Mattaponi Springs Golf Club

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Mattaponi Springs Golf Club

Golf is enjoyed for many different types of reasons. These reasons vary and are usually dependent upon the individual and what each gets out of the game.

Some play the game for the competitive spirit, others enjoy the camaraderie of getting out with a foursome of friends to relax and enjoy a sunny day.

I myself enjoy the various elements of course design, the every changing canvas of the game constructed to stimulate challenging play and accentuate the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.

Recently we headed south to Mattaponi Springs Golf Club in Ruther Glen Virginia for our first official course review of the season. This much heralded course opened in November 2004 and is one of the "newest reasons" for us all to enjoy the game of golf at this spectacular new design.

When you first arrive at the property you can't help but be inspired and in awe of the location and serenity.

The course exudes its own unique blend of beautiful design, playability, natural beauty and first class amenities.

Built on 330 plus acres of prime Virginia horse land the fairways meander through, streams, creeks, wetlands, and wooded hillsides for exceptional extensive views.

On the course the overall quality and attention to detail emanates in every element of the course. The Zoysia fairways feel like carpet under you feet, the perfect mutli-tiered greens are divot mark free and the overall atmosphere delivers the perfect golfing experience.

Amigos Favorite Hole: With 18 signature holes to choose from at Mattaponi Springs we picked the Par 4 413-yard number 11 as our favorite.

The dual-fairways of this gem screams classic risk-reward at the tee. Choose the left "wide" fairway and have a long approach shot, choose the right "narrow" fairway and have a short approach shot.

If you have the driver in check during your round we recommend taking the right fairway approach. What you can't see from the tee is how the green sets up. Putts are more manageable if you choose the right fairway. The green surface is another multi-tiered challenge and depending on pin placement the final determining factor at how high or low your posted number will go.

Review Date: 04/17/2005

Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)

Tees: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

The Zoysia tees were in perfect condition! The five sets varies in length to accommodate all levels of playing ability. Distance ranges from just over 6900 yards to just under 4800 yards.

Fairways: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

The Zoysia fairways are top notch and are a treat for all players. The ball just sits atop the fairway with the perfect lie giving ample opportunity for good approach shots.

The fairways are relatively player friendly with generous target areas. If you can manage your drives you should have a chance for pars and birdies.

The visually appealing contours of the fairways blend perfectly with the rough adding a layered texture effect that contributes immensely to the beauty of the course.

Rough: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

The one prominent thicker cut of rough was just starting too grown in when we conducted the review. It made approach shots just a bit more difficult but was not penalizing.

It was apparent with the amount of rough around the fairways the course could to taper and create different levels if so desired. This would add both aesthetically and could be used to toughen up the course depending upon the needs of management.

Beyond the rough some fairways are lined with a dense row of and others patches of thick heathered long grass. All locations are dead spots and can turn any hold south fast if your course management and extreme errant shots are not kept in check.

Traps: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

The course is well bunkered with strategic positioning throughout the layout. The Par 3s are well protected and depending upon pin location can make for some difficult sand saves if you land in the beach.

Each trap we encountered had the perfect depth of sand. No deterrents of any were encountered allowing for easy escapes with minimal damage.

Greens: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

The L93 Bentgrass greens have large mutli-tiered levels requiring the golfer to really think through approach shots. A course guide is giving to you before your round and should be referenced often to gauge appropriate target points.
The conditions and design of the greens were perfect in every regard. The speed was quick but not overbearing. You have to bring your "A+" putting game to match the challenge of these greens.

Amenities:

If you believe in the Private Club for a day philosophy, then Mattaponi Springs has everything your golfing heart desires.
The course has extraordinary practice facilities will a natural turf range. The large expansive putting and chipping greens are in course like conditions.
The huge clubhouse and bar oozes first class service and is fully stocked with every accoutrement any pre round or post round activities one might be inclined to indulge in.
A large separate banquet and outing facility flanks the range and makes a perfect setting for any outing or corporate function.

Staff Services:

The staff was extremely friendly and very customer service oriented. From check-in to the friendly delivery of our cart and clubs to the car after the round the staff couldn't have been better.
The only knock we had was that there was no water on the course and no beverage cart making rounds. I am sure this was an isolated incident based upon the extreme detail giving at every other aspect of Mattaponi Springs has to offer.

Pace of Play:

On a perfect spring day for golf we had no issue with pace during our round. Staff personal was noted a couple of times making rounds during the day and even stopped by our group during our round to make sure everything was ok.

Overall Average: 4.83, Birdie Course
Outstanding Course, must play recommendation

We would like to thank Mr. Neil Massey the Head Golf Professional at Mattaponi Springs Golf Club for welcoming us out to conduct the course review.

CLICK HERE for additional course information...

Location: 22490 Penola Road, Ruther Glen VA 22546
Tee Time Phone: 804-633-7888
Course Type: Public

*The opinions expressed in this course review are those of the individual reviewer(s) and do not reflect the editorial opinion of www.GolfinAmigos.com