B-Man’s Review of Emerald Lake Golf Club on 5/23/25

Emerald Lake Golf Club

Date: 5/23/25 Fri Afternoon
Overall Rating:

"Great course"
Conditions: Good - normal wear/tear
Pace: 4 1/2 Hours
Cost: $75
Username: B-Man
Profile: Golf Addict (more than once a week)
Handicap: 6
Today's Score: 86
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Impressed with the condition and speed of the greens. They were in very good shape. The Bentgrass was cut short so they were quick and I didn’t see any issues. With the greens this smooth and fast, several holes had very difficult pins — back left on 5, back right on 9, front left on 18.

Tees and fairways were good as well. A few bunkers had standing water (fairway bunker on 5) or dried mud but the maintenance crews were working on them while we played.

The club has done a comprehensive tree clearing affecting many holes but especially Nos. 15 and 17. This was done to give several greens more sun and better airflow. They’ve also cut down one of the trees guarding the dogleg on No. 4 and between holes 7 and 8. All of these changes make those holes easier and more open, in my opinion.

The course plays as a par 71 with only 3 par 5’s. The White tees (which I played today to prepare for a scramble event in two weeks) take driver out of your hands on several holes (No. 1, 4, 9, and 15) due to doglegs and hazards.

Hole No. 9 is one of the most challenging par 4’s in Charlotte. Off the tee, you have to ensure your ball does not roll into the hazard at the end of the fairway. Even a perfect tee shot leaves you a long uphill approach to a steeply sloped greened back to front.

Hole No. 14 is one of my favorite par 5’s in Charlotte, with two shots over water and a peninsula green. No. 18 is also a fun par 5 that can be reached in two but trouble surrounds the green, upping the risk-reward factor.

I was a member at Emerald Lake for two seasons about 15 years ago. I still enjoy coming back to play, especially when the course and the greens are in such great shape.