Golf course a big draw for retirement community

By NAT WALKER

River Landing at Sandy Ridge in Guilford County is a continuing care retirement community with all the amenities of a small village — not unlike many such facilities throughout the country.

What adds spice to River Landing and sets it apart from many retirement communities is its delightful nine-hole golf course.

“River Landing attracts wellness-minded residents who want to stay active,” said Tom Smith, executive director.  “Our golf course adds an exciting element that makes our retirement community special.  It appeals to many of our residents who also enjoy our swimming pool, fitness center and walking paths.”

Jerry and Shirley Shaver echoed that sentiment as they finished a nine-hole round recently.  The Shavers, former owners of a textile parts business, moved out of their Greensboro home into River Landing May 22.  “The golf course was a nice amenity,” said Shirley.  Jerry was a bit more ardent.  “Having a golf course as a part of the community definitely did help us decide to move to River Landing.”

In addition to enjoying rounds of golf together and with friends, they both participate in group activities at the course.  “I play in the Thursday group and Shirley plays with the women’s group on Tuesday,” Jerry said.

The retirees are both golf devotees.  Jerry has been playing since he was 24 years old and Shirley took up the game soon after marrying Jerry.  “I got tired of being a golf widow so I started playing.  Before you know it I got to love the game.”

Not all of the residents are golfers, said Smith.  “But many of the non-golfers simply like the idea of having the golf course here.  They can enjoy early morning and evening walks in a very tranquil setting.”

The retirement community sits on part of what used to be Sandy Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course that opened in 1971 near Deep River in Guilford County.  The Presbyterian Homes, Inc., purchased the property in 1998 and began construction of the community buildings, using land that had earlier been nine holes of the golf course.

River Landing opened this year in January and expects eventually to serve more than 400 residents with 142 apartments of one, two and three bedrooms and 85 individual homes of one, two and three bedrooms.  Smith said the community is already 50 percent occupied and another 20 percent of units are sold and awaiting residents to move in.

Smith describes River Landing at Sandy Ridge as a “little city,” pointing out that it provides many important services to residents.  These include a library, bank, store, computer room, game room with pool table, a 50s style café, woodworking shop, outpatient clinic and weekly visits by a physician and a dentist.

Head golf professional Scooter Nance and members of his staff were retained to run the golf operation.

Nance said that many improvements had been made to Sandy Ridge Golf Course before it was purchased.  “We had upgraded the tee boxes and improved the greens and cart paths,” he said.

Although he hated to lose nine holes of the popular golf course, Nance said Presbyterian Homes, Inc., is committed to the golf operation.  “They put in an irrigation system for the current nine holes, which was badly needed.”

A tour of the nine holes found fairways in excellent condition and immaculate greens that will please the most discriminating golfer.  Trees clearly define the fairways and frame most of the greens.  Elevation changes throughout add character and appeal to the course as do strategically placed mounds near many of the greens.

Nance said the course remains a public facility and is open to all golfers, not just residents of the retirement community.

The par-36 layout measures 3,024 yards from the back tees.  The par-4 first hole runs downhill to moderately large green that slopes from back to front.  No. 2 is another downhill par-4 with a large green.  The lone par-5 is next and measures 504 yards.  This is where the course begins to show its fangs.  A fork of Deep River guards the left side of the fairway and a small creek dissects the fairway 120 yards from the green.  A grass bunker sits in front of the green.  No. 4 is an uphill par-4 heavily wooded on the left.  A sharp dogleg left highlights No. 5, which brings a creek into play 100 yards from a large green with a false front.

No. 6 is a nifty par-3 lined on the left with an interlocking block wall with retirement community housing above.  It has a generous green.  No. 7 is a short par-4 (300 yards) that causes many golfers problems, said Nance.  It is uphill with a right dogleg.  The elevated green is guarded in front by sand bunkers left and right.  No. 8 features another uphill fairway to a raised green.  No. 9 is a grand finishing hole and the most difficult.  It’s a downhill par-4 that doglegs left to a lake that dictates an all-carry approach shot to a smallish green that is fronted by an interlocking block retaining wall.

Smith said the golf course is a major benefit for the retirement community.  “It sets the tone for the community, which has a wellness orientation.  It provides a relaxing setting that even the non-golfing residents enjoy.”