Elks Run ≠ Elks-run

A genuine bout of Midwestern confusion

My dad called me over the weekend, asking if he could come visit early. Of course we’re happy to see him, so I said yes, but was curious for an earlier arrival to the Queen City.

It was so he could play in a golf tournament with friends.

My dad gave me the distinct impression that this golf course was run by members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, or “Elks” as you might know them. It’s one of the four “animal clubs”, the others being the Eagles and the Moose. He also gave me the impression that this golf course was close to my house. And that it was named “Elks Run.”

An Elk myself from Lodge #2355, I thought this was very cool. I’m eager to try out the local courses, so I searched “Elks Run” and found, in Batavia, a Greg Norman-designed course that’s got 4 stars and was ranked a top 10 course in Ohio back in 2010.

No obvious Elks branding on the site. No mention of the BPOE and member requirements.

My dad calls back a few hours later, admitting his confusion. The tournament was not at “Elks Run”, 25 minutes away, but at the Elks-run golf course, in Hamilton, 45 minutes away. He would not be coming to visit early and is staying with his friends who invited him.

I opened their website, even though 45 minutes isn’t very convenient and here in Mount Washington we have two public courses very close that I am eager to try.

Though, I am from Shaker Heights, a Donald Ross-designed course, and:

Donald Ross built the original 18 holes at Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 in 1925. Today, we call the original 18 holes, the Red and the White courses. It's a par-72 and stretches to 6,484 yards from the back tees.

Michael Hurdzan designed and built the Blue course in 1995. Hurdzan is formerly president of the American Society of Golf Course architects and every major golf publication has ranked his courses among the best new courses in the country.

Back in the D.C. area, I drove much further for good golf. Alexandria, VA to Ijamsville, Maryland, home of one of my favorites, Whiskey Creek, was an hour ten, if you were lucky. Under an hour to a members-only Donald Ross course? Sign me up.

And in the most Midwestern way possible:

Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 even has its own "Road Hole" which is the 1st on the White Course. Many a golfer has found their golf ball in the lumber yard across Route 4.

I have filled out the form to see about also joining Lodge #93.