The layout for the most part is pretty standard but a few holes caught our attention right away. The par 3 5th hole measures only 116 yards, but the front of the green is well guarded by sand bunkers that actually block your view of a large portion of the putting surface. The 14th, a 374 yard par 4 dogleg right is another interesting hole. From the tee, one might be tempted to fade his or her tee shot around or over the large trees on the right. But unless you're a big hitter, take the prudent approach and favor the left side of the fairway, which opens up your next shot to an elevated green with huge sand traps on either side. Par is a great score here if you can avoid all the hazards.

The practice facilities include two putting greens, a driving range and a practice area for chipping and bunker shots. Our only concern was the two holes that border the driving range. We observed several range balls in both fairways, and actually had one errant range shot land close to where we were playing. Other than this situation, the practice areas were top notch.

The restaurant has a very nice lounge and dining area. Dining options range from pizzas and sandwiches at the bar to a full menu, sit-down experience in their dining room. A game room adjacent to the bar offers billiards, shuffleboard and a variety of video games. We were greeted warmly by all service employees in the pro shop, bar and restaurant.

Because of Riverdale's proximity to Lake Michigan - less than a mile away - it's a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater if you plan to golf in early spring or any of the fall months. Conversely, the lake often provides a welcome breeze during the warmer summer months. Either way, a round of golf here will be one you will definitely enjoy.

If you're looking for a glitzy golf course with stunning vistas and the proverbial 'wow' factor on every hole, you won't find it at Riverdale. What you will find is an unpretentious facility that prides itself in offering a challenging test of golf at an affordable price. In other words, Riverdale fits well into the hacker-friendly mindset.

Latest Update: 12/26/2010