Rock Barn remains the top public access venue in town, boasting resort amenities and a thrilling layout of memorable holes.
10th hole at Rock Barn Country Club & Spa. Photo: Chris Beeman
Location: Conover
Rates: $70 weekdays, $85 weekends
Type: Semi-Private
Scorecard: Par 72, 6427 yards
Description/analysis: This Tom Jackson-designed course built in 1963 is part of the Rock Barn resort that features a second 18-hole private course (designed by Robert Trent Jones II), a spa and several restaurants. The layout features well-maintained Bentgrass greens, breathtaking holes and risk-reward scoring opportunities that will increase your heart rate.
Signature hole: The par 5 10th hole challenges you with a visually stunning elevated tee shot to a dogleg left fairway some 50 yards below the tee box. On your second shot, you can choose to challenge the large pond between you and the green and have a go at eagle. Or, play it "safer" down the right side of the pond and try to avoid the fairway bunkers guarding the layup. Whichever route you take and no matter your score, you will talk about this hole after your round and want to play it again.
Best venue for a putting contest: The practice area features the largest putting green you'll find anywhere — in case you want to try a 200-foot putt!