The Orchards Executive Golf Course
The Orchards Executive Golf Course in Lawrence, KS offers a swift, approachable 18-hole layout tailored for golfers seeking an enjoyable round with a focus on short game skills. Its accessible pricing and manageable length make it a practical choice for novices and time-conscious players.
Course Overview
At The Orchards Executive Golf Course in Lawrence, Kansas, golfers encounter a compact 18-hole layout designed to offer a brisk, approachable round for players of all experience levels. This public executive course features shorter yardages with a par of 31, making it an inviting option for beginners, juniors, and those looking to sharpen their short game without committing to the length and pace of a full-scale course. Despite its size, The Orchards presents strategic challenges through thoughtfully placed bunkers and undulating greens that demand attention to shot placement and putting touch.
The course’s urban setting blends pockets of mature trees and open fairways, creating a straightforward but varied landscape that keeps play engaging from first tee to final hole. While the terrain is predominantly flat, the subtle elevation changes and well-protected greens provide opportunities to test accuracy and course management. The third hole has sparked discussion among players, with some suggesting it would be better served as a par 3 to enhance flow and safety.
Players will appreciate that rounds here can be completed efficiently, typically in under two hours, making The Orchards a practical choice for those with limited time or seeking a casual round that retains rewarding moments. The course has seen ongoing efforts to elevate conditions, particularly with the greens, which have shown gradual improvement under new management.
Amenities include friendly staff and readily available carts, though walking is encouraged to maintain pace and enjoy the course’s layout. The Orchards operates with an accessible pricing structure aimed at providing value within the local golfing community. While some players have raised concerns about course conditions in the past, recent updates suggest steady progress toward a more polished experience.
Whether refining short game skills or squeezing in a quick round, The Orchards Executive Golf Course offers a practical, no-frills venue that embraces its role as a community-focused, playable course in Lawrence. Its combination of approachability and subtle challenges makes it a noteworthy stop for local golfers and visitors alike.
Course Highlights
The Orchards stands out for its executive-length design emphasizing short approach shots and putting precision. The course layout weaves through a parkland-style setting with mature trees that frame fairways and challenge players’ accuracy. Recent efforts to renovate greens and maintain bunkers have enhanced playability, while the compact nature supports quick rounds without sacrificing interest. The third hole generates attention due to its atypical length for an executive course, with ongoing discussions about changes to optimize flow and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Mary Ellen Grant
Like this course. It’s short but challenging. The price is right. Staff is friendly and continually making improvements to make play more enjoyable!
Herb Loyd
We started playing this course this spring and love it. The greens get a little better each week. The new manager is dedicated to improving the course and it is starting to show. You can't beat the price and you can get around in under 2 hours.
Mary Ellen Grant
Like this course. It’s short but challenging. The price is right. Staff is friendly and continually making improvements to make play more enjoyable!
Tim Riling
For what you pay this course is fine. The greens do need some work and hopefully with the new management they’ll get better. One suggestion I have is to make the third hole a par (3) three rather than four. I think that would speed up play and it would be less dangerous. It would also make it a par 30 rather than 31.
Tim Riling
For what you pay this course is fine. The greens do need some work and hopefully with the new management they’ll get better. One suggestion I have is to make the third hole a par (3) three rather than four. I think that would speed up play and it would be less dangerous. It would also make it a par 30 rather than 31.
Matthew Leverich
Played in August 2023 and the course was in horrendous condition, it looked like a place that was in serious danger of going out of business. The Nick Jaimez review showing pics of the greens, that's also the condition they were in when I played. It did at one time look like a fun place to play. I do hope they're doing better.
Jason Daniels
Fun, fast course.
Ben Voloch
This is a really cute course right in the center of Lawrence, albeit difficult. Kelly at the counter was one of the most lovely people I have encountered and made playing there a lot more enjoyable. Will be back.
Ronnied Bratten
Nick Jaimez
Listen. I love Lawrence and the people that work the desk here. But this is by far the worst course I’ve ever been to. 30 dollars for 9 holes and a cart. The tee box, the fairway, the greens and the rough are all the same height. Half of the greens are pits with dead grass and a little bit of sand. You can go play in Baldwin for free on a better course, or go to Desoto and play 18 with a cart for 35. I would give this place 0 stars if I could. Very unhappy an (Executive) course is being kept the way it is and the price is crazy high to play it. Save your money or spend the extra 5 and go elsewhere.
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Course Details
Access & Location
3000 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
On-site clubhouse with pro shop and rental services
Walking encouraged; flat terrain and short distances make for a comfortable stroll. Regular golf shoes recommended.
Open to all golfers; tee times recommended during weekends and busy periods.
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