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=15http://www.charlottepublicgolf.com/renaissance-park.phpI 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.