River Ridge Golf Club

Great course nice wide fairways in challenging holes

This was my first time playing here, but it certainly will not be the last.

The clubhouse looks like a white mansion from the outside, which I’m sure they use as a venue. The pro shop is small and in the back of the building. The staff was friendly, but not over the top.

It had a full range, chipping green with a bunker, and a large putting green that was reflective of course conditions. With yellow generic balls, the range was off mats when I played, but it was wide with at least 25 mats and plenty of targets to aim at down range.

It had a good variety of tee boxes to hit from depending on your length. It required hitting tee balls both ways and placing tee shots in good spots to access pin locations and avoiding hazards.

Pace of play was good. We only had to wait a handful of times and no longer than a couple of minutes. We finished 18 holes in roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes. There was a starter, but no ranger that I saw to keep pace.

The course itself was in great condition, especially considering the lack of rainfall we’ve had recently.

Each hole had ball washing stations, sand to refill divots, and boxes to place broken tees. The tee boxes weren’t meticulously manicured, but they had green grass and were pretty flat for the most part. There were a couple of holes where the ball was slightly above my feet.

The fairways were green and well-maintained. Hitting out of the second cut wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t a must to hit fairways, but you had to leave it on the correct side of the hole.

Green side had some tight lies and plenty of bunkers to contend with. Some bunkers are really big, but only have one or two rakes which isn’t the most convenient. That being said, there were plenty of footprints from people who clearly didn’t want to walk and rake the sand. There was a good amount of sand in the bunkers and the rocks were minimal and small.

The greens were in great condition and putts were rolling on their lines. A couple unrepaired pitch marks here and there, but not a weed in sight. The greens are big and had a good speed, they weren’t lightning quick. There were slopes and different tiers to account for. I enjoyed putting on these greens very much.

The cons list is short and not deal breakers but things that could take this course to the next level. No water, ice, towel, or tees in the carts. Speaking of carts, they’re electric with the touchscreen GPS. They had some rips and chunks missing out of the seats, but overall clean and working condition. My playing partners unfortunately got a lemon and their cart shut off twice during the round and wouldn’t move. They had to call the proshop to reset them, which I didn’t know was a thing.

The one bathroom I saw in the clubhouse was a single stall with no locker room or shower. There are no bathrooms on the course nor were there porta potties for those shy about going in the woods.

I didn’t stop or get anything at the turn, so I can’t speak to the quality of the food, but it did say on the cart that they had a limited menu.

My biggest complaint, is the lack of access to water. No water stations and no water fountains throughout the course. In my book, this is a non-negotiable when playing in North Carolina heat and humidity. I don’t know if they have them regularly, but there was no beverage cart on the day I played.

Overall, I had a good experience and definitely want to play here again. If the course reads this review, please put water stations on every two or three holes!

This is a great course and the greens were very healthy. The layout is excellent with some strong doglegs and good elevation change.

Really enjoyed the layout, with a good variety of holes and visuals. Not overly long from regular tees, but you’ll use every club. Greens were large, undulating and difficult to read, although if you play it enough I’m sure it is easier. Despite the recent dry conditions the greens were excellent and fairways and yes were good. Would definitely recommend.

It was a nice golf course. It was in good condition. I didn’t like no ball washes no water stations anywhere.. sorry for that. It was a great course and I enjoyed playing and will return one of each of those on each nine wouldn’t be a stretch.

Went on a rainy afternoon, rain stopped on the third tee and within the hour, you wouldn’t even know it rained. Course drains great, fun design with many scoreable holes along with some challenges mixed in. Excellent value.

Considering the lack of rain, the fairways and greens were in great shape. The driving range was in rough shape. The amenities, staff, and pro shop were all well kept and hospitality was refreshing - coming from Raleigh. Overall the course was fun and I’ll be back.

As someone who recently relocated to Wake Forest River Ridge is becoming one of my favorite courses. The course is challenging enough to keep it interesting and not too gimicky The greens were in great shape and rolled pretty quick. Depending on the time of day you get out pace of play can be an issue. We did find ourselves waiting on a few holes for groups in front of us, but that is somewhat to be expected on a Friday afternoon when the weather is beautiful. I would definitely recommend.

Well placed hazards and scenic, good course to test your mettle

First time playing this one and I’ll be returning soon! Well maintained throughout. Tasty food at the clubhouse.