Walk onto the first tee at Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna, and you’ll immediately notice something. It isn’t the flashy, over-manicured vibe of a private country club. It feels like Ohio golf—raw, honest, and surprisingly intimidating. If you’ve spent any time on the links in Portage County, you know this isn't just another municipal track. It’s a beast that has chewed up some of the best collegiate golfers in the country.
The course was originally designed by Tal Purvis and opened back in 1970. Since then, it’s gained a reputation as one of the premier public courses in the state. Honestly, calling it a "public course" almost feels like an understatement. It has served as the home base for the Kent State University golf teams for decades. Think about that for a second. This is the training ground that produced PGA Tour winners like Ben Curtis, Corey Conners, and Mackenzie Hughes. If the layout is good enough to prep guys for the British Open or the Masters, it's definitely going to give your weekend foursome a run for its money.
The Layout: Where Your Scorecard Goes to Die
Windmill Lakes Golf Club doesn't rely on gimmicks. You won't find many blind shots or goofy trick holes here. Instead, it uses sheer length and strategically placed hazards to keep you honest. Playing over 6,900 yards from the championship tees, it demands a certain level of respect.
The front nine is somewhat open, but don't let that fool you into a false sense of security. The wind off the surrounding farmland can turn a simple 7-iron into a guessing game. By the time you reach the back nine, the trees start tightening up. The fairways are large, but if you miss them, the rough is often thick enough to make you regret every life choice that led you to that moment.
Water. There is a lot of it. Large lakes come into play on more than half the holes. It’s not just for aesthetics; it’s a constant psychological weight. You’re standing on the tee of a long par 4, looking at a narrow strip of grass flanked by a massive shimmering blue hazard, and suddenly your "reliable" draw feels like a liability.
Why the Greens are the Real Story
Ask any local about Windmill Lakes, and they’ll mention the greens before they mention the fairways. They are large, undulating, and—if the superintendent is feeling particularly spicy—unbelievably fast. Putting here isn't just about line and speed; it's about survival.
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Many players struggle because they misread the subtle breaks. These aren't the pancake-flat greens you find at cheaper public spots. They have "tiers." If you end up on the wrong level of the green on a hole like the par-3 14th, you’re basically looking at an automatic three-putt. You've got to be precise with your approach shots. Just hitting the green isn't enough; you need to hit the right part of the green.
The Kent State Connection and Elite Pedigree
It is impossible to talk about Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna without mentioning Herb Page. For over 40 years, Page was the architect of the Kent State golf program. He turned a small school in Northeast Ohio into a national powerhouse.
Page and the university eventually took over the operation of the course, ensuring it stayed in peak condition for high-level competition. This isn't just trivia. This relationship means the course is maintained to a standard that rivals high-end private clubs. When you play here, you’re walking the same paths where Ben Curtis practiced before he shocked the world at Royal St. George’s in 2003.
The facility reflects this "pro-ready" mindset. The practice area is massive. It’s one of the few places in the region where you can practice every single shot in your bag. They have a huge driving range, multiple practice greens, and a short-game area that actually mimics the conditions you’ll face on the course.
Recent Changes and Upgrades
Courses change. They have to. In recent years, Windmill Lakes has seen significant bunker renovations. For a long time, some of the traps were getting a bit tired—crusty sand and poor drainage. That’s mostly a thing of the past now. The new bunkers are consistent, which, ironically, makes the course harder because you can’t blame a bad shot on a "rocks-and-dirt" lie anymore.
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The pro shop is also a standout. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. It’s not just a place to buy a sleeve of balls and a Gatorade. They carry serious equipment, offer expert fitting, and the staff actually knows what they’re talking about. It feels more like a dedicated golf boutique than a clubhouse counter.
Survival Tips for Your First Round
Don't be a hero.
Seriously. Most people show up and think they can overpower this course. Unless you’re carrying the ball 280 yards in the air consistently, play the moved-up tees. There is no shame in playing the whites if it means you actually get to use your mid-irons instead of hitting 3-woods into every par 4.
- Watch the wind. It swirls. Even if it feels calm on the tee, look at the tops of the trees near the green.
- Stay below the hole. Putting downhill at Windmill is like putting on a marble floor.
- The Par 5s are your friends. Sort of. They are long, but they offer the best chance to recover if you had a rough start.
- Check the pin sheet. Because the greens are so big, being two clubs off on your yardage can leave you with a 60-foot putt.
People often complain about the pace of play here on weekends. It can be slow. But that’s mostly because the course is genuinely difficult. When people are searching for balls in the tall grass or four-putting, the line backs up. If you want a fast round, try to snag a tee time on a Tuesday morning.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that Windmill Lakes is "too hard" for the average golfer. I disagree. It’s only too hard if you have an ego. If you play strategically—laying up when necessary and aiming for the center of the greens—it’s a fair test. It rewards "smart" golf more than "power" golf.
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Another myth is that it's overpriced. In the world of "premium" public golf, Windmill is actually a steal. You're paying a fraction of what you'd pay at a high-end resort course, but you’re getting a layout that is arguably more challenging and better maintained.
Ravenna isn't exactly a vacation mecca, but for golfers, it’s a destination. You have Windmill, and then you have several other solid tracks within a 15-minute drive. It makes for a perfect "day trip" for anyone living in Cleveland, Akron, or even Pittsburgh.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Drive?
Absolutely. If you want to test yourself against a course that doesn't care about your feelings, this is the place. It’s a blue-collar championship course. It’s gritty. It’s long. It’s beautiful in that understated, Midwestern way.
By the time you finish the 18th—a challenging par 4 that requires a precise approach over a valley—you’ll be exhausted. You’ll probably have lost a ball or two in the water. But you’ll also understand why the pros who come out of Kent State are so tough. They were forged in the fires of Windmill Lakes.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book in advance. Tee times on weekends fill up fast, especially during the peak summer months. Use their online portal; it's usually more accurate than calling.
- Arrive 45 minutes early. You need the time to use the practice facility. If you step onto the first tee "cold," the first three holes will destroy your round.
- Check the weather for wind gusts. Ravenna is flatter than people think, and the wind is a major factor that people often ignore until they're mid-round.
- Visit the Pro Shop. Even if you don't need clubs, check out their clearance section and apparel. It’s genuinely one of the best-stocked shops in Ohio.
- Eat at the snack bar. It’s simple, no-nonsense food, but the burgers are surprisingly good after a long four-and-a-half-hour round.