The Golf Course at Branch River

I’ve played at branch river a few times now and I haven’t come away disappointed yet. It’s not perfect, the grass is long throughout the course; so keep it on the fairway or keep a close eye on where your ball ends up because the rough hides them well. Gnats were a bit annoying, even on a breezy day, and I’d assume mosquitoes are plentiful at certain times of year. Staff is friendly, laid back. Layout keeps it interesting, a good mix of straightforward holes (with a little character) and holes that require some shot planning and club choices. Carts were older but I enjoyed the menu-style course guide that was attached, the pro tips can be helpful when your not familiar with the course.

I’m hesitate to give bad reviews based on this because I’m not sure if this is the fault of the course or if it’s even something other people experienced but the gnats were so terrible I spent half my afternoon driving my cart in circles trying to lose the 100+ gnats that we’re swarming my head as I was trying to shoot. It’s a good thing no one else was out there because I would literally have to drive up to my shot (if i could find it in the uncut rough), pull my club out, and then right before I shot i had to drive as fast as in could in a 30 yard circle, stop back at my ball, hop of and quickly shoot before the swarm found me again. It was the worst experience of my mostly relaxing life. That being said I enjoyed the course for the most part. Some fun holes. Not the greatest conditions but I only paid $25 so I can’t complain.... but the gnats. The gnats were something I may never forget.

I liked the course layout and the scenery around but the course was not in good condition. This course has potential to be absolutely amazing if they actually put some work into it. Lots of dead spots in the fairways, chunked up greens and grass looked like it hadn't been watered or cut in a while. Overall I like the course just needs some work.

(Good) Course is outstanding. Every green and fairway perfect. Entire course, beautiful. (Bad) At the turn, no sandwiches (Hot dogs, etc.) Girl gave me a menu, like we had time to sit down for meal, They are loosing a lot of money by not offering to go food. (Bad) The bugs were terrible.Bought spray, didn't do nothing.

We always Enjoy this course, We've played it many times, BUT......the bugs today were so bad that we can’t recommend...had problems before with this, but not like today.....too bad, love the course, well kept...oh well

Small annoying little black bugs! Bring bug spray or head net!

Really buggy course. The nats ended up being quite distracting. It is fairly well maintained, nice greens and a decent layout. Not that challenging but a fun track. The pace of play was great when we went and the staff was friendly. If you are in the area, it's worth the cost.

I really enjoyed this golf course. Course conditions were very good: fairways and greens were in great shape; bunkers were pretty good with healthy sand conditions. The layout was varied throughout, so you really feel like you're seeing something different with every hole. The topography of this part of the state isn't the most drastic, but The Golf Course at Branch River uses elevation change well throughout. The course is 6450 yards from the white tees, but the course seemed to play shorter due to the prevalence of elevated tee boxes. There are a few risk/reward holes with well-placed hazards giving you lay-up or carry decisions. I'm not the biggest hitter out there, so I tended to play "smart," but it didn't get to the point that the length of the course got away from me. In fact, I had opportunity to reach in regulation on every hole, including in 2 on a couple of the par 5s. This isn't always the case when a course starts to approach 6500 yards. Overall, I loved the course...

...except for one thing: the gnats. I went off before 7:00am on the hottest day of the year so far, so I guess it was a perfect storm. However, this was the worst problem I've ever had with bugs. I have a co-worker who used to work at the course and she said the gnats can be problematic due to the eponymous river that runs next to the course. I'm pretty tolerant of extreme conditions, so I endured; the father and his daughter in front of me were forced to abandon their round due to the gnats. Walking the course that morning would have been impossible due to the bugs.

If not for my experience with those bugs, I would definitely be back to Branch River. In fact, I will try the course at some point during the afternoon or maybe in the fall when cooler temps kill off the gnats. However, paying $48 was a little steep given the constant annoyance. I'd give the course 5 stars if it weren't for the bugs. It was really very nice.

The setting and layout of this course is perfect, and it's nestled mainly surrounded by woods yet the fairways are wide enough for the average golfer. The greens are very true and the elevation difference throughout the course is perfect. Each time I am done with a round here I am wanting more. There's just something about it that it is difficult to put into words. Very enjoyable!

We had a Great time .The course was nice ,and the staff were great.

1st time playing here, nothing but good to say, Just an awesome round, will definitely go back. The traps had actual sand in them love that.

First time playing this course and possibly the last as the pace was very slow. The guy in front of us was hitting two balls on every shot. When we turned the corner for the back nine, the staff in the office had just let another foursome go out in front of us. I went in the clubhouse to inform him of this and he did go and tell the foursome they would have to let us play through on the next hole, but he did have an attitude about it. Just a lot of sitting in the cart and waiting through all 18 holes....

I absolutely love this course. I love it because it is beautiful, and in GREAT condition! I also love the 70's feel to the club house. This use to be a private country club that went public 5 years ago.