Meadow Brook, Rhode Island’s longest golf course (7,468-yards from the back) has received mixed reviews since opening April 2010. This high-end daily fee course has been described as: picturesque; long, challenging layout; sculptured, strategically placed traps; enormous, undulating, firm greens; challenging in distance and putting. Hearing these reviews can be downright intimidating, especially to your “average female golfer”. If male golfers have found this course long and challenging, how playable is it for ladies?
My friend and I took our best golf game to Richmond to play this Rulewich-Fleury masterpiece to see how female-friendly it is. Meadow Brook has no grand entrance. The view from the main drag offers no hint of the amazing scenic wonders on the back 9. The humble, temporary clubhouse houses a small pro-shop, provides great food specials, beverages, and it shines with friendly, accommodating staff. Eventually a new clubhouse will be built among the pines between the 1st and 18th holes. Presently it’s a hike to and from the 1st and 18th holes, and given its size (260-acres), it’s a cart course for ladies.
Playing from the forward tees offer not only significant distance advantage, but it’s like playing a different course. Distance is a manageable 5,308-yards and course rating/slope is 68.9/117. The long par 4s are balanced by the short, reachable par 3s (86-122 yard range). There’s few forced carries. The 2nd hole demands a strong tee shot over the only forced carry you’ll encounter from the forward tees. This track offers a variety of holes as the fairways widen and tighten up allowing a variety of shots. The firm fairways offer plenty of roll. The tight, winding, rolling fairways that snake through tall stands of pines and hardwoods demand accurate shot placement; however, landing in the rough isn’t too penal. Many fairway traps do not come into play unless you’re a long hitter or hit a wayward shot. It was an adrenaline rush to land on the enormous, contoured greens…to know you’re on the green…until you experience the sloping, undulating terrain, and your ball goes screaming across the green like the speed of lightening!
Memorable holes…the signature 10th, 86-yard, par 3 with peninsula green and the two great finishing water holes. Water presents as a lateral hazard on these holes from the forward tees…contrary to the men’s required forced carries.
Overall impression: Meadow Brook is very playable/enjoyable for females. Great ambience and eye-pleasing; challenging but manageable length; good balance of holes; more visually intimidating than it is penal; most difficult aspect…putting!
About Pam Borges
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