January 2021

Arrived on 01/05/2021, played 8 times thus far...  thought I would offer a report:

01/12 Meadowlands Golf Club - Conditions were extremely wet, soggy, muddy.  There was quite a lot of rain that preceded our arrival and there was rain upon our arrival.  Couldn't help but notice how healthy the overseed was in the fairway, a drier condition would have been so nice.  Not a lot of play for the day, POP was less than 4 hrs.  The greens were flawless, rolled very nicely.  The holes at Meadowlands are all right there in front of you, not many tricks, well marked.  The 18th is the best hole on the course.

01/14 Cape Fear Country Club - I was able to join a couple of my PGA buddies at this very private club in Wilmington.  A big thank you to the head professional for allowing me to play along with my friends.  It's an old Donald Ross design, recently updated by Andrew Green.  Historic clubhouse, hosted the Azalea Open, a PGA event for nearly 25 yrs, the clubhouse is filled with great memorabilia.  This was a fun experience, such a simple design yet very challenging with greens complexes that confound and excite. 

01/17 Crow Creek Golf Club - Lush, thick overseed fairways was the greeting here.  Due to the wet conditions, the staff had not been able to mow for several days so the fairways were still wet and thick, so no bounce, no roll, distance was a problem.  The bent grass greens were very quick to say the least. 

01/19 Burning Ridge - This was my first time around Burning Ridge and I was quite surprised and pleased with the experience.  This Gene Hamm design is timeless.  Excellent bunkers, both condition and design.  Greens were excellent, rolled smooth and true.  The staff was great for our group.  This is a must re-do at some time.

01/20 Thistle Golf Club - Easily, one of my favorites along the Strand as I always enjoy this layout.  Our group had a very good time, POP was so nice and rolled around in less than 4 hrs.  The greens were the fastest we have played all month, v-e-r-y quick.  We were able to ride all the fairways except the usual #7 on Mackay.     

01/22 Brunswick Plantation - This is my home course.  Once again, the prior rains made this a soggy day on the course.  The greens were flawless and rolled really nice.  Generous overseed in the fairway combine nicely with the painted Champions Bermuda greens.  The new ownership continues to improve the conditions.

01/23 Barefoot Resort Norman - Holes 1-4 were CPO so not a nice way to start.  Conditions were excellent on the back 9 as the holes are much more scenic and strategic.  Also, greens were better on back compared to the front but overall they were very good.  Still love #9 on this course.

01/26 Rivers Edge - Rain the day before and rain for about 3 holes while playing.  This course was extremely wet and soggy.  Sunday ultra dwarf greens are painted, roll really nice, not scary fast.  I always enjoy this layout as each hole has so much character.  No holes are simple, there's always a turn, shaping issue or danger.  Arnie did it right.

More to follow as our winter stay unfolds...