When it comes to golf in North Carolina, it's easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding the big names that have become synonymous with the game here. But the simple fact is that golf reigns supreme across the state, and there are outstanding challenges and values from the mountains to the coast, and virtually everywhere in between.
A perfect example is Winston-Salem, a well-rounded city of 185,000 that is just big enough to offer all the amenities while retaining its charm. Not to mention the appeal of the entire area surrounding the city, punctuated by small towns and picturesque rural settings. Also, located amid the rolling hills is a selection of golf courses created by such notables as Palmer, Nicklaus, Jones, Irwin and Maples.
"Quite frankly, we're fortunate to have play in our area for virtually every type of golfer," points out Bob McCoy, president of the Winston-Salem Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Our courses provide excellent rates, are well maintained throughout the year and their staffs work hard to make certain that players feel welcome and have an enjoyable outing."
According to McCoy, many hotels offer golf packages that make it simple for individuals and groups to stay and play in the area. These range from discounts on lodging for groups of golfers to comprehensive packages that include accommodations, meals and tee times.
"There is a growing awareness among our hospitality industry that active golfers seek opportunities to travel and play different courses," McCoy says. "As a result, our hotels and courses have become more creative in meeting this need."
But it's still the courses themselves that are the primary attraction, and the Winston-Salem area features a number that are worth the trip.
Tanglewood Park,
which opened in 1957, features two courses designed by Robert Trent Jones that rank consistently among North Carolina's best. The Championship Course, which weighs in at over 6,000 yards, has hosted a multitude of regional and national events, including the 1974 PGA Championship won by Lee Trevino. The course also is home to the Senior PGA Tour's annual RJR Championship tournament in September (formerly The Vantage).
The park's Reynolds Course, also a Jones creation, is not quite as demanding as its big brother, but still presents a worthy test for players of virtually every level. Finally, a par-3 layout provides good short-game practice and an opportunity for the entire family to play together.
It's worth noting that Tanglewood represents public golf at its best since the park is operated by Forsyth County. As a result, prices are very reasonable. In addition, Tanglewood offers a host of other activities, including boating, horseback riding, biking and numerous special events throughout the year.
Just down the road from Tanglewood is Bermuda Run Country Club, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum. This private club features two 18-hole layouts designed by Ellis and Dan Maples. Originally, the club had three 9-hole routes, but Dan Maples added a fourth three years ago. For many years, the club was the permanent home of the Crosby Celebrity Golf Tournament, a nationally recognized charitable event.
Fortunately for non-members, limited outside play is available through golf packages offered by Village Inn Golf & Conference Center in Clemmons.
Three other recent additions have been added to the menu in the Winston-Salem area. The Nicklaus touch adorns Salem Glen Country Club, which was a design project of the Nicklaus Group and PGA Tour veteran Glen Day. Situated along the Yadkin River, the course features a links style on the front nine, while the back takes a tighter turn with more elevation. Salem Glen recently hosted the 2002 Atlantic Coast Conference's Women's Golf Tournament. The signature of another master graces nearby Oak Valley Golf Club. This rolling layout was designed by Arnold Palmer and takes full advantage of the hilly terrain and bordering hardwoods.
Another gem, Meadowlands Golf Course, is a Hale Irwin design that winds through tall pine and hardwood forests offering golfers beautiful vistas.
Two courses operated by the Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks Department, Reynolds Park and Winston Lake, fit the municipal course stereotype only in price. Designed by Ellis Maples, these well-maintained layouts provide worthy challenges for players of all skill levels.
The bottom-line for golfers is that Winston-Salem has plenty to offer in terms of quality courses with reasonable fees, a characteristic for which golf in North Carolina is recognized.
As "The City of the Arts," Winston-Salem takes tremendous pride in its diversity of culture and entertainment. Museums and galleries display traditional and contemporary crafts and art, while the city hosts a growing number of festivals each year. Weekends during the summer are highlighted by the Fourth Street Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday nights and the Arts Council's Summer On Trade every Saturday evening. If history is your thing, make sure to visit Old Salem, a Moravian town and trading center founded in 1766 and one of the country's finest colonial sites. If shopping is more of what you had in mind, take time to explore Hanes Mall, the largest mall between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, which features more than 200 stores.
The Yadkin River Valley, located just west of Winston-Salem, is home to a number of distinctive vineyards and wineries that are winning rave reviews for their products. Calling the valley home are Shelton Vineyards, Westbend Vineyards, RayLen Vineyards, Germanton Art Gallery & Winery and Hanover Park Vineyard. Tours are available, which generally include the opportunity to sample some of the harvest.
When it comes to food, there's something available to please virtually any palate. From nouveau Southern cuisine at The Zevely House to good, old-fashioned Lexington-style barbecue at Little Richard's.
Golfers looking for something a little different might want to try "golf with a shotgun" at Friendship Sporting Clays in nearby East Bend. Ranked as one of the country's fastest growing sports, this new facility has a fully automated course with 28 shooting positions that participants traverse in modified golf carts.
"We know that golfers enjoy the area's diverse golf packages as they are tailored to fit a variety of needs," says Stephan Dragisic, director of tourism for the Winston-Salem Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Add in the unique flavor of our different neighborhood restaurants and arts and shopping entertainment options, and we're a destination visitors promise to return again and again."
And, to top it off, the city is easy to access from virtually any place in North Carolina and beyond. Situated just off Interstates 40, 85 and 77, Winston-Salem is ready to treat golf travelers to challenges on the links and gracious hospitality.
For more information or a comprehensive list of things to do, places to eat and stay, please stop by the Winston Salem Visitor Center from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve, located at 601 North Cherry Street (for now!) and moving to 200 Brookstown Avenue in the fall of 2002. Call us at 1-800-331-7018 or go to www.visitwinstonsalem.com.
Reprinted with permission from Pub Links Golfer Magazine/North Carolina Edition
and North Carolina Golf Trail.
