Charlotte Golf
as Affordable
as Ever for 2002

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 17, 2002) - The bad news for Charlotte golfers is that the building boom of the late 1990's has officially come to a close. No new public access courses are slated to open in 2002, and 2003 isn't looking much better.

The good news is that the 40 plus courses in the Metrolina region available for public consumption are as affordable as ever. According to the latest rates posted by local courses, the average weekend greens fee (including cart) for Charlotte area courses is $54, while the average weekday fee is $39.

• Charlotte Golf Course Guide

"Pound for pound, and considering that is not a true golf destination, Charlotte is one of the best places in the country for traditional golf courses in excellent condition," says Craig Distl, president of a local golf public relations firm.

Verdict Ridge in Denver and Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte are home to Metrolina's most expensive rounds of golf, at $69 per on weekends. Statesville's North Carolina National is home to the region's cheapest round, at $37 on weekends, while Crescent Club in Salisbury, Fox Den in Statesville, and Eagle Chase in Marshville were a close second, at $42.

Despite the lack of new courses on the books in the coming years, Charlotte remains one of the most golf-rich midsize cities in the U.S. Approximately 80 courses are located within a 45 minute drive of downtown, and many are located just minutes from the city's two Interstate's, I-77 and I-85.

As May fades to June and sunsets push back to 9 p.m., golfers from Statesville to Pineville will take to the Charlotte area fairways in droves. Let GolfCarolina.com's summer breakdown point you to the right place to play.

GolfCarolina.com Staff Picks - Courses You Can Play

Best Courses for the Money: Charlotte National, Eagle Chase and Crescent Club. All three courses offer solid, straightforward designs, weekday rates below $40, and twilight rates that make great golf affordable for almost anyone.

Best Courses Period: Stonebridge, Waterford, Rocky River and Regent Park. Any of these three tracks, if placed in Atlanta, Chicago, or even Myrtle Beach, would command $100 greens fees. In the Queen City, they are yours for under $70 on the weekends. Runners up: Skybrook and Verdict Ridge.

Quickest Greens: Stonebridge and Charlotte National. The super at the later once cut the greens to a 12 just for kicks and giggles. If you can find firmer, truer rolling greens that Stonebridge's, let us know.

Most Difficult Courses: Firethorn, Tega Cay and Springfield. These three tracks are hilly, penal, yet like spicy Thai food, they are totally irresistible. Tom Jackson and Clyde Johnston are the course designers to begrudgingly thank for Firethorn and Springfield, respectively. Tega Cay's original 18 holes are a credit to W.B. Lewis, while the new Grand View Nine is courtesy of Clifton/Ezel/Clifton.

Best Golf Instruction: Dana Rader Golf School, Ballantyne Resort. The runaway winner, with a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher at the helm, video swing analysis, spacious practice range, and nutritional counseling.

Our 2002 Wishlist: That Springfield solves its turf issues and becomes one of the most talked about golf courses in town … That Regent Park decides to take as good a care of its outstanding practice facilities as Ballantyne Resort … That Verdict Ridge hires a professional golf course architect to fix a smattering of hits holes, thus making it the best track in town … That the black lab that greets golfers at Charlotte National doesn't get run over again … that Charlotte courses remain as friendly towards walkers as they are now … that the Wachovia Open becomes one of the most popular non-majors on the PGA Tour and that the Tar Heel mini tour works out.

And One

Sandhills News: Gates Four to Host U.S. Senior Open Qualifying

Gates Four Golf and Country Club in Fayetteville will be the site of U.S. Senior Open sectional qualifying on June 10. Approximately 90 golfers will compete for three to four berths in the USGA's 23rd U.S. Senior Open at Caves Valley Golf Club in Baltimore, Md., on June 27-30.

Gates Four was able to attract the qualifier because of recent renovations. In addition to a new $5 million clubhouse, the course has been greatly improved by architect Dan Maples of Pinehurst. Maples has upgraded the irrigation system, improved drainage in low-lying areas, eliminated some severely sloping fairways and cleaned out perimeter areas of the course.

"The layout itself was always fantastic and in the last three years a lot of fine tuning has been accomplished," said head professional Loren Beahm. "I think hosting U.S. Senior Open qualifying is an excellent opportunity to showcase the facility. We'll have the golf course in prime condition."

Beahm said a recent project to expand the sprinkler system from treeline to treeline will ensure plush conditions for the qualifier.

Junior Golf Camps Upcoming at Rocky River

Once again this summer, Rocky River Golf Club at Concord will host a series of four junior golf camps. The camps are open to male and female golfers, ages 8-17. Each session lasts four days and covers such topics as chipping, putting, full swing, sand play, posture, grip and alignment. Etiquette is also covered.

Rocky River is one of only a few courses in the nation to offer skills testing as part of its junior camps. Session dates are: June 10-13, June 24-27, July 8-11 and July 29-Aug. 1. Cost is $130 per golfer and includes golf, range practice, snacks and lunch each day. Financial aid is also available.

Stonebridge Offers Senior Special

Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe is offering a senior special in May and June. Seniors age 55 and older get an 18-hole round of golf and a hotdog lunch for $25 on Monday through Thursday, holidays excluded. The deal includes cart rental and a hotdog with chips and drink. No coupon is necessary, but senior much mention this special.

"Stonebridge is a very playable golf course that seniors tend to enjoy," said director of golf Tim Mervosh. "We appreciate the patronage of seniors and would like for them to come out, play golf, have lunch and spend the day with us."

And from the Mountains: Grandfather's Buczek Honored

Grandfather Golf and Country Club's John Buczek has been named Golf Professional of the Year by the Carolinas Section of the PGA. Buczek, director of golf at the private course in Linville, N.C., is a 29-year member of the PGA of America who earned the honor for exhibiting overall excellence as a golf professional, including leadership, service and promotion of the game. Buczek was also the winner of the section's 1994 Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year.