After a fairly easy drive over to Raleigh my friend and I went for one last round. So, on Sunday we headed to the outskirts of town to try out Reedy Creek Golf Course. I didn’t know much about Reedy Creek prior to our round, but I had read that the course is well-liked by the locals.

My friend and I checked in and were sent out as a twosome. We caught up with a foursome towards the end of the front nine and they were kind enough to let us through. It was smooth sailing after that, as we played in 3.5 hours.

Reedy Creek was designed Gene Hamm in the late 1980’s and Hamm did plenty of other work from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina up to Danville, Virginia. I’ve played probably a half dozen Hamm designs and usually walk away enjoying my round. Out of the Hamm courses that I’ve played I’d say the Foxfire courses, down near Pinehurst, are my favorites. When it comes to golf course design, Hamm isn’t known for anything flashy and that is just fine with me.

Reedy Creek’s layout is decent, although the course benefits from a nice piece of land. The course is located out in the farmland, between a creek and a country road. Of course, that creek is named “Reedy Creek”. The course is in a pine forest, without any homes around. All of the pine trees were the one thing that stood out to me about Reedy Creek.

I thought Reedy Creek’s best holes were ones where there is some water in play. On the front nine the par-3 6th is the highlight, while on the back nine the 13th or the 16th are the standout holes. We played the blue tees which are 70.2/133/6426.

The 6th is the shortest par-3 at Reedy Creek (142 yards) and proved to be a fun-to-play golf hole. It is a little bit downhill and over water to a green that slopes hard from left to right. The water cuts around on the right side so it puts an emphasis on the proper distance and line. The 6th is one of those great little par-3’s where someone can make a birdie, “other” or any score in-between.

The 13th is a 397 yard par-4 with water to the left. The fairway narrows and the hole has a risk/reward feel to it on the tee shot. And, if you pull an approach the water lurks to the left as well. As the #1 handicap it is one where you’ll want to be careful. Finally, the 16th is the course’s longest par-3 (198 yards) and features more water to the left. If you have a close match, then the 16th could decide it.

Reedy Creek was in good shape when we played and well worth the $40 green fee. The fairways were cut down and full. Surprisingly, only four holes were cart path only after recent, heavy rain. The greens were excellent surfaces – receptive and very quick. I spent my share of strokes on the greens, as I blasted putt after putt past the hole and had no idea how much break to play.

Reedy Creek isn’t a flamboyant course and it isn’t long, however I think it would make for a great home course and it gets my vote! It is fair, has just enough challenge to it and should allow you to enjoy the day.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):