City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Golf

Telephone: (704) 573-1000

Address: 7500 Olde Sycamore Dr.

Description: A golfing treat nestled among a mature forest of hardwoods in Mint Hill, Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation is only a few minutes from I-485. This semi-private course was sculpted by architect Tom Jackson, who’s built many high-profile courses in the Carolinas. Jackson routed Olde Sycamore through a hilly, forested tract of land ideal for golf. Houses in the community have 100-foot setbacks to keep the golf experience pure. Fairways are hybrid Bermuda and the undulating bent grass greens are usually among the best in the Charlotte region.The course plays to a par of 72 and measures 6,965 yards from the back tees. Three additional sets of tees make it playable for all skill levels. The front nine is tighter than the back nine and has several doglegs, placing a premium on driving accuracy. The ninth hole, however, is all about distance. This 442-yard par-4 is considered the signature hole. It requires a long drive to reach the top of a hill, followed by a fairly long second shot over water to a well-protected green. The clubhouse frames the hole perfectly. The back nine is more open than the front, but is also longer. The par-5 12th is the longest hole on the course at 601 yards, and several of the finishing holes play uphill. Overall, Jackson did an excellent job of incorporating variety and challenge into the course architecture.“You have strategic holes, and also holes where you can bomb it. There is a nice mix,” says general manager Ted Staats. “There are also a few short holes, but those are not necessarily easy holes.”