Stone River Golf Club

I’ve played this course several times over the past couple of years, and my last review was… not exactly glowing. At the time, I thought the criticism was deserved. The greens were in terrible condition, the fairways were generously defined as “fairways,” weeds were everywhere, and the overall condition of the course was heading in a direction that was genuinely concerning.

Well, we played again yesterday, and I’m happy to say something I absolutely could not have said after my last round:

This course has improved tremendously.

Greens — A Night-and-Day Difference

The greens on the front nine were actually quite decent. They’re still extremely firm and not particularly receptive to approach shots—you’re probably better off playing for some release rather than expecting a ball to land and stop—but the overall condition of the putting surfaces was vastly improved.

The back nine greens are clearly still a work in progress. Several are actively being repaired/rebuilt, so they aren't at the same level as the front yet. But even there, you can see substantial improvement and, more importantly, you can see that there is an actual plan underway.

That was probably the biggest difference from my previous visit. Before, it felt like the greens were simply deteriorating. Now, even where they aren't finished, they look like they're being fixed.

That's a very welcome change.

Fairways — They're Actually Fairways Again!

This might have been the biggest surprise.

Last time I described the fairways as mostly pasture with occasional patches of actual turf. This time around, they were legitimately in really good shape for the most part.

There are still weeds scattered throughout the course, so the job certainly isn't finished. But previously, landing in a weed patch could mean looking around and realizing there wasn't actually any decent turf nearby to take reasonable relief.

That's no longer the case.

Now, if you happen to end up in one of the rough weed patches, you can generally find good turf relatively close to where your ball came to rest. That's an enormous improvement and makes the course feel like a golf course again rather than an agricultural experiment that happens to have flagsticks.

The Course Is Clearly Moving in the Right Direction

The most important thing is that someone is obviously putting serious work into this place.

My previous review was harsh because the course has a genuinely good layout and I hated seeing it deteriorate. I've always thought this could be a fantastic affordable golf option in the area. The clubhouse is nice, the staff has always been excellent, and the bones of the course are absolutely there.

This round finally felt like the condition of the course was starting to catch up with its potential.

Is it perfect? No.

The back-nine greens still need work. The greens overall are very firm and could stand to become more receptive. There are still weed issues that need to be addressed, and there is obviously more work ahead.

But compared with the course I played previously?

It's not even close.

The improvement is substantial, noticeable, and deserving of recognition.

I was extremely critical of the course condition in my previous review, so it's only fair that I'm equally willing to give credit when things improve. Whoever has been responsible for the work being done out there deserves it.

Keep going.

If the front-nine greens are an indication of where the back nine is headed, and they continue improving the fairways and getting the weeds under control, this course could very quickly become one of the better-value places to play in the area.

I went into this round remembering how disappointed I was the last time I played.

I left genuinely impressed with how far they've come.

Should let people know the greens are shut down. Fairways were horrible

Front 9 is currently undergoing green reshaping but progressing nicely. It's not the toughest course to play, no sand traps or hazards but a fun place to play.. Everyone one is friendly and just glad to be on the golf course

Conditions are awful but yiu can go play super cheap. They are slowly making improvements

They are redoing the front 9. The course is getting better and better. Back is looking good

The course is under extensive repair. There was no up front information about that

Even the website doesn't mention it. My friend and I play here some. We are seniors and not elite players by any means, that doesn't excuse not informing us ahead. We are done with Stone River Golf Course. Oh, by the way, we meet here because it's sort of a convenient place to meet up. Not even worth the inexpensive price.

The staff wasn’t friendly, the greens are getting re done, the fairways were like pastures. Cart path only when it was dry…..

The front 9 greens were being re done which we were told about ahead of booking, no big deal there. The back 9 greens also appeared as if they were under construction but were open to play, they were really bad, for the most part hitting the green was the easy part, putting on them was the real challenge. The pace was good for a Saturday because people don’t want to play a dying course.

If you’re looking to get out and play a round of 18 on an actual golf course it’s decent. The greens were horrible, dirt and mud patches everywhere, the ground was so hard on the teeboxes you could barely get a tee in place, the fairways weren’t green. It’s in rough shape for sure but you get a round of golf for a cheap price.

Unfortunately, the course was in the worse shape I have ever seen it. The greens were horrible.

Either charge less or fix the course, a warning should have been given

It's bad enough that the course looks bad but people out there with sleeveless shirts, crocs or no shoes is awful. The people out there and the drunks out there are bad too. Probably won't be back

Greens are horrible. Fairways are better but can still lost ball in fairway. Layout is weird. Pace of play is slow. Range is weird. Greens are dirt. Literally dirt. You will not improve putting at all. By far the worst greens around. Should not pay more than $25 for green fees. Horrible. Go somewhere else. Save your money.