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I have played this course a few times over the last couple of years. It is interesting in design as there are five par5's and par 3's . There are three par 5's in a four hole stretch on the front. The last of these, hole 6, is reachable with any drive of 250 or more. This causes a back up when the tee sheet is full as most everyone tries to go for it. There was a 20 minute wait from the completion of previous hole before we could tee off. #9 is a beautiful short par three, ≈ 160 yards from the tips, over a lake, well bunkered, multi-tiered green. Overall the course favors someone with a left to right ball flight for a right handed golfer. Holes 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, and 17 all bend or dogleg to the right with only hole 3 going to the left.

The defense of the course is in its demanding tee shots and undulating greens. Only a couple of holes are "wide open" for your drive, (2 & 18) and one would be smart to take a 3-wood or less for accuracy over distance in several instances. (7, 8, 10, 12, & 17)

While the greens are part of this courses defense, they are also, currently, their biggest opportunity. Usually, Red Bridge's greens are true and well kept. However, over 50% of them currently have a weed infestation. (Goose grass I believe) This makes balls veer and deviate from their putted line and frustration for the player. On a few, over 1/2 of the green is riddled with this problem with #4 being particularly bad.

Realizing it is spring and I played on a Saturday, I expect a 4 hour round. That said, the rangers could have done more to help the pace of play. For the last 12 holes, the group in front of us was an entire hole behind the group in front of them. We did see a ranger three times, and said something on the 12th hole, but nothing was done to speed up play.

Overall, I would recommend Red Bridge as its layout is unique and challenging. With it being a 50 minute drive from most places in Charlotte, I would wait until they have corrected the weed issue before driving back again.

I have played Lancaster several times over the last few years. It provides a more economical choice for the area compared to other public/Semi-private courses wanting $70+ on a Saturday morning.

For late August, the course has not burned out. The greens were in good shape and rolled true. As is the case in high heat, coupled with recent rains, the greens were a little longer and subsequently slower than for my taste.

The course is divided into three distinct sections each requiring a different thought process off the tea. Overall the course favors left to right ball flights for a right handed golfer. Only 2 holes go the other way with only 1 having a penalty for going right. (#17) Even from the tips, the course is not long, just over 6500 yards, and plays better from the back.

With regards to the three sections, holes 1-5 are wide open and one would have difficulty to find trouble off the tee. Other than #10, holes 6-13 all put a premium on accuracy more so than length and none require a driver. (my 3 wood is usually around 230 yards) The last 5 holes require thought and the ability to move the ball. 14 and 16 are the two par 5's both require a fade. Do not hit driver on 16 if you cannot fade the ball as it will go through the fairway. Likewise for 17 except with a draw.

If you are looking for an enjoyable, less expensive place to play on the weekend, Lancaster is worth your time.

Red Bridge is about 30 minutes for downtown Charlotte and worth the drive. There had been significant rain the week leading up to my round this past weekend, but the course drains well and we were still 90 degrees with the carts. The driving range is ample, but has a downhill and uphill portion making if a little more challenging to judge distances. There is a very nice chipping/putting green beside the driving range, but had no holes or flags.

The main putting green beside the clubhouse is my only knock of this course. There is not a flat putt on the green and the entire green is sloped heavily.

Overall the course is in good shape, but is one of the most unique layouts I have ever played. There are three par 5's/4's/3's on the front, and five par 5's overall to a net 72. Each fairway demands thought and accurate tee shots. Every hole has at least one side that line with trees/water/OB. The fairways are grown-in and the greens have been well maintained through the summer heat. As mentioned, there was a lot of rain in the area before I played, but the greens rolled true and were running around a 8-9.

The white tees do play to 6250 yards which is average, but the course plays short. A lot of the 6250 is made up in 3 holes which are 2 par fours over 430 and 1 par 5 at 618. Conversely, 5 of the par 4's play at 350 or less with one < 300 yards. (#17 which I think would be better suited as a par 3.) The course favors a left-to-right ball flight for a right handed play as only one hole goes right-to-left.

I have played this course over 25 times over the last 5 years. The Golfnow deal for the afternoon is a great deal and the greens are the best for a public course in the Charlotte area. They are running in the 10 range on the stimpmeter.

The clubhouse is basic with standard amenities. Driving range and putting green are above average but lacks a good chipping/bunker practice area.