Belmont Lake Golf Club (Rocky Mount, NC on 05/06/18)

On Sunday, the plan was for my friend and I to play Kilmarlic Golf Club on the way out of town. But, sadly, the weather didn’t cooperate. It rained heavily during the pre-dawn hours and the rain wasn’t forecasted to let up until around noon. We opted for some breakfast and a rain check at Kilmarlic, then we headed our separate ways.

I consider myself a bit of a weather nerd and therefore follow the weather patterns closer than most people! I knew the heavy rain was pinned to coastal North Carolina and Virginia, but that inland there were just some scattered thunderstorms. I decided that I would take the longer way back home and drive inland to I-95. From there, I’d head up I-95 through Richmond instead of taking I-64 the bulk of the way. This way I figured I might be able to squeeze in a round of golf on my way home without having to battle wet conditions!

Sure enough, it stopped raining and there were even pokes of sun as I pulled over outside of Rocky Mount! While I was stopped I booked my tee time at Belmont Lake and then drove the last fifteen minutes to the course. Rocky Mount doesn’t have a bunch of golf, but Sunday’s round was more about avoiding the weather rather than playing a premier place. Plus, from what I could find online, Belmont Lake looked like it could be one of those “hidden gem” courses.

When I pulled into the parking lot, I could tell it was a lazy Sunday afternoon! People were enjoying lunch in the clubhouse, others were out practicing and just a few carts were ready to go. I checked in and the pro shop was kind enough to let me head out a little early. That was great because the hourly forecast showed that I had about four hours before the storms started popping up! I buzzed through the first five holes and then caught up with a foursome. They eventually let me go and I ended up playing in 3.5 hours. What was funny is that about the time I finished a massive, dark thundercloud was building off in the distance! No doubt, I caught a break with the weather for this round.

Belmont Lake is a newer course, opening in 2007. It looks to be one of those master planned courses built around a community, but I didn’t see many homes. I saw a few lots being cleared, but the Great Recession seems to have left its mark on Belmont Lake. So at this point, it is just you and the woods!

David Johnson designed Belmont Lake and I’ve only seen his name once or twice before. On Johnson’s website, he has a few lines regarding playability. You can head over there to check it out, but basically what he is getting at is that the hackers pay a course’s bills! Therefore, he doesn’t want the course to be too penal for the average golfer. Finally, someone in the design business who shares my thoughts! After playing Belmont Lake, I’d say that it fits in with Johnson’s desire for a playable course. I played the blue tees which are 71.0/128/6513.

Because one of the focuses at Belmont Lake was playability, the design likely won’t “wow” you. Visually, there are only a couple standout holes. Everything else has a pretty open look to it with wide landing areas and extra space between the fairways and the woods. Somehow, I still managed to hit three tee shots out of play! I’d say Belmont Lake is a very comfortable driving course, as long as you aren’t me. Besides maybe the 18th, you don’t “have” to hit a good tee shot.

The most interesting holes at Belmont Lake are the par-3 3th and the par-5 11th. The 3th is the shortest par-3 on the course, playing just 144 yards from the tips. The green is fairly wide and angles ever so slightly from front left to back right. Short of the green is a pretty rock wall that makes sure any shots short end up in the water. Over the green are two fairly large bunkers, waiting to gobble up the extra club you’ll want to hit. It is a thrilling, short par-3! The 11th is the shortest par-5 and offers similar risk/reward lines as the 3rd. I hit a big drive on the 11th and had just a mid iron into the green. Sadly, I skipped my iron over another rock wall that guards the green and ended up in the water.

While the 3rd and the 11th are the most memorable holes at Belmont Lake, there are some other good ones. The par-4 5th could potentially be driveable or you can layup for a wedge approach, like I did. There are a couple long par-4’s on the back nine which allow you to play the long ball or scramble your way around for a par. The par-3 16th is another pretty hole, playing across more water.

Unfortunately, the conditions are where the course disappointed. First though, the good! The bermuda greens were beautiful! I read the greens were replaced in 2017 so they are on the firm side, but they rolled smoothly and at a medium pace. Unfortunately, all the other turf was very thin and it seems the course is struggling growing grass. Everything sat down, almost to the dirt and I was lucky to have much grass under the ball in the fairways. The ground had recently been aerated, so hopefully that is a step in the right direction! I won’t go on about the fairways, but if you are considering playing here you might give it a bit until the fairways are more playable. For ~$40, it wasn’t a big ticket item.

As far as the design goes, I think Johnson hit a home run! Belmont Lake offers a nice blend of modern golf without being too difficult. There is enough in the design to keep a single digit handicap interested with a few big breaking greens, uneven lies and options. At the same time, I could see the course yielding some pars to higher handicappers, which would keep them coming back.

#1 (403 yard par 4):