Private course vs public course layout

I don't often get the opportunity to play private courses. I've never had a membership at a private club. When I have gotten the chance, however, I've found myself wishing more public courses were laid out like the private clubs.

The private courses I've played -- around Charlotte and in other cities -- have all been laid out in links style, with holes running parallel to each other, tee boxes located near the previous green, OB stakes only affecting a few holes on the perimeter of the course, etc. The one I just played -- Rolling Hills Country Club in Monroe -- is like that. I love that kind of layout. It's walkable. You tend not to lose many golf balls. If you spray a tee shot left or right, you either end up in sparse trees between two holes or in an adjacent hole's fairway. It just seems like you're never totally dead. You can hit a wayward shot and still get it back in play. You still have a chance.

Now contrast that with your typical public course, especially one that winds through a residential neighborhood. Lots of OB. Lots of houses. Long rides between holes. Wayward shots are OB or in deep woods. Not very walkable. It can be very frustrating if you're not swinging well because a few bad shots can cost you half a dozen strokes.

Maybe it's just a coincidence. Perhaps the private clubs I've played are just more old school. I'd love to hear opinions on whether it's me or if this is the general trend.

I'd also love to hear recommendations for public or semi-private courses in the area that are most like a private club, in terms of the layout. One that comes to my mind is Fort Mill. I'd love to hear about others.

Or maybe I just need to save my pennies and join a club one of these days!

B-Man's Bringin' Bloggin' Back

I've been working on updating Bman.com this year, starting with my home page and now my golf site. I just added features that let you create a profile and post your own course reviews. As I was getting the changes ready to go, I took a look around my site and realized my golf blog was languishing. I didn't intend to leave it idle for so long. As much as I think about, watch and play golf, I should have plenty to say on the topic.

So I'm bringin' the blog back -- just in time for the golf season to kick into high gear. I'm going to endeavor to make it a weekly gig with insight on local golf talk, golf news items and my opinions on PGA Tour goings-on. I hope you will find it a worthwhile read and will comment on posts as they interest you.

I definitely encourage your feedback on my Charlotte golf site as well. More and more golf web sites try to give you course information and links these days, but I hope you find the personal touch in my guide to Charlotte area golf courses more to your liking. My goal is that the site ensures that whenever you decide to play a round in town that you get the best deal and the best conditions for your money.