Pros:
Public vs private courses. It seems to be an ongoing debate about what are better. When you find a course that has the perks of both, and it's going amazing scenery, you've got something special.
- I first heard about Neatman Creek thanks to its course fly-over video making the rounds on the local clubs FB pages. The video alone, without knowing anything else about the course, was enough for me to check it out.
- Top notch layout. Very few courses (and I'm talking out of the 400+ I've played) that have a smooth, varied, exciting flow from hole to hole. Every hole on the front 9 offered a completely different look. You could not play the same shot off the tee two holes in a row. The first 'boring' hole I played was #13. Even most elite courses will have something lesser prior to that.
- Opening Hole. The best hole on the course also happens to be the first one. The most difficult shot you'll have the entire round from a fairway (sorry, I don't include your shot from deep in the woods) is your very first shot of the round. A downhill, sweep left-to-right- dog leg that transforms from an open field to a wooded second half. Throw in a shallow creek beyond on the far, left side of the fairway, and this is perhaps the most difficult opening hole in the entire state. Shoot, Ashe County has a simple open-field hole before you start scaling the mountain. If there is a negative, this hole would feel so much better later in the round.
- Terrain. The course is going up and down hills throughout the course. There are far less flat layouts than ones with elevation. Here's a summary of the first four holes: #1 - big downhill hole. From there, walk uphill to play another 30-foot downhill hole (#2). #3 is flat. Then you have a 187-foot straight uphill, dogleg left layout (#4). Nothing like unleashing a mid-range disc and still having 75 feet for your second shot as you didn't throw your tee shot high enough.
- Scenery. The backdrop for the first tee are some of the mountains around Hanging Rock State Park. It's a stunning view, especially considering this is the view from the front porch here. An epic course and a one-of-a-kind view (by NC standards) on the same property? Sign me up.
- As if that's not good enough, the view of Neatman Creek behind #9's basket is another outstanding view. It's one of the best images I have on my IG account (shameless plug @discgolfcraig on IG). Throw in some more views from up and down the hills, throughout the woods, and along the creek. Truly something special.
- Back to the flow, I like how there's seemingly always a shorter and/or easier hole after a challenging one. After #1, you have a short and fun downhiller. After the long, uphill #11 (672 feet with some serious incline), you have a short, uphill, birdie-able #12. Between the challenging #15 and valley layout on #18, you have the shortest hole on the course - #17 at 128 feet.
Cons:
People will complain about the artificial turf tee pads. It is what it is. It didn't bother me, but some will complain.
- No trash cans or benches on the course. It's also a bit of a drive to the near gas station / restaurant, so do your business and get your drinks before.
- Limited hours and reservations required. I list this as a con simply because somebody will try to show up unannounced and get turned away. Or someone will complain about the availability.
- Part of the reason they require reservations, other than the fact you park in their front yard, and play in their backyard, is that you want to make sure the electric fence is off when you play. I'm guessing that'll teach some people from showing up unannounced. And yes, you do have to go through three gates, so you will be touching a fence at some point.
- Who knew it took so long to get to a secluded course? Seriously, it's less than 30 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem (and less than 20 to Armfield or Horizons), but it seemed longer than that. It must be my big city lifestyle or something.
- Big arms will tear this course up. On #18, a 462-foot valley shot, a big arm may be putting for 2 as they throw over the valley. Noodle-ier arms, will be landing somewhere on the hill, having an uphill, and most likely, blind, second shot. As such, I two-putted from 25-30 feet for a somewhat disappointing 4.
- Honestly, the course is nearly flawless. Maybe add a little more length on a hole like #6, 8, 10, or 15. Maybe a mando somewhere or something else to add a little more bite. But realistically, DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING.
Other Thoughts:
Neatman Creek has so much to like. There is so much variety in terms of layout and hole design that it keeps things fresh throughout. If this isn't the best course in the Triad, it's a close second to Keeley.
- Excellent variety in terms of length. Four holes are shorter than 200 feet and five are longer than 400. With #11, at 672 feet, being uphill, it plays closer to 750. Overall, holes average 328 feet.
- #1 is going to be the course's signature hole with #7 being the second choice. In the fall, with the leaves changing colors, #7 might be one of the prettiest tee shots in the state. Above that, #2 is going to be another fun one due to its sharp downhill layout. That said, #3 is the best designed, best quality hole on the front 9. If you think this course is all about scenery and elevation, #3 is proof this course has some bite.
- As good as this course is, there can be some exceptionally low scores. Lots of birdie 2 chances. #11 also is going to see plenty of 3s for bigger arms. This hole is an easy par 4 for you guys.
- That said, there are a couple holes where you'll want to play a bit more cautious. #1 has casual OB for the creeks, which is where tee shots seem to collect. #3, 6, 13, and 15 have pretty thick tree lines. An aggressive tee shot can end up deep in the rough, or OB.
- This is an absolute gem. My two main criteria for courses is challenge and fun factor. A lot of courses have one or the other. Diavolo, which I just played 4 weeks earlier, has plenty of challenge but is somewhat lacking in the fun whereas Horizons (for local comparison) is fun but offers very little challenge. Neatman Creek has a near perfect blend.
- This course is right in the 4.0 - 4.25 range for me. Enjoy the quality of a well-maintained public course while enjoy the calmness and crowd-free experience of a private course.