The fairways and several spots in the rough areas are torn up or worn down to bare dirt. In addition, a few of the bunkers have turned into muck traps where it's hard to tell if they ever contained any substance that even remotely resembles sand. The reason for these conditions, clubhouse staff said, is because the course has been bombarded by constant flooding from Wildcat Creek. Okay. Makes sense.

It's a shame too, because the course's layout and design is very intriguing and most of the holes are downright fun to play. Hole 9, a 504 yard par-5, is the best of several enjoyable holes here. Players hit their drives from an elevated tee box with a line of conifers to the right leading up to a pond, and Wildcat Creek hugging the fairway to the left. The creek dissects 9's fairway approximately 290 to 320 yards out. From there, players will have a decent length iron shot to a massive double green shared by 9 and 18.

The back nine at Wildcat plays like more of a links style course, with open, rolling fairways, and tall prairie grass hazards. There are very few trees on the back nine, so the wind becomes a much bigger factor during play. The back nine not only plays longer than the front, but is also in better condition. Better yet, the sand traps on the back nine actually contain sand.

The clubhouse at Wildcat houses a pro shop with basic items, a full service bar and grill and a large upstairs with banquet and reception areas. There is currently no course pro, but Wildcat contracts out a private instructor for lessons. They also offer several different league options and two indoor simulators designed for indoor winter leagues.

If Wildcat's ownership can get the course's flooding issues under control, redo the bunkers on the front nine, and make a few other small cosmetic changes here and there, they have the potential to be a top tier course. Despite current conditions, the great layout and the fun factor make at least one trip to Wildcat a must.

Latest Update: 3/12/2011