CALABASH, NC – Located just a mile from its sister course, Farmstead Golf Links, this Willard Byrd design offers all that a golfer wishes. Scenic beauty and memorable holes combine for an unforgettable golfing experience.
Meadowlands has five sets of tees each named after an indigenous bird. Regardless of your handicap or level of play there’s a yardage that’s right for your game. The Raven tees at 7054 yards are rated at 73.7/136. The Heron (blue) tees play at 6591 yards and 71.7/127. The white Egret tees at 6080 rate 69.3.119 for men and 74.7/136 for women. The yellow Hummingbird tees are 5512 yards and rated at 66.7/114 for men and 71.6/125 for women. At 5041 yards the red Cardinal tees rate 64.5/110 for men and 69.3/118 for the ladies.
Water seems to be on almost every hole. In fact you’ll wonder if that lake behind the clubhouse actually winds its way through the entire layout. At times the water is simply there for effect, but it will lull you to sleep and suddenly come into play.
Case in point is the devilish 3rd hole. Although water was prevalent on the 1st and 2nd holes, it really only captured the most errant shots. Suddenly the No. 1 Handicap hole is before you. The tee shot is intimidating and demands carry over a water hazard that transcends the fairway. You’re not done yet with the water hazards on this Par 4. Your approach shot needs to carry a large pond towards an elevated green. The green slopes toward the water and a front pin position can be a real challenge. Par this great hole from any tee box and you’re a player.
Then there’s No. 6, a Par 4 No. 3 Handicap that can really play with your mind. Your tee ball needs to be dead-on accurate to the narrowest fairway on the course. Go right and you’re in the trees. Go long and you’re in the fairway, but there’s a chance you’ll reach a steep downhill slope that leads into a water hazard. Going off the fairway right and you’ll probably find yourself running off the slope and into the rough making an aggressive approach shot a question. Just stay slightly to the right of the 150-yard marker. It’s a perfect target. Even with that good drive your approach must carry a water hazard that comes almost to the greens edge.
Both No. 12 and No.13 offer a challenge, but pale in comparison to the front nine’s two monsters. Score poorly on these two (Trust me, I know!) and you’ll have some catching-up. The Par 4s at Meadowlands are different, fun and as promised – memorable.
The Par 5s are excellent scoring opportunities. They are great recovery holes with each one being birdie or par opportunities, provided you string 2 or 3 good shots together and make some putts. No. 18 is a good example. Needing a par or birdie for a good round, No. 18 provides the opportunity, but does require you hit solid, well-placed shots. A large sand hazard protects the green, while a stream crosses the fairway and trees will capture either a pushed, or pulled shot.
The Par 3s are very playable and present scoring opportunities. Pay attention to your distances and club up if you have any doubt. No. 15 is a pretty hole, but is not as easy as it appears.
The Burroughs & Chapin staffs responsible for maintaining their golf courses deserve kudos for the job they’re doing. I’ve had the privilege of playing several layouts, but as circumstances happen most rounds have occurred in the cooler months. Regardless of the time of year their courses have been in great shape. Meadowlands Golf Club is no exception.