I have played Stonebridge twice in the past month, both weekend afternoons. The course layout and conditions were good.

However, both rounds took over 5 hours to complete, and that was after our tee time was delayed by 15-30 minutes (and these were relatively warm, dry days, so there was no frost delay). Rangers were scarce and only promised the pace would improve, which it did not.

Weekend pace of play is a problem at most public courses, but it is time we hold courses accountable to improve the pace. Sadly, Stonebridge has not done so.

Greens are in very good shape for this time of year. Fairways are also good…and will be great soon.

can you provide more info regarding treatment, pt?
thx

Let me first say that I almost didn’t post PT’s message because there were no specifics mentioned and no contact address so I could follow up. The times I have played at Stonebridge, the pro shop staff has been nice and accommodating (when I had partners who were late for our starting time). My beefs with Stonebridge over the years were usually with regards to pace of play, but that seems to come and go.

As for Dan’s comments, I can understand the sentiment, but I think that is too broad a statement to make about courses in the Charlotte area. While I certainly see my fair share of poor conditions, high prices, and pro shop attitudes around town, I also see examples where course staff members are appreciative of their customers and constructive feedback.

So I would simply ask that feedback left here be as specific and as constructive as possible. Obviously, our shared goal is to improve the quality of golf in the area. I think this is the best way to accomplish that.

PT and others — I try to give both sides equal time in situations like this because everyone has their own perspective. I let Boyd Everling from Stonebridge know about this recent critique and he quickly responded:

As with any situation there are two sides to a story and here is our side.

On Sat. Oct. 23rd, we had a 25 player outing that started at 8:30. The outing was very slow and we were getting many complaints from the golfers behind them. For example, the first group played at a 3 hour pace of play for 9-holes. Their lead groups had as many as 3 holes open in front of them, therefore slowing down the rest of the golfers. Even with the groups skipping holes, most of the groups finished at 5-hours plus. We had 120 players behind the event that morni! ng that were happy that we were putting in the effort to speed play so that they could enjoy their round of golf as well.

We try to make all of our players’ experience at Stonebridge as pleasant as possible, and a pace of play above 5 hours is not enjoyable for any golfer.

We do value the input of all our golfers and strive to improve whereever possible.

We appreciate the opportunity to explain the events of that day.

Bobby West, PGA
Boyd Everling, PGA

I can see both sides, but the one thing that irks me is when any course books outings in the best time for most of us to play golf. Yes it is guaranteed revenue for the course but not on Saturday morning, that is when most folks are able to get out to play.

My preference is to see outings or tournaments booked after lunch on Saturday. I have played in several of them that was booked this way, this allows the regulars to get their rounds in before the outing plugs up the course.

I’m totally with the course on this one. PT was asked to move up 2 or 3 holes. PT says no one could “prove” they were holding up play.

Guys, get a clue. If you’re not sure you are holding up play, you are. You have no right, tournament or other, to slow play. You say you were on pace for 4 1/2 hours, the course says 5: guess what, the course is right.

There is another aspect that the courses that book tournaments need to address: tell them the expected time! 4 hours expected, 4 1/2 OK, slower than that and YOU WILL BE MOVED. Set the expectation, then the enforcement should provoke no complaint.

Is Stonebridge every busy Thursdays after 5? I’m planning on playing alone, but you never know….