By AL MILLEY
Like many golf courses in the Triad area, Salem Glen provides an enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.
But, unlike any golf course in the area, Salem Glen has something else. Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) is something Salem Glen has that no other course in the area, or in North Carolina for that matter, can offer.
Salem Glen can stand on its own merit. The course can be demanding or it can be a relaxing round, depending on which of the five tees you elect to play. The gold measures 7,012 yards and is a demanding undertaking for the low handicap player. For those not wanting the ultimate challenge, there's the blue tees (6,603 yards), the white tees (6,154), or the green senior tees (5,642). The front (red) markers shorten the course to 5,054 yards.
The Nicklaus designed course has boasted excellent Bent grass greens since the course opened in April of 1997, usually between eight and nine on the Stempmeter.
"Our greens have remained in good condition since we opened and they have drawn compliments from every level of golfer who has visited us," said Richard Brewer, the director of golf at Salem Glen. "The rest of the course can be tight and tough, but we have tees to accommodate every level of golfer to ensure they have an enjoyable round."
Brewer feels the GPS system, which was put in June with the full backing of managing partners Scott Brown and Michael Amos, only adds to the total enjoyment of the golfers of varying handicaps.
"We don't look at the GPS system as a gimmick by any means," he said. "What we have is a state-of-the-art system that can benefit golfers of all levels.
"The GPS system includes a monitor on every golf cart. That monitor indicates yardage from the cart to the pin on each hole. The system originates each morning when pin placements are entered into the main pro shop computer.
"We have found the system enjoyable to the casual golfer, and to tournament golf and corporate outings. In tournament play and corporate outings, we are able to post hole-by-hole results for all the golfers to see on the monitor. Leaderboards are displayed on carts and in the pro shop and is broadcast via closed circuit on clubhouse television monitor.
"If you're in the hunt, or if you want to see how your team is doing, you can keep up with all the play from a cart or from the clubhouse."
Brewer points out that a dry winter hurt most courses in the Triad area, but Salem Glen recovered quickly.
"We're in as good, or better, shape than any course in the area," he said. "We feel we are on an equal basis with many courses in the area, and the GPS system gives us an edge.
"Golfers like the system. They like to know how far they hit their drive and they like to know what they have ahead of them in reaching the green."
The signature hole on the front is No. 4, a par-5 measuring 566 yards from the blues and 544 from the whites. A lengthy drive is a must to have a chance to reach in two, with a second shot of 220 to 240 yards over a creek to a green well-guarded by bunkers. A layup in front of the creek is the shot suggested for most. The signature hole on the back nine is another par-5, No. 14, measuring 550 yards from the blues and 535 yards from the whites. The entire hole is downhill, but a creek in front of the green prevents most from trying to reach in two. Another deterrent is a long and narrow green that measures just 16 yards from front to back.
"Those are our signature holes, but I also like No. 13," said Brewer of a par-4 that measures 370 from the blues and 348 from the whites. "The tee shot is from an elevated tee and is a picturesque start to the hole. The second shot is usually a short iron, but placement on the green is paramount. Any shot left above the hole can easily result in the first putt going off the green on the low side.
"I also feel we have four of the finest finishing holes in the Triad area, and they can provide a good challenge for any level of golfer."
That challenge will be taken up next spring when Salem Glen plays host the Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Golf Tournament, featuring No. 1-ranked Duke University. In its short existence, Salem Glen has been home to one ACC women's championship along with a Tear-Drop Tour event and CGA qualifiers.
The facility has other plans in the works, including junior clinics and outings for the underprivileged. The clinics and outings are helped along by a practice facility that includes a grassed two-tier driving range, a chipping green and a spacious putting green.
A spacious clubhouse was completed in July of last year, the facility measuring 15,000 square feet, 25,000 when including the cart shop. There's a members' bar and locker room along with a main dining room and a smaller dining area. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is in the works, along with a children's playground. In the past four years, 120 homes have been erected bordering the golf course, and there's room for 535 homesites in the complex.
