Layout: Annbriar has an exceptional layout that changes in character over the course of the round. The front 9 begins with relatively flat holes lined by tall grass. Some might call this "links style" but it is not true links style but rather holes that do not feature large trees as obstacles. The second 9 routes through the woods. The holes have true character with many standouts. Some of my favorites are the par 5 5th (reachable in 2, risk vs. reward with tee shot over the water), the downhill par 4 8th (narrows to large sloped green), the par 4 13th (tricky tee shot to elevated fairway then short approach in), the par 3 17th (downhill, huge bunker on left, difficult club choice), and of course the par 4 11th (beautiful hole with elevated tricky tee shot). One design criticism that I have is that the first hole seems misplaced. Its an awkward tee shot on a short hole. Generally, my preference is to not have either a huge risk/reward first hole or a hole with an awkward tee shot. The 1st at Annbriar is a bit risk/reward but a lot awkward. The second hole would make a better first hole. Swapping those two (impossible of course), would be excellent. Overall, the design is excellent with memorable holes throughout.
Conditioning: Always well above average. Annbriar gets a lot of play, but they always keep it in great shape, with fast well conditioned greens and well maintained fairways.
Difficulty: Annbriar offers many sets of tees, including a very close set for women. A beginner would be significantly challenged here, it's not that I don't recommend it (you would certainly enjoy your round), but there are several holes that may be overwhelming. Intermediate and advanced golfers will be signifcantly and appropriately challenged.
Value: Considering its the same as Pevely, Tapawingo, Gateway, and the Bluffs, its well worth the cost. You put this course in California or even Chicago and you are looking at double the greens fee, possibly close to 200. They also have good twilight rates as well as frequent deals on golfnow.
Walkability: Would be very difficult to walk, it isn't encouraged, and no one does it. So essentially, not walkable.
Scenery: It's in a cornfield in Waterloo, Ill, but seems like you are removed from everything, which is excellent. There are no houses and nice views throughout the course. Atmosphere is excellent.
Practice Facility: Decent range, two practice greens with some short game practice available near the first tee. Acceptable.
Annbriar is the best public course in the St. Louis area, and it's not even close. It blends a great layout with exceptional conditioning in a quiet and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. The only real negative for the course is that weekend rounds can be long, stretching up to and over 5 hours, which is unacceptable. This is mainly due to golfers playing the wrong tees (the first hole gives some people the idea they should be playing the tips) and going on excessive ball hunts. Almost without fail, out of towners are seriously impressed by the quality of this course. If it weren't tucked away in Waterloo, IL and a relatively new course, it would be considerably more well known, but probably a lot more expensive. In fact, I rate it ahead or at least equal to essentially all of the Golf Digest or Golf Top 100 courses that I have played. Annbriar gets a sterling 9 out of 10 rating. read more