River Run - North Carolina - USA

River Run Country Club sits as a nice in-between for members, with metropolitan Charlotte just south and the popular recreation area of Lake Norman located just to its west. Golfers might not have a reason to head to either of those locations when River Run features a championship-caliber course within reach.

Robert Walker and Raymond Floyd designed the course, which travels in two separate loops of nine around the surrounding neighborhoods. The course was intended for tournament action, stretching to more than 7,300 yards from the back tees. At the highest level, the then Web.com Tour hosted the Chiquita Classic at the club from 2013 through 2015.

Many of the longer holes will require strategic thinking with how to challenge ponds placed around greens, or whether the creek crossing the fairway can be traversed with one’s second shot. That said, Walker and Floyd leave all of the par threes dry. Although architects often fall back on water hazards for short holes, this design duo let the land do the work, allowing players of any caliber to take (and hopefully make) their shots.