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2.8
73 Reviews (73)
5 Stars
24
4 Stars
36
3 Stars
7
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
3
Conditions
2.9
Value
3.4
Layout
2.7
Friendliness
3.3
Pace
3.5
Amenities
2.5
30.9%
Recommend this course
66 out of 73 reviews
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
0
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
0
Value
0
Layout
0
Friendliness
0
Pace
0
Amenities
0
0%
Recommend this course
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
2.7
3 Reviews (3)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.3
Value
3.3
Layout
2.7
Pace
3.7
Amenities
2.3
StaffFriendliness
3.0
33.3%
Recommend this course
1 out of 3 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private
Par 72
Length 6574 yards
Slope 137
Rating 70.7

Formerly known as Buffalo Shoals National Golf Club.

Course Details

Year Built 1996
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Lennie Younce Gene Bates (1996)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Available Sports

Fitness, Tennis

Reviews

2.8
73 Reviews (73)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 9
Patio Dining 6
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 20
Bunkers 15
Water Hazards 14
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 13
Locals 11
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 11
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 16

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Nice Course, Friendly Staff. Great Greens. Great Value. Overall, great course.

Played on a Friday morning. Had 1 1/2 " rain night before. But course held up nicely. Its a $25 course all day long. Great value. Would not pay more but that goes for any course. Overall it was a great experience. Last time I played the course, it was North Carolina National and it was ok. The owner was great and the grill staff (not sure her name but pretty sure she was manager) was extremely nice and very outgoing. It was a little slow pace of play because we had a twosome infront of us that rather talk than play golf. Not the course to blame. That happens everywhere. But my biggest complaint is that this course has a lot of blind shots. Very challenging to say the least. First time playing the course is almost impossible since there are not yardage marked for layups. Would be nice if on the tee box they would tell you the distance to layup areas. It may take several rounds before you figure it out. Did almost get hit on one hole. But again that was because the twosome in front of us were too busy on their phones and the twosome behind us were not paying attention. But again overall, a great course and layout. Will definitely play again as long as the price doesnt increase. I'm cheap.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Course management

I had heard a lot of good things about this course so my wife and I decided to play it, drove from Huntersville so it took 45 min's to get there which is ok.
The course had been closed for several MO's I mean several Mo's. They added a new green so it took some time. So the course opened about 2 weeks prior to our play, when we got there they sanded all greens. WHAT that's right sand everywhere, it had not been smooth out.
My question is WHY wasn't this done when it was closed.
I will not ever be back. Bad management!

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

River oaks

This course is a hidden gem. The layout is excellent with large changes in elevation and beautiful fairways. The greens are well placed and manicured to perfection. It has several challenging holes and the views are amazing. Definitely one of my favorite courses to play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

still mismanaged

Due to green conversions to Bermuda the course will be closed from mid-june to mid-september, and is currently operating on 16 holes due to reconfiguration on 2 holes. Its Puzzling to me as to why they want to do all this and spend so much money yet continue to operate the place like a $20 Goat Track course! The Carts are just plain nasty and and worn while the clubhouse bathroom is alway nasty and unsanitary! Membership prices could be increased by 50% here once reopened if they would hire some energetic clubhouse staff, and make a couple improvements their current processes. . The 2 longtime current guys quit caring years ago thus why everything around the clubhouse suffers. The Range Balls may be some of the worst I’ve ever experienced as many are 10 yrs old and or cracked. Current course conditions are great and I hate to see the Bent Grass Greens being converted.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Poor
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

Mismanaged

Have play here 4 times this year, and hoped it would get better once hot weather arrived, however it’s still fairly rough! I have played golf regularly for the past 40 years and have never experienced a Course that is more mismanaged. By this I don’t mean the course being uncared for, I mean everything else! The Course has no website. Once you arrive You pay inside, no info is required nor recorded and then you then go get you a cart out front. None of this is attended, so when fairly slow you could simply park and load a cart then play without even paying. There is never any starter, and the course has no Ranger. Each time wehave visited we had to scan thru like 4 to 6 carts to find you clean enough to use. Most had spilled drink, tobacco spit, and various other issues making them just plain nasty. Probably the dirtiest cart fleet I’ve seen! It’s been this way each time we’ve been here. All they seem to do is clean out the trash and possibly rinse off the floorboards each evening.
As for the course itself, it’s a strange layout for sure. The front 9 is very attractive given its tree-lined, except the par 4 hole #9 of which we are not a fan! Strange hole for sure, someone said it was once a short par 3 before being ruined! The back 9 is just plain odd. Hole #10 is a waste of land.. very narrow very steep uphill fairway. You can drive it down the middle to the 100 yard marker however your ball may roll back down the hill some 60-70 yards due to the hard fairway with very worn/this grass from all the uncontrolled cart traffic dumped into this area. Same goes for the front and left of this green, worn grass from carts May allow your ball to come back down into the fairway! 90% of the trees have been removed for all the land from holes 13 thru 18 so your basically playing on and open hillside and then an open creek valley! There is also a Shooting Range (yes Guns) adjoining the greens of holes 12 & 15 which can be a bit unnerving! Most of the approaches to all 18 holes on the course are more worn than they should be due to no cart ropes nor cart stakes.. many regulars drive right up to green side which compacts the soil. The last 100 yards of hole 18 is as hard as dried clay due to ALL carts flowing thru this area. The Bent Grass Greens here are hit or miss depending on the week, but I’ve heard they get to be really nice once summer heat arrives.
Each time we’ve been here the small main bathroom in the clubhouse was just plain nasty as well as the aforementioned carts. All this reflects badly on River Oaks.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Previously Played

Decent course, but worn grass!

Have played here several times in the past 10 months. Interesting course layout for sure, but has several just plain goofy holes! Lots of effort has been put into upgrading the course in recent years, and once late summer arrives it now has pretty good fairway grass and good bent grass greens. The primary issue that hinders the course conditions at River Oaks is total lack of cart control and zero marshaling of the course, even when busy! Of all the courses I have played in my 57 years River Oaks has less cart control than any of them. Zero ropes or stakes and 70% of the regulars drive right up to the greens and park, same for tee boxes! Folks leave the c parts and park 5 to 10 yards from most greens and on many tee boxes! Therefore the soil and grass (if any remains) is heavily compacted & worn! This has a substantial impact on your round & score and also affects the visual attractiveness of the course! The Clubhouse is your basic no-frills concept, that has a small bar & grill however the food options are very basic and a bit pricy!

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/30/2022

They have finally started routing carts on certain holes with stakes & some rope! Much needed!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 72
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 500 Contributor
Charlotte Advisor
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

River Oaks Golf Club

First time out to River Oaks in several years. Course was in fantastic shape. Probably in the top four or five places I've played so far this year as far as conditions go. Tees, fairways, and greens all were great. Bermuda rough was thick in some places, yet more playable in others. Maybe my only knock on the course was the inconsistency of sand in the bunkers. Some had soft, white sand, while others had harder brown sand. The elevation changes and doglegs require accuracy and correct decision making off the tee. Greens are large and receptive, but you have to put your ball in the proper section if you want a chance to score. Fringes and run up areas are mowed tight and require precise chips and pitches. Pace of play was good; there were only a few groups on the course early on a Wednesday morning.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/18/2022

It’s not so much ‘they are mown tight’ as is is worn and compacted due to carts driving right up to the greens due to slack golf course management!

Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/01/2022

Not that these fringes and approach areas are ‘mown tight’ they are just worn and compacted due to zero cart controls!

Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Hot weather, slow play and fuzzy greens

Pace of play was very slow, course was packed. Greens were very fuzzy, they putted OK, but balls didn't react like they normally do when approaching the greens, especially on pitch shots around the greens. They were not cutting the greens down due to the heat. The heat was nearly unbearable, 91 degrees and very humid.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 34
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

One of the better courses in the area

My only gripe was getting paired up with another two-some back to back days. I griped about looking forward to spending some quality time with my son for a round at least one of the days. The owner basically told me they were slammed & there were nothing but four-somes playing. He met us in the parking lot & told me just to call him in the future if I wanted a round for just us two & he'd see what he could do. As far as I'm concerned if I"m paying to play there it should be my choice if I want to pair up or not. But, it's a nice course for the money.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

River Oaks

This mountainy course is off of Rt 40 in Statesville, NC. Greens were excellent and were true to the course. Tee boxes were in great shape for this time of year. Staff was very friendly and no one bothered us on the course. I"ve played here a couple times and the tee boxes were different each time. It's challenging enough for me to want to come back again. I'd recommend this course!!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Course

Course is very well manicured and even though it was wet it was still in great shape! We did have to wait on every hole but that was due to frost (can't control mother nature) and it wasn't a long wait maybe five minutes each! Will definitely be playing here many more times!

Thanks to the staff and the maintenance team for keeping the course in great shape!
David Lail

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 22
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

River Oaks

Great course Nice bent greens Fun and not long

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 135
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played

Nice layout

Course was in good condition. Greens held an approach shot well. However, greens were very slow and rolling not quite true. (I think they need to be rolled.) Fairways were in good shape. Certainly a challenging course. Shop staff was very friendly and helpful.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 34
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 34
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

One of the best courses in the area!

3rd time playing this hidden gem! Wish we had found it years ago. Great layout & very well maintained. Good little bar & grill too! Looking forward to the next round.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Best value in the area

Well maintained, consistent greens, scenic, hilly, varied, and challenging. Club house and amenities are more than sufficient but not flashy. As far as the course conditions and layout, its similar to courses that cost at least twice as much to play. A great value, will definitely come back very soon.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 33
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Great course, challenging layout

Course is currently in the best shape that I’ve seen It since it first opened many years ago. I have always liked this course, quiet scenic course with many challenging holes.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Awesome, great condition, great layout

I used to play here years ago and always loved the challenging layout. Lots of unique holes with great elevation changes. I had not been here in 4 years and was pleasently surprised to find a top notch clubhouse and A1 course conditions. Even though you could still see signs of aeration on the greens, they rolled fast, smooth, and true. And balls checked good too. They've taken out a lot of trees and it's in the best shape ever. Fairways are plush. If I had to nitpick anything negative, it's only that they didn't have water coolers out on the course. This is my favorite golf course of all time and I'm glad to see someone has put some money and effort to make it as great as it could be.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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