Emerald Lake: 4/19 Emerald Lake uses DryJect aeration (instead of core) for their Bentgrass greens. Here's a primer on what that means.

This article went out on Golf Wire today and describes how Emerald Lake uses "dynamic pricing" with their online tee time rates. Interesting read to understand how this works. The golf industry is becoming more like airlines with fare prices.

Demand-based pricing and focusing on their most profitable hours drives growth

Saw this email come in last week and I've heard many folks complain about TeeOff getting bought by GolfNow:


"After a long relationship with GolfNow, we have decided to part ways. Emerald Lake Golf Club will no longer have tee times available on any third party website. Some of you may have even noticed that GolfNow.com is showing that our course is closed, which is inaccurate. We are open for play!

The lowest rates available (including our Daily Deals) can now be found exclusively on our website"


Courses are finding that they can manage their own tee sheets now. I wonder if that's recency bias though -- with the heightened play due to golf being allowed during the pandemic.
I still see a need for tee time aggregators, especially for last minute golfers like myself. When you don't care where or how much but just need to quickly see which courses have openings, these aggregators are very helpful. When you have to go to each course's website to check for openings, it might take you 10 minutes to find one.

Got this email from Emerald Lake today:

"To further enhance your experience while playing Emerald Lake Golf Club, we are now launching Operation P.O.P. (Pace Of Play). With this new program, we are committed to getting you around our golf course as quickly as possible. We understand that people do not have 5 hours to spend on a golf course nowadays, so Emerald Lake has paired up with the Carolina Golf Association to institute a 4 hour and 12 minute pace of play. Along with this new operation, we have also added the following measures to help "speed up play":
-We are cutting the rough half an inch to make it easier to find your ball.
-We are bringing food out more frequently to the course to cut down on your turn time.
-We hav! e hired rangers at problem areas to help spot errant golf shots."

I think this is great and much needed at Emerald Lake. My last several rounds there have been excruciatingly long.

Played Renaissance 9/28 and the greens are in terrible shape. Many dead spots and various lengths of grass on the greens. It's impossible to putt and feel that anything you're doing is going to make a difference as there is too much interference with the state of the greens for any putt to be accurate. The fairways were fine. The bunkers were actually very nicely kept and well-raked. I felt like someone there felt so bad about the greens being terrible that they thought they would at least make the bunkers playable.
Emerald Lake, which we played two weeks ago had bad greens as well. Almost as bad as Renaissance. Lots of crab grass on them and the crab grass didn't get mown down with the other grass so many putts you're putting through pieces of crab grass sticking up. Plus, lots of ! dead spots. The back 9 was better than the front, but not great.
It's a shame. These both used to be decent courses (Emerald Lake used to be really nice). It's been one of the rainiest and cooler summers in the 15 years I've lived here. If you can't keep your greens up this summer, when will you be able too? Plus, they were both way too expensive for what you get - even on tee off or golf now - I think we paid $70 bucks for 2 people for Emerald Lake and $50 for Renaissance. If we had just paid at the club house we would have given up and asked for our money back. Not sure how that works on the discount web-sites. They need to charge a lot less if their courses are in such bad shape.
Tega Cay was really nice. Worth any extra money.

I played Emerald Lake on Saturday and really enjoyed myself. The course was in good shape, with only 2 greens on the back with some minor issues. The rest were great. The real reason to write this is all that went on other than the round of golf. On the first tee, I was handed a brand new metal divot tool and thanked for supporting the course. At the turn, the course had a grill set up and cooked burgers, hot dogs, and brats for all the golfers. They were out there cooking all day. It was just nice to see extra effort put forth and to see and feel actual gratitude for playing. I really enjoyed myself.

I played in a Bank of America outing at Emerald Lake last Friday. Yhe course was is above average shape. The greens were overall in great shape, with only a spot or 2 in repair from some crab grass removal. Firm and fast. They had the temp trailer up and running with incredible hot dogs. The overall experience was better than most other courses in the area this summer for me.

Played today. Beyond anything else, it is just nice to get back out to this course. The staff has changed over and for the first time in years, I was greeted with a smile. Course was in good shape. Not perfect, but above average. Great mix of holes out here. Looking forward to the new clubhouse!

I talked to the pro today and he reiterated plans to re-open as soon as possible, hopefully by tomorrow (Saturday). They lost all but about 20 carts -- those were in a maintenance shed. Until the backup fleet arrives, they may be running at reduced capacity. They should have a trailer clubhouse up and running within a week. Due to the extensive damage, chances for determining the cause of the fire appear to be low.

I plan to call again later today and will try to get out to the course as soon as they re-open.

A fire destroyed Emerald Lake's clubhouse. There is no word if the course will open for play. Read more here:

Fire destroys Union golf course clubhouse

I plan to play at Emerald Lake tomorrow but I am a little concerned about their greens which were aerated on 2/26. Does anyone know the green conditions as of today? Thx!

Played Emerald Lake this AM and course is in good condition but greens are not as fast as they usually are. That's ok, cause they rolled true, but I do miss them being quick and rolling out like they normally do. We had a threesome and a single celebrity joined us. The B Man himself. I had no clue who he was, and I thought he had gray/white hair until I saw it was "Flair Hair"...He had 3 birdies, and a few chip ins...Nice meeting you B Man, and great playing!

First Annual Tournament for Ovarian Cancer:

Mom's Lemonade Fund Golf Tournament
Emerald Lake Golf Club
Monday, November 8th, 2010

The mission of Mom's Lemonade Fund is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, assist with frontline emotional and medical needs and to provide comfort care items for patients, their family members and caregivers battling the disease.

Registration: 9:00am
Shot Gun Tee Time: 10:00am
Cost: $70
Includes: Green Fees, Cart Fees, Range Balls, Lunch, Two Beverage Ti! ckets, Tournament Awards, Door Prizes
Sign-up and payment deadline: November 1, 2010

Help make our outing a success: we are looking for Hole Sponsors, Door Prizes and Players!

Contact the tournament coordinator Patty Miles at 704-882-7888 ext 3 or via email, fandb@emeraldlakegolfclub.com.

Personally checked or played (except where noted):

Verdict Ridge: punched "about 2 weeks ago" - still quite bumpy, along with some bare spots that haven't responded to the punching

Olde Sycamore: punched about a month ago, unfortunately divots from poorly repaired ballmarks mar the surfaces significantly - in other words, they look ok, and in general are in good rolling condition, but there are just too many ballmarks so almost any putt is likely to hit a ballmark (or 2)

Emerald Lake: punched about 10 days ago, still top dressed with a lot of sand, along with other issues certainly not rolling true

Skybrook: some really nice smooth areas on many greens, but also bare spots and many plugs of (presumably) poa anna, overall not bad

Highland Creek: very spotty, bare areas galore, one green (#15) gone by report

Red Bridge: mostly in very good condition, only a few greens with some isolated issues (Red Bridge greens are mini verde per clubhouse); definitely the best greens of all these (except Cleghorn, see below)

Cleghorn (this from a month ago) - in Rutherfordton, a hike, but perfect Bermuda greens (and fairways), best overall conditions I've played in all year (and maybe ever)

Hope that helps somebody...

I've played Emerald Lake more in past months than I normally would with my friends because alot of others' greens are in trouble. The course can bite you especially 3,7,8,9,16 and 18. The more I've played it the better I've shot at it. It's a bit of a drive for me(40)mins. I've come to like it ok except for hole 9 which is not really a fair hole unless the pin is in front left because the green slopes down front to back and sticking a ball with a wedge is difficult with big bunker in entire front of green. Never had an issue with staff then again I never call for t times. Don't know about being not told about aerification.

B-man your assessment about EL definitely matches what I have experienced, although I have had a few strange situations there. Back in the spring we played on heavily sanded and aerated greens, even though staff informed us when we booked on the phone the exact opposite - we were not pleased. Generally the greens are very good and consistent. I like the course, it's just that EL is not usually a course that offers the discounts that Carolina Trail and several others offer. Nice layout, particularly #5 and #14. The only hole I hate is #9 (old #18) because of the green being constructed backwards, sloping from front to back and toward the water, making it a 3-shot hole for even the longest hitters. I was told several years ago the course had intended to reconstruct it but has not. All in all a very good course even with its quirks.

Karl -- actually, I have indeed given other course GM's the opportunity to respond to negative feedback here on the site -- the most recent example was Birkdale, but before that I've done the same for Charlotte Golf Links and Rocky River, to name a few. And I will always give course staff the opportunity to respond here on the site if they contact me.

If you read one of my recent reviews of EL, I actually said I would not post a review every time I play (since it would be frequently). Most likely I'll only post a new one if conditions change. So watch for my next update because it likely means something's going on (perhaps when they aerate).

As I said before, please post your own reviews of Emerald Lake and other local courses. This site is built on player feedback and opinions. If I post a review that you don't agree with, post a comment. If you think my coverage of Emerald Lake is biased or not accurate, then don't take my word for it.

Let me know if you have a suggestion for how I should handle Emerald Lake reviews and feedback. I couldn't tell from your post what you were expecting me to do differently. And if you want to handle it off the board, feel free to send me a direct email.

B-Man

i agree that bman has been fair and objective in his reviews. My only issue, and it is not really an issue because i really dont care, is that if someone has a very bad experience at emerald lake, and they post it on here, bman will go to emerald lake and get their side of the story, which of course will refute any negative comments. no other course has that opportunity. i am sure you can email the course gm and let them know about the feedback, but emerald lake now has a direct link to this website while no other course does. again, no big deal, i just thought it seemed sketchy. bman, if the course is in horrible shape and should be avoided at all times, will you post that for all to read, even though you know that the staff at emerald lake reads this site often? if you think that a shop guy is a jerk, will you write that for all of your readers to see even though you will see him the next time you check in to play at your "home course?" tough call.

A few things as a long time reader of these forums

1. Emerald Lake is a good course with fantastic staff. I've been going there for years and I've never understood the negative reviews on these boards given my countless positive experiences there. The range is great and the course is always in good shape.

2. BMan has not been biased about his reviews, just honest and objective. I don't think that will change now that he has joined Emerald Lake. I agree with others....keep up the good work!

he must have had a bad round. i for one play emerald lake a few times a year and find the staff and course enjoyable. keep up the good work b-man.

Karl -- thanks for the feedback, always welcomed. Let me first say that, sure, you can consider my reviews of Emerald Lake biased -- just as you would anybody's reviews of a course they play frequently and know well. Since I joined on 7/30, I have played there probably 8 or 10 times for at least 9 holes. I also know the staff pretty well.

That said, let me clear up a few other things you mentioned. First, the Featured Course on this site's home page is automatically selected based on the course with the most recent review. So with me having posted 3 reviews since 7/23, there's a good chance when you've visited the site recently that Emerald Lake was the Featured Course -- as it will remain until a more recent review for another course is posted. Please, by all means, if you've played another course recently, post a review and that course will become the featured one. Just note that the selection is based on the date you played not on the date you submit the review.

Secondly, my defense of Emerald Lake over the last 12 months has more to do with me living so close to the course and knowing the staff. I can see for myself whether the reported conditions are as someone describes. I can also get the other side of the story directly from the staff -- which I have posted in fairness and to provide my site visitors with more information so they can judge for themselves. I have never withheld replies from the original reviewer. In the previous cases here on the message board, the reviewers never posted another message or contacted me.

Lastly, I would encourage you to post a full review if you had a bad experience at Emerald Lake. Other players can then comment. I, for one, as biased as I may be, don't know what courses you are comparing Emerald Lake to that you would consider it a "cow pasture." As I've noted, the only issues I have seen are ball marks on the greens from lots of recent play, a few greens with small bare spots requiring a top dressing of sand and a few tee boxes that are thin. The greens roll very true, the fairways are lush and weed-free and the bunkers have been kept in good shape. There are only a few courses in the Charlotte area I would consider a "cow pasture" -- due to weeds in the fairways, greens not mowed, bare dirt spots around the course, grass in the bunkers, etc -- and one of them closed a few years ago (Crystal Creek).

I encourage other readers to weigh on and comment on my recent reviews.

Thanks,

B-Man

Just an observation and you do not have to post this if you feel as though it shouldn't be, but it just seemes a bit biased that you joined Emerald Lake a few weeks ago and now they have been the "Featured Course" on your home page for weeks now. There are coupons posted all over your website now for this course. Also, going back over the message board, it seems as though you have defended Emerald Lake against bad reviews. How do we know that all reviews are being posted about your "home course?" I know that there has to be negative reviews out there because I played there last Friday and thought the place was a cow pasture. Just an observation.

Thanks for the note, Jamie. I sent your note on to TJ Congleton, head pro at Emerald Lake, and he sent me the reply below. I also went out last Sunday and played the front 9 with TJ. I found the greens to be in very good shape, considering the recent aeration. I think the staff there did a great job making them very playable so soon after aeration. The greens were fairly quick, the sand did not alter putts significantly and the holes were completely filled. So I understand they weren't perfect, but the conditions were not bad, especially considering the reduced weekend price.

As for your suggestion that I send out questionnaires for local course managers to respond with aeration and condition updates, that's a GREAT idea. I have a few friendly contacts with several courses, but I could use any help my readers can provide as far as introducing me (virtually by email is fine) to local course managers that you know. I can definitely send out regular emails or letters to get maintenance schedules or special condition updates. Thanks for the suggestion.

Here's TJ's note about Jamie's experience (note that I withheld the name of the other course):

---

We have just hired a new Assistant that came over from [another local course]. I just talked with him about this, and he said that he was instructed at [the other local course] to NOT TELL anyone when they were punching. I have told him about our policy of telling everyone when they call that we have punched (even before we did punch) but, he might have let one slip. I take full responsibility for this. I may have been outside, or not in the shop. If I had been inside, I would have stopped him on the phone, and made sure he did actually tell them that we had punched. I have talked with him about this as soon as your email came through.

It is a fine line when it comes to telling people about aerifying greens, but we do feel that it is very important to be upfront and honest with people so that we do not encounter issues like this one. I know how it would feel (I have been in that position before) to get to a course, pay your money, and go to the first green to find they are punched. It is not fun, so coming from this stance, I know that it is very important to tell everyone that you have and be honest with them from the start.

If you want to test it, give us a call, and make a tee time. I guarantee that who ever picks up the phone to make your time will give you our typical breakdown of what’s going on... “We did punch Monday and Tuesday, using a small pencil tine, which is the reason for the reduced rate, but I assure you that the greens are in fine shape, they have been cut, top-dressed, and are rolling fine.”

Let us rejoice folks! I was once again hit between the eyes by another aeration surprise. This time it was Emerald Lake. I called on 3/2 to make a tee time - the price was $45. I get there Saturday and the price was $35. I asked why the difference, and you can guess the reason - they just aerated 3/1. They told me one thing over the phone, and another when I got there. Needless to say the greens did not putt well, very bumpy and sanded over. My playing partner asked them why they did not inform us of the aeration, which was unusually early this year. His answer was, and I am not joking - "we have been told to not inform people about it; if they specifically ask we will not lie and will tell them, but we never voluntarily reveal that type of information." What is the best word to describe this? ! How about ridiculous.

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to assist BMAN by suggesting an addition to this site - a short questionnaire or course conditions request to be sent to each course quarterly. Hopefully the superintendents would respond with updates on course conditions and aeration schedules. Hey it's just a thought. Opinion BMAN? Thanks.

I think Steve's message about Emerald Lake was right on the mark.......I only golfed there once for a 9 hole "dog fight" and will never go back. That place is in need of some serious help. The people there are absolutely terrible!!!! Before you slam me...I have nothing to gain from this since I just moved down here from Michigan 5 months ago. In fact, I think most of the local courses are highly overrated and OVER PRICED! I would sure like to meet the people who come on this site and post "great" things about the courses on your list. I am an avid golfer who plays to a 6 handicap and have played alot of the courses you mention and I would only give 3 or 4 of them a rating "nice" rating. It is almost like the course personal down here take what they have for granted.......

I have an update regarding this review based on a conversation with the GM at Emerald Lake. While I'm going to leave it posted until I can confirm 100%, please consider it a "suspicious" review -- meaning potentially bogus.

Stephen Boyles -- if you are out there, please contact me directly to resolve.

I guess I don't pay that much attention to pro shop guys taking my money or starters taking my greens fee slip, because I've never seen attitudes or behavior that would keep me from going back to play a nice course. Slow play, high prices, bad conditions -- now those things will keep me away for sure.

By the way, I'm happy to forward on any feedback or comments anyone has for course managers or pros. I have contacts at several courses now and most of them want to hear feedback and criticisms. If you include your email address, I'll let you know what I hear back in response.

Played last week and forgot to post my review. This is my third time playing this golf course this year and I will officially never go back. The sad thing is it has nothing to do with the course itself. The course was in decent shape, nothing bad, but not as good as some others in the area. The problem is the staff. "Rude" does not even begin to cover it. I paid in the Pro Shop and was handled by a smug, cocky pro. I was "greeted" at the first tee by a grumpy man who clearly hated his job. The day ended with the General Manager telling me that "amateur golfers" are all hacks that should all play Top Flights and knock off clubs. I just don't get it. Beeman, I know that you said you were treated much differently, but I think that Emerald Lake might have known you were coming and rolled out the red carpet for you. It's just a shame. Good track, horrible customer service.

Played SAT/SUN and course was in excellent shape...greens in good shape, bunkers, etc...deal $140 for 4 people as well, can't beat it....nice practice facility, friendly staff.

I had received another review last week on email and wanted to post here:

"Just wanted to report that I have just played Emerald Lake Golf Club yesterday [6/13]. The course is in FANTASTIC shape!!! The greens are perfect!! The rough is deep. The fairways are true. Rumor is of a complete bunker renovation also. I would HIGHLY suggest everyone come play this track. It truely is a gem!!" [Will]

Don't quite know what to make of the disparate reviews...

I played Emerald Lake over the weekend and was not impressed. I have read all the negative reviews on here, but most of them referred to the poor attitude of the staff, so I was hoping that the course conditions would make up for poor service. Nope. Neither was good. Greens are shaggy, bunkers have less sand in them than most childhood sand boxes and the tee boxes are even worse. Skip this track this season.

Just some comments on some of the courses I've played in the last couple of months.

Renaissance - completely disagree with the comments earlier. The only issue I had with this course is that it's sometimes hard to find a flat spot on the tee.

Emerald lake - completely agree with the last comment. Not going back.

Regent Park - played there Wednesday. Greens were a little fuzzy and slow but the course is in great shape.

Springfield - Always in great shape.

Cleghorn Plantation - made the drive and was dissapointed. Course is gorgeous. Great views, elevation changes, etc. Tees, fairways, bunkers all in great shape. Greens were terrible. They have something growing besides grass. It made them virtually unputtable and ruined the round.

Olde Sycamore - always in great shape.

River Oaks - greens were very good. Tee to green, not so much. Needs some work, Not worth the drive unless you're north of town.

Glen Oaks - I really liked this course. They seem to take a lot of pride in this course. Some really pretty holes and at least one where you tee off across a road. Worth the drive.

Deer Brook - I wasn't all that impressed but I was out there after some bad weather. I'll try it again before passing judgement.

Rock Barn - Played the Jones course and it was great as you might expect from a course that is a Senior Tour stop.

Charlotte Golf Links - It's horrible. Don't bother.

Moorseville Muni - You hear different things about hhis course but I liked it. A few of the tees needed a lot work but I thought the fairways and greens were very good. They seem to do a lot of 1st Tee/ Junior golf up there. There were lots of kids walking the course Mother's Day.

Have played Eagle Chase, Fox Den and The Warrior also. All were in good shape and worth going to play.

Playing Edgewater in the morning. I'll update my last comments about it.

A comment about Ballantyne Resort. They really aren't interested in attracting local golfers over there. It's all about packaging rounds with rooms and corporate outings.

I do not agree with this guy one bit. I have been to Emerald Lake twice this year and both times I watched and listened as the Pro Shop Staff made fun of people as they walked out. They seem to be very arrogant over there for no reason. The course is in okay shape, but not nearly as good as other tracks in the area. I hear them talk badly about other golf courses as well. This course has fallen from everyone's grace. Four or five years ago, this course was very, very nice. Now, it is just average at best. Spend your money elsewhere.

I don't know what the person before me is talking about, this course is one of the best around! The greens are PERFECT and the guys in the shop are always FANTASTIC to everyone that comes in. I feel like a member of Augusta when I go in. Customer service is A++++ and the course is even better!!!

Sorry you have a horrible attitude Robert Harris, maybe you should just give up the game because it seems like noone or anything can make you happy. If you don't like the guys over there, maybe you should go to Stonebridge, you'd love the folks over there, if you want to talk about bad customer service, try there.

Don't believe what Mr. Harris says, this place is top notch!!!!

This course has become a laughing stock. They have jerks behind the counter, jerks running the course, and horrible course conditions as a nice little cherry on top of that sundae. Absolutely no customer service. They just promoted their assistant pro to head pro, and he was the worst one of them all! Stay away, and play somewhere that appreciates the hard earned money you are spending. With 90-some-odd courses to choose from, why go somewhere that acts like they are doing you a favor by being open?

Played Emerald Lake on 4/4. Fairways are starting to green nicely, but were wet. The greens are in good shape after March aeration, but were unusually slow...don't know why. Very odd for that course, greens are normally much faster.

Bman, thanks for the insight. I also remember a guy I met at the course a few years back who said that #9 (former #18) used to be a headache for the Hooters Tour. He said the Hooters Tour used to play Emerald Lake, but because the players got so tired of dealing with the green on #9, they took the course off their schedule. He said the big hitters would intentionally aim for the front bunker on their second shot because the green would not hold anything, and they usually could reach in two with no problem. They got frustrated with the hole, so they decided to play elsewhere. They asked management if they could reshape the green correctly, and obviously nothing happened. Whether this whole story is actually true or not, who knows.

Jamie -- good observations. If you read my last review, you'll see I had the exact same opinion of the #9 green. It's unfair and a shame, since it's a great hole otherwise. I also agree on #18 vs. #9 as a finishing hole. I inquired about this years ago when they switched. At that time, the pro shop attendants said that #11 (previously #2) was causing groups to back up early in their round, since it is such a tight driving hole, with the driving range to the left, and has a difficult uphill approach. To eliminate this pace of play problem, they switched the nines. I always felt like they should make #9 a par 5, which would make the total par into a 72, rather than the current 71. But I guess that's not a cheap change to make.

Played Emerald Lake yesterday (8/9/08), and it seemed in good shape. Greens were rolling well, and the fairways were very consistent. However, one mystery still remains after all these years. Every time I bring a friend there who is not familiar with the course, I hear the same comment about #18. "Man this is a lousy finishing hole", they say. When I point out that the two nines were switched several years ago, they are usually dumbfounded. Like me, they cannot understand the reasoning for that. Hole #9 (formerly #18) is a great finishing hole, although rumor has it that the green was constructed backwards (it slopes AWAY from to back towards the lake, making it virtually impossible to approach in two with a long iron or wood) The green will not hold anything longer than about an 8-iron, depending on where the pin is cut. This green design and the switching of the nines has always mystified me. I have asked a few guys at the pro shop, buy they don't know the story behing it. If anyone does, please feel free to elaborate. I'm really curious, mainly since most folks feel I'm sure that #9 was a much better finishing hole.

I've added Carolina Lakes Golf Club (Indian Land, SC) to the roster. I've still got to get out there and post my review, though. Let me know if you've played there and how you liked it.

Also, I received some quick updates from J.D.:

Waterford -- Greens are in good shape and lightning quick as usual. But the fairways could be a bit better, even with our drought conditions.

Carolina Lakes -- Probably one of the best courses in South Charlotte. Excellent condition. Good luck trying to hold the greens on anything more than a PW.

Emerald Lake -- Good greens, but the course was in better condition earlier in the year.

Springfield -- Fantastic condition and still one of the toughest off-the-tee courses around.

Thanks for the update, Howard. I'm not sure I would give Emerald much credit over the Divide, though, especially on price. You can always get a decent rate at the Divide with their own players' card, Click-it coupons, or their email specials. Emerald Lake has been lacking in the discount fee department for the last few years that I've seen. My experiences there have generally been hit and miss, as far as the conditions -- with the exceptions of the greens, which are nearly always very good. So we'll see. I haven't played there in a while and have been meaning to give another try. I'll look for an opportunity in the next month or so and post an update.

B-Man

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. I played Emerald Lake today and it was it great shape. The greens are running great and smooth and the fairways are just begining to get green and fluffy. The rates for this summer are like 39 bucks during the week, 42 on friday and 59 on weekends. They are not going any higher than that, which makes them cheaper than the divide and all surrounding courses, but always in better shape. This is a course that will be a gem this summer.

I noticed Emerald Lakes' rates this winter have actually gone UP to $59 for Saturday mornings. What's the deal? I was told they would go up again in March after they aerify. Up to what...$75? I have not played there since last spring because they are so much higher than the surrounding courses like Divide and Charlotte National. In the winter the course typically drains poorly and is in very average shape compared to other courses. Are they trying to compete with Ballantyne and Olde Sycamore? Are they preparing to go all private?

Played Emerald Lake yesterday, and it is in great shape. The greens are very good right now, although they are planning to aerate very soon. The course is in the best shape I've seen it in years, but call first (704-882-7888) to ask about aeration. They are doing it later this year for some reason.

If money is no object, go for Ballantyne Resort. That's a great conditioned course with all the amenities and it's not all that difficult. I did just play the Divide last week and it was fine. They don't aerate til October. Generally speaking, I'd say the Divide is overpriced compared to others around town.

Last I heard (a week or two ago), Regent was in OK shape. They had recent problems with burned out greens, but have mostly recovered.

One last one to consider is Emerald Lake. I hear it's in great shape right now. It is very playable for all skill levels.

I played Emerald Lake yesterday for the first time several years. I was shocked that there was no mud on the tee boxes like there used to be. The course was in the best shape that I've ever seen it. The change around the 9th green to keep balls from rolling into the drink is a nice change.

Played there today (9/26/04); the greens were impeccable; tee boxes not too bad but a lot of moving around of the white tees; sometimes back with the blue tees and sometimes up with the red tees. Fairways were cut short and firm so a lot of bounce for your drive. Fairway lies were a bit too tight for me to make those occasional critical shots without sweating it. Overall, I was not disappointed with the course and would play there again an a discount coupon.

I've only played once back in May and it was fine. I usually check LMTT's course feedback board for recent updates: http://www.lastminutegolfer.com/MsgBoard/Graffiti.asp?BoardID=55.

I've played Emerald Lake several times a year for the past few years. I used to love it, then had a few bad experiences in a row -- where they had just aerated or were repairing tee boxes -- so I didn't play as much. Based on price and playability the course was a bit overrated. I play it every now and then just for variety, not because I love the course or the price point.

If you're in that area of town, Charlotte National is a better course in my opinion. Olde Sycamore is also nice, but more pricey. The Divide suffers from the same inconsistency of conditions / high price that Emerald Lake does.