GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group
"Ballantyne Resort-Charlotte"
jg7236:
Good Morning:
I have a quick question to ask all of you that are half way sober from the middle of a long holiday weekend. My sister just moved to Charlotte and she lives near the Ballantyne Resort. Long story short, we are thinking about getting some sort of golf package gift certificate for our father for Father's Day that is coming up in June. Have any of you played this golf course? What is this resort like? Who designed this golf course? How old is this golf course and resort? Thanks again for all of your help, and I look forward to all of your replies.
Cheers,
John N. Gunning IV
rgkeller:
"Ballantyne Resort is a fine, and in many ways, amazing golf course. Its owner, real estate developer Smoky Bissell, decided that his Ballantyne office development needed some sizzle, so he took the land he could not use immediately for offices and built an award-winning golf course, without the assistance (and fee) of an architect.
While members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects might not like people like Smoky Bissell, the public does. Ballantyne Resort is one of the busiest courses in the Charlotte area, and it's by no means the least expensive. Several local courses offer serious competition, yet Ballantyne Resort gets the most play.
So why has Ballantyne Resort been so successful? Is it a big marketing and PR budget? Is it the hotdogs at the turn? Is it the cadre of cart girls?
Regulars will tell you that it's the course--built on one of the best natural sites in the area.
The design committee, which included expert and non-expert golfers, produced several interesting strategic holes on a routing that makes excellent use of a relatively tight space.
The green complexes at Ballantyne Resort are the meat of Ballantyne's challenge. Small but shapely mounds and tricky bunkers flank greens that are among the most undulating in the area. Scoring is not easy at Ballantyne Resort."
http://www.insiders.com/carolina-golf/main-nccharlotte2.htm
Evidently designed by committee and built by the developer's crews.
Ken_Cotner:
John,
I played the course one time, it was several years ago so I don't remember a lot of details. But I DO remember several holes even now. I enjoyed the course, I believe it was very walkable (no housing). Probably 5-7 years old.
www.ballantyneresort.com -- website has fair amount of course info.
The resort includes a nice hotel. I think a package would be a fine Father's Day present.
One of the nice aspects is a golf school run by Dana Rader located at the resort. Dana and her small staff do a great job.
I remember asking Dana about the architect at a party before the course opened. She somewhat sheepishly admitted to being part of a small group that designed the course. IMHO, any sheepishness was misplaced.
Ken, who needs to get back out there...
Tiger_Bernhardt:
John I was amazed to find them put a maintenance schedule on the website. That is such a nice touch. How are you old friend? I hope all is well.
jg7236:
Thanks to all, I think I am going to purchase a gift certificate for my father for father's Day in regards to your comments and what I have heard from a few friends.
Cheers,
John
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