The Robert Trent Jones Jr. course at Rock Barn Golf & Spa is considered the more challenging of the facility's two layouts. The Greater Hickory Challenge event on PGA Champions Tour has been held here since 2003.
Overall rating





The Robert Trent Jones Jr. course at Rock Barn Golf & Spa is considered the more challenging of the facility's two layouts. The Greater Hickory Challenge event on PGA Champions Tour has been held here since 2003.

Rock Barn (Robert Trent Jones Jr.)
Unfortunately for the golfing public, you’ll need to know somebody to get on the Jones Course at Rock Barn, the private route at this 36-hole complex northwest of Charlotte. Most agree that this loop, which hosted the Champions Tour’s Greater Hickory Classic for more than a decade, is both the better and tougher of the two courses.
The meticulous upkeep at Rock Barn is certainly visually appealing for the everyday golfer, however it also serves to emphasize the precision required for a match-winning round of golf. The fairways that run around multiple water hazards are well-groomed to the point that a tee shot even slightly at the wrong angle will continue its momentum down into the drink, rather than slowing into a protective layer of rough.
Those who manage to avoid the water will face equal challenge in avoiding the many bunkers that Robert Trent Jones II (the title Jones) sprinkled across the playing corridors. At least one can take solace knowing that if they land there, the play out will be considerably more manageable than the beckoning ponds.
Getting there
Rock Barn (Robert Trent Jones Jr.)
World Top 100 Golf Courses
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Cypress Point Club
California, United States
Pine Valley Golf Club
New Jersey, United States
Royal County Down (Championship)
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
New York, United States
National Golf Links of America
New York, United States