Pros:
Rescue Squad is a fun, advanced-level (relatively) nine-hole course that doesn't feel like one. After finishing up #9, I was eagerly ready to play a back nine.
- Not your typical, beginner-friendly nine-hole course. This feels like a legit 18-hole course that just happens to be cut in half.
- Solid hole layouts with lots of elevation. It really reminds me of Stumpy Creek, which isn't surprising because it's the same terrain, being only 20 minutes away. Also, has the feel of R.L. Smith, but the fairways aren't as wide (easy) as Smith.
- Great variety of layouts, even in its current developmental stage. #1 is a fun, downhill hole that reminds me a lot of Eastway #2. From there, you're playing a tight, wooded, uphill layout on #2.
- #4, once everything is cleared out is going to be a fantastic hole. A long, tight shot that bends left midway (1st shot); hole goes slightly downhill and curves back right (2nd shot) to a steep, uphill basket position (3rd and 4th shot). It was a tap in 4 for I what I hope to be a solid par. Very reminiscent of #2 and 4 at Stumpy.
- Course uses the elevation for some fun and/or challenging layouts. #5 is straight down the shoot. #7 goes downhill pretty sharp for the first half before coming back up towards the basket. When I played, the fairway seemed to be the pathway, which created a tough tee shot.
- #9 ended up being the easiest hole on the course. Slightly uphill layout that starts in the woods, required a slightly curving shot back to a basket in the open. Nice ending the round with a birdie putt within 8 feet.
Cons:
Most of these cons will be gone soon because they're work-in-progress issues.
- The work-in-progress issues consisted of: needing better signage for tees and next holes. Walked the wrong path from #4 to 5. Still not sure where the tee/fairway are for #7. Also, felt like I walked past one tee area and played from a shorter, easier layout than should have.
- Hole lengths aren't listed (course isn't close to 3400 feet as of now.)
- Only legitimate concern: better paths/steps on some of the hills. Better bridges across a couple of creek beds (or at least better pathways to the 'easy' cross points.)
- Standard disclaimer: lack of benches, trash cans, etc. Second standard disclaimer: not an issue for a 9-hole course, just needs to be listed somewhere.
- Course is missing its back 9. Really, this could be a great 18-hole layout.
- Once tee pads and signs are up, course is going to be good.
Other Thoughts:
Rescue Squad already feels like a more complete course than most nine-hole courses you'll play. Just because it's only a half-course doesn't mean Huey & co. are putting in half the effort.
- Course might not get the proper attention and respect it deserves because it's 'out of the way'. It's not really on the way to anything, it's a good drive from downtown Charlotte, and it's not going to be a destination being only 9 holes.
- I do think hole #4 would fit in nicely on every course in the area. Put it on a course like Reedy Creek, and that's one of the toughest layouts on the course.
- Between this and Beatty's Ford Park 5 minutes away, you've got a smashed-up 18-hole layout. They've got different feels to them, but at least it'll make the drive up here worth it.
- Even as an in-progress course, this is already one of the best nine-hole courses I've played. A solid 2.5 rating in my book, which (so far) is as high as I've rated any nine-holer.