Charlotte's Most Underrated Golf Facility?

Welcome to the Two Down Press golf newsletter!

Happy New Year! I’ve had a couple weeks to rest, recover, and pour over the data from my GHIN Rewind. We’re seeing lots of downward trend lines - handicap down (good), average score down (good), rounds played down (bad). Here’s to keeping some trends going in 2025 and reversing others.

More importantly, 2DP is back with a big January in store. We’re easing into it this week with a profile of a hidden gem and some quick news items. On to 2025!

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COURSE REVIEW

The Golf Village Par 3: One of Charlotte’s Most Underrated Golf Assets

I recently made my annual visit to the Golf Village, a criminally underrated facility in Pineville. Typically the combination of a driving range and brewery would be enough to curry favor with me, but it’s the par 3 course that puts this place over the top.

The land: Par 3 courses are often boring - many I’ve sampled feature flat, circular greens and mundane pieces of land. Not the case at “The Short Game Shop,” as it’s affectionately known. Tucked into a corner of the property, the course is bisected by a ridge that creates two distinct sections. It’s not a hugely dramatic feature, but provides enough elevation change to create interesting golf. The course also abuts Little Sugar Creek and uses this natural water feature to great effect on hole #4.

The layout: There is a ton of variety packed into this little nine. Short and long (ranging 60-150 yards), uphill and downhill, heroic carries and bump-and-runs - mastering this course requires wide-ranging short game prowess. Add in some steeply sloped greens requiring delicate chip shots when you miss, and you have an extremely thorough short game evaluation.

The vibe: Conditions are scrappy in a charming way - it’s a $12 loop after all. The course is extremely approachable for golfers of all skill levels and would be a great place to learn the game (bring your kids!). Warning for any purists out there - the cups are about 2x regulation size, but I promise it works. This place perfectly threads the needle of being inviting to beginners and challenging enough for seasoned players. Best of all, post-round drinks are only steps away at Middle James Brewing.

Standout holes:

#3 - 96 yards

The 3rd would not be out of place on any regulation golf course. The severely tilted green sits on top of the central ridge and is guarded by a deep bunker short right. Short and long are both bad places to be, as steeps slopes repel approach shots and require recovery from well below the green surface.

#4 - 105 yards 

The 4th expertly leverages its natural features and introduces fun strategic questions. Little Sugar Creek looms and will swallow short-right misses, but a large hump and swale on the left side of the green force a challenging chip for those who bail out. Take on the trouble and you can make 2, but those eager to avoid the water will be happy to walk away with par.

STORIES TO TRACK

Concord’s Sophie Lauture Wins CGA Young Am: The UNC Greensboro freshman shot 74-71 (+1) to secure her second CGA title at Pinewild Country Club. Yes - we’re claiming Concord for this one.

• GHIN sleuthing: Lauture plays out of The Club at Irish Creek and has a +3.9 handicap!

5 Clubs Golf Lands Golf Channel Morning Show: The Charlotte-based golf media brand will create and produce a new morning show on Golf Channel starting this month. Long-time Golf Channel personality turned podcaster Gary Williams will host.

• My two cents: OK - maybe updates on weekday morning Golf Channel programming aren’t the hardest hitting news, but the Charlotte connection caught my eye. Another serious golf industry player based here in town, and one that will be getting more airtime in 2025.

HOUSEKEEPING

After some holiday season flip-flopping, Two Down Press will be back on its Thursday morning cadence for the foreseeable future. See you next week.

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