I'm torn here, I really want to give Blackledge five stars but at the same time wish there was a 3.5 option. The grounds at Blackledge are fantastic, we played the Anderson Glen course at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon, they also offer Gilead Highlands which I have yet to play. The fairways are very well maintained, the greens are clean and superb, the course offer challenging roughs, beautiful water hazards and well placed bunkers. The tree lines are perfect for all skill levels. Water and trash cans are provided on many holes which is a huge bonus as a lot of courses fail to offer this amenity so often. The greatest part of all of this is the price, for an afternoon twilight price, we were able to play 18 holes for $44 including a cart, you cannot beat that. A twosome behind us said they were there for the 9 and dine, nine holes of golf and dinner for $30, can't beat that either.
Herein lies my issues, as we turned 6th hole we heard a car humming in the distance, we halted at the prospect of a couple golfers riding by and I didn't want to slice my ball at them as I've been doing so wonderfully the day so far, but to our amazement if was the drink cart. My friend and I dropped our clubs, hopped in to the golf cart and began our slow speed chase to catch up with her so I could enjoy the delicious taste of Miller Lite on my parched lips on such a hot day. twisting and weaving and jumping the cart(that didn't happen) we finally caught up to the drink cart 15 ft from where we were at the tee box. Now, we saw the drink cart only once through the session, we would've have liked to see her a couple times more at least but she said she was working both courses. I'm not sure if that is a norm having only one drink cart managing both courses or if it was just that day?
Next as we turned the corner to the 10th hole, suddenly there was a foursome in front of us that hadn't been there before and there is a sign stating starting on the back nine is strictly prohibited so I'm not sure what weird shenanigans occurred for that to happen, add too that they were extremely slow, hitting two balls off the tee box each of them, but that's not the Blackledge's fault.
Lastly, again not something the course can control but on the back nine there seemed to be what sounded like horrific gunfire from a range close by in the distance and/or a small war in Marlborough broke out, couldn't tell which, all I can tell you is that there was a barrage of gun fire, RPGs, and small mortar fire, I believe the ground shook a couple of times and knocked my ball off the tee. It was non-stop gunfire form the range, although I'm not sure there is even a gun range in that direction, but I may be mistaken.
I want to give Blackledge a five because it was truly a wonderful experience but I think the gunfire in between swings and the lack of a drink cart is holding me back from offering that. It would be three stars if it weren't for the great prices. I will be back however as I want to try Gilead Highlands.
Mr. F read more