Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Golfer Bob
Newport News
2016-03-05
$26 (cart included), played on Thursday, March 2016 at 11:00 AM
Our group of travelling golfers from northern MD played here on Thursday, 3-3-16, as part of our escape from the frigid north. Unfortunately, it was pretty cold here, too: temps in the low 40's, although minimal wind made it a bit more tolerable. Few other golfers on this wintry day, so pace was not a problem. First the good stuff: the staff was very nice, welcoming and efficient. Clubhouse is nice, pro shop side is a bit cluttered, but has all the necessities. Parking is several hundred yards away from club drop, so it's desirable to have at least one of the group remain there with the sticks while driver goes and parks (signs in the area warn against leaving clubs unattended). The course design and layout are outstanding: no two holes look alike, no houses around, excellent use of terrain variations, LOTS of sand, and clever employment of water. Greens are largish, all are sloped and contoured, but not unfairly so. Memorable hole is #8, the #1 handicap, and well deserves to be. It's a par 5, 90-degree dogleg left over water to landing area, then another 170 or so yards to crossing water, and then another 170 yards or so to the green. Oh yes, there's water down the entire left side, too...and the fairway slopes right to left down into that lake!! A really tough hole. Now the less good stuff: course is getting shabby. Conditions were not great, even considering the weather. Many bare spots along the edges, fairways VERY thin, most bunkers very firm. Greens were pretty good, if a little slow. Course is probably not walkable for seniors. Overall, we liked it, and have it on our list for next year's trip. We recommend.
$26 (cart included), played on Thursday, March 2016 at 11:00 AM
Our group of travelling golfers from northern MD played here on Thursday, 3-3-16, as part of our escape from the frigid north. Unfortunately, it was pretty cold here, too: temps in the low 40's, although minimal wind made it a bit more tolerable. Few other golfers on this wintry day, so pace was not a problem. First the good stuff: the staff was very nice, welcoming and efficient. Clubhouse is nice, pro shop side is a bit cluttered, but has all the necessities. Parking is several hundred yards away from club drop, so it's desirable to have at least one of the group remain there with the sticks while driver goes and parks (signs in the area warn against leaving clubs unattended). The course design and layout are outstanding: no two holes look alike, no houses around, excellent use of terrain variations, LOTS of sand, and clever employment of water. Greens are largish, all are sloped and contoured, but not unfairly so. Memorable hole is #8, the #1 handicap, and well deserves to be. It's a par 5, 90-degree dogleg left over water to landing area, then another 170 or so yards to crossing water, and then another 170 yards or so to the green. Oh yes, there's water down the entire left side, too...and the fairway slopes right to left down into that lake!! A really tough hole. Now the less good stuff: course is getting shabby. Conditions were not great, even considering the weather. Many bare spots along the edges, fairways VERY thin, most bunkers very firm. Greens were pretty good, if a little slow. Course is probably not walkable for seniors. Overall, we liked it, and have it on our list for next year's trip. We recommend.