The course just south of Ashland has been around 40 plus years and gets a lot of play. Although a “Country Club”, most of their play is public and it is very reasonably priced. I believe their club membership is just an annual fee, so you aren’t locked in with an equity membership or a cost to join.
We found the course in very good condition, especially the greens. Trees have matured to make it a little tighter than I remember it. A big drawback is no driving range. I need to hit at least 20 balls before I play, and practice is a key component of any competitive player. They are about ready to open a large putting green that was built last year. The general manager told me they have looked at acquiring land for a range, but nothing is available.
I believe Ashland CC changed ownership a couple years ago and they are investing in improvements. Rumors of severe financial troubles before the covid golf boom were saying they were on the verge of closing. It is great to see the club thriving. I think their target market is a lot of public play, especially for seniors.
The course is just off highway 6 and closer to Lincoln. I had not played it in 15 years so hard for me to compare if it is better or worse, but others say it is in much better condition. The bunkers were good, After all the May storms they were one of the few courses that I had seen with bunkers graded. Greens were kind of slow, but in excellent condition. Some greens are very large and others very small, indicative of a course maybe built in phases.
I like the fact that it is very walkable, but still some slight elevation changes. The course is surrounded by the highway and farmland, so you aren’t playing through neighborhoods. We had a group of three of us walking and played through two groups in less than 4 hours on a busy day. You should play this course at a good pace, since there aren’t many places to lose your balls or forced carries. The rough was in good condition and not too long.
Course design is nothing special. You don’t get off the course remembering any unique holes. Limited trouble should make this a course to score if you are playing well. If you developed your handicap playing this course exclusively, your handicap might not travel well. Overall, it is a nice option for all levels of golfers and only 30 minutes form SW Omaha or Lincoln.
