Pudge’s Review of Sapona Country Club on 6/3/24

Sapona Country Club

Date: 6/3/24 Mon Morning
Overall Rating:

"Average"
Conditions: Average - isolated issues
Pace: 4 1/2 Hours
Cost: Not entered
Username: Pudge
Profile: Golf Addict (more than once a week)
Handicap: 7
Today's Score: 79
See All Reviews by this user

Yup, I’m actually writing a not so good review. After my last three reviews, I thought after not playing for months because of my move, that I was just overjoyed to play and thought every course was a gem, perfection, an absolutely must play…well not today. Sapona is within an hour’s drive for most of the Charlotte area but that doesn’t mean you want to take the trip.

I played during a tournament so while the pace of play wasn’t bad for a tournament, I can’t tell you what it is normally like. I also cannot tell you what the staff is like except for the wonderful cart girl who should be given every resource she requests from the club: sandwiches, more drinks, bigger beer selection, liquor, and a raise (ok I said the raise, not her).

While most of the layout was good, with challenges of elevated greens, a few blind tee shots and water on more than a few holes, some of the holes were wacky, with very short par 4s with layup iron tee shots (8 or 7 iron) and tricked up fairways that had no landing area that allowed your ball to stay in the fairway.

That being said I would play the layout again if it wasn’t for the condition of the course overall. There were many dirt/bare areas in the fairways and rough. While they have made changes with installing some sod and drainage, the course is just beyond the band aid fix. One of the issues with carts making the bare spots worse are the carts paths being more like motocross tracks than golf cart paths. Many players would drive next to the carts paths instead of on them. The greens for the most part rolled well and their condition was good. There were a few areas of soil showing through the grass but the ball rolled true. That’s why I gave 5 starts instead of 4.

I don’t like downgrading a course because I know the staff, especially the maintenance staff, put the work in. This is more of the club not putting resources into the course sooner. Final thought would be play if you have a reason (tournament, buddy in the area, etc.) but don’t make a trip for it.