are looking for a casual walk with your friends. Hit some golf shots, laugh with your buddies and enjoy the day. Leave your expectations at the door. Yahara Hills does not need to apologize for its layout or golf course architecture. The golf course presents itself as an affordable option and a terrific option to work on your game. At less than $2 per hole there is a lot to be appreciated. My golf course review of Yahara Hills was not always positive, but I still support my local parks.
The cost of my round was paid for with a coupon I received at a Madison Mallards game because a fan chipped a shot from the outfield to the pitchers mound. Kudos to that man!
