It's not just how hard you hit it. It's not even just how far you hit it.

At Overlook Golf Course, a premium is placed on shot making. That's what makes the local course a true test of a golfer's abilities.

Located at 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Overlook Golf Course is a 6,110-yard test that plays to a par of 70 - 35 each on the front and back nines.

"We're old," said Overlook's director of golf, Ken Ord. "We're almost 100 years old, and we're not like the modern golf courses, which have length. We're on 105 acres, and that's not a lot for a golf course."

He noted that the course is known for its conditioning.

"Another one of our strengths is location," he added. "We're in the heart of Lancaster County."

Overlook is one of eight public golf courses in Lancaster County and one of only two that are municipally owned. Operated and maintained by Manheim Township, Overlook Golf Course hosts nearly 39,000 rounds of golf each year, and its state-of-the-art driving range is used heavily as well.

Overlook also serves as the home course for the Manheim Township and Warwick high school golf teams.

"It's got to be one of the nicest municipally owned golf courses I've ever seen," said Ord. "The best part of the golf course is definitely the greens. They were all redone 25 years ago, and there's so much undulation (to them)."

"There are a lot of people who don't know that Overlook is owned by Manheim Township," Ord continued. "We have a budget, and we present it to the township every year. I run it like my business, like I want to make money. It's a great partnership between the golf course and the township."

With five par-3 holes and three par-5 holes, Overlook Golf Course is relatively flat. But trouble does lurk in the form of sand, water and especially trees, and to score well, players must constantly concern themselves with ball placement.

"We're a welcoming golf course," said Ord. "We want a lot of people to play here. We want people to come here and enjoy themselves. It's a fun golf course."

Overlook Golf Course was built in 1928 by Abe Dombach as a way to help promote the game of golf to everyone. In that way, Manheim Township has stayed true to the vision of the course's founder.

"The township is always looking out for what's best for Manheim Township residents," said Ord. "The golf course fits right in with that. We're here to support the residents. We love when the residents come out to play."

"We're getting people from everywhere," Ord added. "They're not only playing golf here, but they're also practicing. We're trying to grow the game."

For additional information about Overlook Golf Course, go to http://www.overlookgolfcourse.com.