Rock Barn Golf and Spa - Jones Course

First off, the good stuff: great fairway grass, nice carts, top notch environment.

Now the less than Good: Some hole designs just made zero sense. Hole #4 is a horrible design, more especially if you can’t fly a 3 or 5 wood 240 yards. Any drive right of center has zero chance of setting you up for any lay-up shot to the fairway unless you can hit a major slice. And this is not just my opinion… as i stood over what was to be my second shot several course workers were nearby, they saw my bewilderment and said, “confusing huh” then told me that most regulars simply play to the 5th fairway way right over the water, then hit to the 4th green. Also the tee boxes for hole 3 & 16? are extremely confusing! You have like 6 or 8 tee boxes all in the same area sorta on an open air hill, and none give you any indication of what hole they are for! Thrown in the fact there are 2 greens just yards away. (#2 & #15?) and the entire area is weird! The course has a few attractive spots and holes however all these negatives killed any excitement I may have had for the place!

I have played Rock Barn several times and have not been disappointed. Somehow, I have managed to play this track during the off season each time when the fairways are dormant and have missed out on the greenery but it is always worth the drive. At almost 7200 yards from the back tees with ample elevation changes, this is all you want...and then some. The Greater Hickory Classic has been played here on the Senior Tour since 2002 and the pros like the place! I concur! The Jones course is a fun, well designed 18 holes that makes you want to play more. Even in the off season, the place is well manicured and the greens are well maintained. Put this one on your to do list and make a tee time! You can then tell your friends that you played a GREAT layout that even makes some of the senior tour players shake their heads in dismay at times. You won't be disappointed.

It was a pleasure to play this course.

I was paired with some awesome fellows and we had a blast.

The course was a challenge but fair, and the staff was top shelf.

Thanks for having me, I highly recommend this one and look forward

To playing Jackson next.

First time playing this course. Heard it was converting to private club in May2016. (The other course at the spa will be public.) Found the course to be difficult due to recent cold weather that delayed the bermuda grass from growing which leaves the fairways very tight. Many bunkers (w/ fine sand) and doglegs. Would have liked to go back, but wont be able to play the private course.

I have played the Jones course several times and this was by far the worst shape that I have ever seen it in. The greens were longer and much slower than they usually have been. The fairways were very average and the course appeared to lacking overall TLC that I have been used to.

This is one of my favorite courses when visiting the Charlotte area. The first time I made reservations, I did not see that the course was over an hour away from where I was staying. We decided to make the drive anyway and the course did not disappoint. We had a very simple breakfast and hit the course. We played the Jones course and loved every hole and the surrounding area. On other trips, we played the Jackson course and again we were not disappointed. I hope to get back to Rock Barn again and again!

A Robert Trent Jones challenge maintained in excellent condition - even playing with recently aerated greens was a treat. Best check it out in April, 2016 as it becomes a private club May 1st. Fortunately the Jackson course will remain semi-private.

Bucket list for anyone!! I would recommend this to anyone and we'll certainly play again.

The Jones course is awesome. It was in great shape and has an amazing layout. Only one complaint, it was a painfully slow round of golf, though the course worth the wait. I just wish hacks wouldn't plum bob a 4 footer for double.

was fun playing with my son's friends from the blue tees even though i am over 70 yrs old. couple of breaks and could have shot my age. i am bragging and have just put pressure on myself. playing well especially was fun to play a course that the sr pga pros played. amazing what scores they shot.
there was a good bit of waiting but still play in about 4:20. of course the great price on GolfNOW set it up.

Really a treat to play the Rock Barn Jones course. Course was in great shape. Greens were rolling beautifully.

One of my favorites. The course never disappoints.

Very challenging course. Stay in the fairway...getting out of the rough makes for some very long holes. Fairway position is everything. Lay ups are often the most prudent shot selection. Greens had been punched the week prior, but not in terrible shape. However, they were expectedly slow and bumpy. This is a great layout. Enjoyed my round.

Fairways torn up from winter kill. In terrible shape. Greens OK.
Wish I had known how bad the conditions were before committing to play there.

Staff was very friendly and provide a very relaxed experience. The course is truly stunning. They do have some issues with some significant dead spots in the fairways. Greens were in excellent shape, just a bit and I do mean just a bit slower than I anticipated. I will make the long drive again soon based off of this experience.

A fun course to stay within yourself and see how good you really are at the game we love. Left the driver in the bag most of the round, yes I played it forward at the white tee's, I like to see the course the first time through. It became a shot makers course. Elevated tee to the end of the fairway, next shot over the water to a layup, pitching wedge in to the left pin. Beautiful scenery, a waterfall becomes a crossroads area shared with at least four holes. Sometimes I found the signage to be lacking, "which way to the next hole?" Course conditions were great, clean, well kept. Greens were in great shape. All in all a very nice course to enjoy.

A couple of minor issues in the fairway, but an amazing layout. I will be back!!

great course. Greens were near championship condition. Bunkers smooth and consistent. Some remaining winter kill in the fairways but much better Han many other Nc courses these days. Definite one I would repeat.

Great course with natural setting. Plays long from the blue tees at 6500+ yards, with some challenging par 4s. Bent grass greens are fantastic.
Food in the clubhouse restaurant was very good too.

First time playing the course it a great layout that makes you think about your shots. I am not sure if the sell yardage books in the club house but if they do I will be picking one up next time. The signage could be better need to add some arrow to help navigate around. The fairways need some work but the greens were near prefect. The pace of play was great never was had to wait and was never pushed.