Red Bridge Golf Club in Locust, NC

6801 Gatehouse Rd Locust, NC 28097 (30 miles, 35-40 minutes from Charlotte) Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2020 Time: 1:48pm Price: $47

Course Overview

This was the first round we have played at Red Bridge this season, and we will definitely be back again soon. When looking at course conditions, price, layout, and proximity to the city, it is one of the best all around courses in the area. We play this course very frequently throughout the year, and if you have been, you would understand why. The course was in great shape for this time of year, with the fairways and greens in mint condition. The greens were quick, especially when you are above the hole, so make sure to stay below. They are still working on some of the tee boxes, but they were in good shape for this time of the year. With the pandemic going on, courses have been very crowded of late, especially on the weekends. The pace of play was suprisingly very good, and we didn’t wait on any holes, which is rare on a Saturday afternoon. We already can’t wait to go back as the conditions are only going to get better. The course itself has a fantastic layout, with 5 par 3’s and 5 par 5’s, being a par 72. We love the stretch from #3-6 featuring 3 par 5’s, and a short par 3. With accurate tee shots, you should see a couple birdie putts. Our group ended up having 4 biridies combined in that stretch. Although there are some scorable holes, you can definitely find yourelf in some trouble. This is a shot makers course, and driver might not always be the play. There are a bunch elevation changes, tree lines, and a natural stream throughout the course creating some nice water holes. There is a Vineyard on the right of the 1st hole, which is home to many errant tee shots. Don’t worry, take your breakfast ball, and stop in on your way to the 2nd tee for a wine slushie to straighten out that drive. Don’t let a 35-40 minute drive deter you from checking this golf course out. This is one of the best courses in the area, and we can promise you will be back again soon. There are also some very good membership rates that are worth exploring if you live in the area.

COVID-19 Course Restrictions

*Always call the Pro Shop or check their website for the most up to date information.* However, they were implementing separate carts, except if you live together. The holes were raised slightly, so the ball wouldn’t go completely down and easier to pick up. No rakes in the bunkers, and you must leave the pin in. All in all, there was no disruption in play while they take the necessary precautions.

Signature Holes:

Hole #9 – Par 3 – This beautiful par 3 over water will likely be a high iron or a wedge for most. Make sure to hit the green or this can be a rough way to close out the front 9. If the pin is in the front right (our personal favorite position), attack the pin and use the backstop that will funnel the ball back to the hole. A good shot here can leave a good birdie opportunity. If the pin is in the back left, a par will be a good score. Play to the center of the green and 2 putt your way to a par. If you miss deep right, you will have an impossible up and down where you will be chipping downhill.  Take your par here and move on to the back 9. Hole #17 – Par 4 – This is a great hole that will give you one last chance at a birdie before a tough finishing hole. Hit an iron down the middle to lay up to your best distance, because you won’t have any room to miss on your approach shot. No matter what your GPS says on how close the green is, do not go for it because you are almost guaranteed to lose a ball. Play it smart and this gives a good scoring opportunity.

Most Difficult:

Hole #18 – Par 5 (650 Yards from the Tips) – This is a brutal closing hole where par is a good score. It requires 2 excellent shots to have a good approach to the green in regulation. We have yet to see anyone reach in two, and would never recommend going for it (which you will probably never hear those words come out of our mouths again). The green is elevated with hazards in front, leaving no room to miss. The green is sloped from back to front, so try and leave an uphill putt. This can definitely hurt your round, so try to limit the damage and play for a par.
Course Tip: Don’t feel obligated to use driver on all holes. This is a shot maker’s course with a lot of hazards. Make smart decisions and you can put together a good round. There are plenty of holes where an iron would be fine off the tee. P.S. Check out their annual Super Bowl Par 3 Tournament they host each year where they convert all 18 holes into all par 3’s