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JC Jones

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Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« on: February 01, 2010, 09:26:38 PM »
I'm headed to Charlotte in 2 weeks and looking to, if the weather is ok enough, get in a round.  I have an open slot in my schedule on a Thursday morning.

Is Doak's course there the only public option worth looking at?

Thanks

I guess I should amend this to say I'll be travelling from ATL to CLT that morning so anywhere in between or along the way would work too.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2010, 09:45:01 PM by JC Jones »
I get it, you are mad at the world because you are an adult caddie and few people take you seriously.

Excellent spellers usually lack any vision or common sense.

I know plenty of courses that are in the red, and they are killing it.

Wade Whitehead

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2010, 10:15:20 PM »
JC: I've played in Charlotte many times.  There are several mediocre options, but I always enjoyed Skybrook.  I haven't been in several years; maybe others can comment on current conditions or changes.

I have not played Mr. Doak's course, incidentally.

WW

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0

Steve Burrows

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2010, 11:50:42 PM »
South of town (it's actually in South Carolina) is a place called Fort Mill Golf Club.  The front nine, opened in 1948, is one of Donald Ross' last designs, though the drawing in the clubhouse suggests that the current configuration is not Ross's intended sequence. The back nine is a 1959 addition by George Cobb that is at times quite awkward, particularly the claustrophobic 12th and the 90 degree dogleg left 18th. 

If you are looking for a uniform 18 hole experience, then you might want to choose another venue, but the front nine has some solid green complexes that are worth playing.   
...to admit my mistakes most frankly, or to say simply what I believe to be necessary for the defense of what I have written, without introducing the explanation of any new matter so as to avoid engaging myself in endless discussion from one topic to another.     
               -Rene Descartes

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2010, 10:49:03 AM »
On a fly in day we played a Palmer housing course called Birkdale.  I was pleasantly surprised.  It is a bit narrow but has interesting greens.

Clyde Johnston

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2010, 04:31:17 PM »
South of town (it's actually in South Carolina) is a place called Fort Mill Golf Club.  The front nine, opened in 1948, is one of Donald Ross' last designs, though the drawing in the clubhouse suggests that the current configuration is not Ross's intended sequence. The back nine is a 1959 addition by George Cobb that is at times quite awkward, particularly the claustrophobic 12th and the 90 degree dogleg left 18th. 

If you are looking for a uniform 18 hole experience, then you might want to choose another venue, but the front nine has some solid green complexes that are worth playing.   

The Ross nine is still the same layout. The holes were renumbered when the Cobb nine was built so that the 9th hole was closer to the 10th tee. I like the 12th hole myself. It's like playing golf in a half-pipe. The greens, tees and bunkers were redone in 2008. From what I could find, not much of Ross's design (greens, bunkers, etc.) were not built to his plan so we put alot of that design in during the renovation. It's a fun course to play and very walkable.

Jon Heise

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2010, 04:33:46 PM »
I liked Rock Barn a lot.  It's relatively close to Charlotte.  RTJ2, and they host a Champions tour event.  Big and fun course.
I still like Greywalls better.

JNC Lyon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2010, 04:45:10 PM »
Oak Hollow Golf Course, High Point, NC.  Pete Dye.  1971.  15 Bucks.  Solid conditioning from my experience.  Very cool piece of property on a peninsula.  What more do you need to know?
"That's why Oscar can't see that!" - Philip E. "Timmy" Thomas

Joel Zuckerman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2010, 04:59:29 PM »
Curious about Quail Hollow, which hasn't been mentioned and I assume is a tough-to-access private.  For those who have played there---how is it?  Highly recommended, or not so much?

Thanks-

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2010, 08:39:11 PM »
JNC, the eternal optimist...that's a heck of a radius from Charlotte to Oak Hollow!!  You can probably include the Sandhills if you're going to drive that far.  HOWEVER, I do love Oak Hollow...really early Pete Dye...I'd love to get back one day.

Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Matt MacIver

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #10 on: February 03, 2010, 07:00:39 AM »
There have been other CLT threads but here's my take: top five private are, in some particular order, Quail, Charlotte, Carolina, Myer's Park and Irish Creek, DL3's new course north of town.  Top publics include Carolina Lakes in new Del Webb development, Springfield, Regent Park, Ballantyne Resort, Birkdale and Tom's CLT Golf Links.  Golf Links has some fun shots and holes and would be a fine option.  IM me if you'd like more color. 

Jeff Shelman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2010, 10:27:55 AM »
I have played both the previously mentioned Birkdale and Regent Park.

Both are fine options. Neither is going to blow you away, but neither is going to make you throw up in your mouth either.

One sort of cool thing with Regent Park is that there is a hole where the tee box is in North Carolina and the green is in South Carolina.

I haven't played any of the old-school privates in Charlotte, but have played The Club at Irish Creek. If you can get on there, that would be worth it. DL3 did a very nice job there rebuilding/updating/upgrading a course. It is very strong.

John Shimp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2010, 11:16:31 AM »
Not to be a downer but the public golf is pretty bad in and around charlotte.  I'd go Charlotte golf links (its still got doak's name on it), rocky river up near the race track, or ballantyne resort.  All easy to get to and pretty fun.  The Irish Creek recommendation is a really good one if you want to go out of town a bit.  Old Ross course called Kannapolis CC that DL3 did a real nice job with.  Really friendly club.  In/near downtown Carolina Golf Club, Charlotte, and Quail would be good on the private side.  Carolina is a very friendly club as well and a fine course.

Jim Franklin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2010, 02:08:49 PM »
What do you Charlotte fellas think of Verdict Ridge? I will be playing there in the Children's Miracle Network event May 11.
Mr Hurricane

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #14 on: February 03, 2010, 03:25:51 PM »
I'm going to chime in here...Renaissance Park occupies an absolutely amazing piece of land and I don't see how anyone can disparage it.  True that your car might get broken into, but the same thing happens at other places.  Put all visible stuff in trunk.  I also played Olde Sycamore and enjoyed it immensely.  It winds through neighborhoods but is something decent.  The Divide would best be classified as a bread and butter course but is worth the money.  The Charlotte Golf Links is also a solid, bread and butter course.  You won't be disappointed with any of them.  Take a look at my photo links earlier in the thread and let me know what you think of them.
Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Matt MacIver

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #15 on: February 03, 2010, 08:24:41 PM »
Jim - Verdict Ridge is a good course with some fun holes, you will enjoy it. 

I played Ren Park one time and did find a few holes interesting but the conditioning was poor enough that I'll never go back - and the locale doesn't help one bit.  In answering the original question on this thread, I hope no reasonable sole would rank Ren Park among the top five accessables in CLT. 

Ed Oden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #16 on: February 03, 2010, 09:46:23 PM »
Sorry Ron, but I am firmly with Matt on this one.  Renaissance Park has very few redeeming qualities in my opinion.  I seem to recall that Doak's comments in the Confidential Guide were not positive.   Does anyone have a copy handy?

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #17 on: February 04, 2010, 06:00:51 AM »
DISCLAIMER:  I will make ample use of the semi-colon in my rebuttal.

A)  With no disrespect to Ed (or as little as the forum wishes to misinterpret), I find it humorous that a default measuring stick is the Confidential Guide to GC.  This is a Hurdzan-Fry course we are discussing, not a Harries or some other farmer's reject.
EDS. NOTE:  The course claims to be Hurdzan, but the firm does not list it on its website (http://www.hurdzanfry.com/Translation_English/HTML/COURSES/COURSE_TYPE/COURSE_MASTER.html).  I'll dig into this one a bit more;

B)  My experience with the course was one of riding and photography, no golfing.  As I observed other golfers, the course played wide, fast and firm, conditions that allow for maximum ground game.  There are some required carries over wetlands, but those minimize with proper tee deck selection;

C)  The golf course appears to lay on reclaimed land, a use of crapped-out property that we should aplaud and encourage (a la Widow's Walk in Massachusetts and many others throughout the world.)  This is not a reason to play it, just as a Confidential Guide negation is no reason to dismiss it;

D)  The course has ample change of altitude (uphill and downhill shots) and frequently offers the run-up as a viable option to the air ball.  Most green fronts are not blocked by hazards;

E)  I do admit that the 18th is a bit on the sexy side.  The drive to the blind landing area, the downhill carry to a tight green protected by water and wetlands is clearly influenced by someone of another time.  That said, no local rule requires you to go for it; the lay-up zone is ample and the pitch options, varied;

F)  If you're still not convinced by this argument, visit http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/buffalogolfer/Renaissance%20Park/?start=all  and let me know what you think;

G)  Keep in mind that I don't know the price structure, but it certainly isn't prohibitive.  This is an urban course with the pros and cons of such.  I received the same warning about leaving things in my front and back seats as at a Charlotte private club.  The times change and we change with them.

http://golf.bman.com/news.php?id=15
http://www.charlottepublicgolf.com/renaissance-park.php

I would imagine that out-of-state plates or rental plates would be easily spotted by those who gain unlawful entry, as would luxury cars.  I'm not suggesting that Renaissance Park be considered a first option in Charlotte, but I don't think that it should be dismissed out of hand.
« Last Edit: February 04, 2010, 06:05:07 AM by Ronald Montesano »
Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Matt MacIver

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #18 on: February 04, 2010, 07:01:49 AM »
Ronald - I only have one round at RP but I agree with your comments B, C, & D and your last sentence. 

I have loosely ranked my preferred CLT courses and will post them later today.  FWIW I didn't even rank RP but it would be at the bottom - certainly it deserves another play but the location alone will keep me away, at almost any price.  The only way someone could get me there was if they were a gca afficiando and really wanted to see it....hey full circle!

Roger Wolfe

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #19 on: February 04, 2010, 07:11:55 AM »
Ronald - I only have one round at RP but I agree with your comments B, C, & D and your last sentence. 

I have loosely ranked my preferred CLT courses and will post them later today.  FWIW I didn't even rank RP but it would be at the bottom - certainly it deserves another play but the location alone will keep me away, at almost any price.  The only way someone could get me there was if they were a gca afficiando and really wanted to see it....hey full circle!

I think you guys are referring to REVOLUTION when you refererence bad neighborhoods.  You have a better chance of getting broken into at Carolina GC, Charlotte CC or Myers Park CC than Renaissance.  It's mainly because the crooks know that anyone who golfs at Renaissance is probably not intelligent enough to have a job... therefore the risk-reward of breaking into their car is way too low.

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #20 on: February 04, 2010, 09:07:12 AM »
Ha, Ha...Roger is funny.  What level do I fit if I just went there to take pictures?  Below low intelligence?

Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #21 on: February 04, 2010, 12:46:22 PM »
I'm starting a new thread on Renaissance Park and other landfill courses, as Dr. Michael Hurdzan gave me a great quote on the property and project.

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,43085.0/

Sorry for the thread hijack.

--Ron M.
Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Ed Oden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #22 on: February 04, 2010, 01:48:15 PM »
Ron, no offense taken (or at least as little as the forum wishes to misinterpret).  For what its worth, my view of Renaissance is strictly based on playing there (although admittedly not in a long time since, like Matt, I see no reason to return).  The Confidential Guide has nothing to do with it and isn't a measuring stick for me or my opinion of the course.  I played Renaissance before I even knew the CG existed.  I only mentioned it because I vaguely recall that the description of Renaissance in the CG was on the humorous side, but I could be wrong.  In any event, I see your point and Dr. Hurdzan's and concede that converting a landfill into a golf course is a noble venture that he can be proud of.  But that is from a community and environmental perspective.  If the question is strictly one of the quality of the golf course, then I still say Renaissance is lacking in that regard and would have a hard time recommending it to anyone inquiring about golf options in the Charlotte area.

Best wishes,

Ed

Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #23 on: February 04, 2010, 03:08:51 PM »
Well put, Ed.  Thank you very much for this terrific insight.

--Ron M.
Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!

Bruce Wellmon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Charlotte, NC - Suggestions
« Reply #24 on: February 10, 2010, 12:53:42 PM »
I would encourage you to play Carolina.           

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