What are the differences between Butler's two courses?

Woodside

Lakeside

QUICKEST DESCRIPTION

Golfers will enjoy either course.  Both have a variety of interesting and challenging holes.
The Woodside has been a favorite for over 75 years. 
The Lakeside features our newest 9 with more dramatic views.

Conditions

Both are well-maintained   (same crew, same good care)

When did the course open?

The ‘original’ is Woodside, the core of which opened in 1928.

The front 9 opened in 1963, and the back 9 opened in 2000.

Where does it start?

#1 Woodside starts above the clubhouse,
#10 starts by the Bed & Breakfast, #18 finishes by the convent.

#1 Lakeside starts on the far side of the restaurant,
#8 passes picnic area/range, #9 crosses pond with the bear,
#10 starts ½ mile out by the irrigation lake,
#18 crosses the big lake.

Views and scenery

Happily, we aren’t surrounded by houses – you’ll see woods and the river valley.

On a clear day, can see Chestnut Ridge from #14 and #16.  Dramatic vistas.  Not one house borders fairways or greens.

Signature hole

#13 is a par 3 with beautiful views of the Youghiogheny River valley

#18, a par 4 which features a long carry over our main lake.

Front 9 character

Follows the woodline.  Gently rolling with classic design features.

Gently rolling, classic design.

Back 9 character

Golf Digest Magazine has called holes 16 through 18 “amongst the best three finishing holes in Pennsylvania .”

Unique because there are no parallel fairways.  Features continuous cart paths. There are two holes on the back of Lakeside where a smart long hitter may choose to not use his driver.  #14 and #16 are down hill holes with fantastic views.

Which do golfers like better?

There is no single answer.  We get requests for each course.  Our 70 leagues rotate on all four nines and we have good attendance for all 4 rotations.  They’re just different.

Which course plays faster?

Typically, the Woodside plays about 15 minutes faster.
But, we have seen 3½ hour rounds on Lakeside and an occasional 6 hour round on Woodside.

Can you WALK?

Anytime.  Many people do.

Anytime.  It is helpful to say “You are welcome to walk, but most of our walking customers prefer to walk the front and ride the back.  On the back, there are some long distances between some of the greens and the next tee”.
Customers can take a free shuttle cart to #10.

Is it hilly?

No, just gently rolling.

It’s typical Pennsylvania terrain. but it is definitely not a goat path.  The back features more elevation changes, but there are very few sidehill lies or blind shots.
It is laid out so that most holes play down the slopes or across valleys.  It is the trek from the green to the next tee that is lengthy and uphill, and that’s why it’s not easy to walk that nine.

Is there water?

Not really (there is a small lake in the rough between #7 and #8).

Yes, there are carries over #9 and #18. 
The gold and red tees are very playable, and there are drop areas on both holes.

Is it ‘tight’?

No – very forgiving with wide landing areas.

No.  There are generous landing areas, but long drivers will want to carefully place some of their shots on the back 9.
(No parallel holes means that you can’t hit it 3 holes across and hit it back into play.  The good thing is that you don’t have to watch for those stray balls from the next hole over.)

How does it play after a rain?

Drains well.  Very unusual for us to not allow carts (though have to keep on the high side of some holes).

Drains well.  Continuous cart paths and USGA specification greens on back 9 make it the first to go back into play.

Had over 5 inches of rain with Hurricane Ivan (on Friday, 9/17/04 ), and people played on Saturday – and were amazed at how nicely the course played.  Carts on back 9 Lakeside only.  By Sunday, carts were OK everywhere.

Skill of player

Both are Enjoyable for ANY skill level – challenging but not punishing.

Which is for a good player?

Scratch players (very good players) enjoy the challenges of both courses; however, the back 9 of Lakeside is the most challenging from the blue tee markers (higher course rating and longer yardage).

Which is for beginners?

Any course, from the red or gold tees.

BEGINNER NOTES:

It’s always a good idea for beginners (men) to play from the gold tees – even in outings.
It's generally more enjoyable for beginners to play at times when we aren't extremely busy, so that they aren't rushed by more experienced players.
Golfers are encouraged to use: the 7-stroke rule (pick up and putt after 7 swings, including whiffs), 4-hole course, novice nights and lessons. Our Golf School offers group and private lessons for women, men and juniors.

Which is better for women?

Course rating is slightly lower (not a big difference).

Plays 244 yards shorter from red tees. 
Both front and back are the same length (red tees).

Which is for regular guys?

Yardage is longer (can make it harder).

Course rating is higher (can make it harder).

Which is for seniors?

Course rating is slightly lower.

Plays 150 yards shorter from gold tees.