Since 1994 Pudding Ridge Golf Course, located between Winston-Salem and Mocksville, has gone through an evolution with several management changes. Some things worked, and a few things did not. Banning coolers on a golf course in a dry county was not one of the better decisions. Making the clubhouse a smoke-free zone in the heart of tobacco country was also a questionable decision.

The current "service driven" management at Pudding Ridge knows what it takes to keep golfers returning to their golf course. Coolers are back, and the non-smoking signs have been eliminated. But that is not what keeps golfers coming back. Pudding Ridge is a golfer-friendly course that is in excellent condition. The layout encompasses over 200 acres of land with wide fairways and limited trouble.

Don Bowles, the course architect, allowed the land to dictate much of the design strategy. After looking at the flat layout of the land and being directed to utilize the entire 200 acres for 18 holes, he quickly envisioned a layout that included a lot of mounds and open fairways. He shaped many of the holes by adding mounds around the greens and edges of tee boxes and taking into consideration the creek running throughout the middle of the course. On other holes, he simply elevated the green. Much of the natural landscaping was left intact, along with a grain silo on hole number 5 that boasts thousands of golf ball dings, some errant shots and quite a few intentional ones.

Current management is always looking at ways to enhance the image of the course. In 1999, hole number three, a 510-yard, par-5, was redesigned. The creek was moved to the left and some of the marsh was cut out in the middle, which resulted in a much more playable hole. For many players, the second shot over the marsh was extremely difficult. "Number three is now a much more playable hole for the average player and is definitely more visually pleasing," says the assistant golf professional, Dan Ward.

Many challenging and well designed holes are found throughout the course. Take for example, hole number 13, a 440-yard, par-4. Because of the lack of trouble spots, the hole may not appear visually difficult. But the entire hole plays slightly uphill to an elevated green. Two "great" shots will have you on the green.

Thinking of ways to enhance the golf course is what prompted the current staff to purchase new golf carts, build a new and larger putting area, and install a practice chipping area. Future course enhancements include the addition of bunkers in strategic spots throughout the course.

According to Ward, "If you consider the relation of the price and condition of the course to other local courses, it is one of the best values around. Steve Zeller, our green’s superintendent, is doing an excellent job. He works seven days-a-week to keep the course in great shape."

I spoke with several golfers after completing rounds at Pudding Ridge. They were unanimous in saying that playing the course was well worth the short drive. Everyone had positive comments about the greens, layout and fairways. "Greens are as good as any course around" seemed to be a comment that was echoed. "Play it once, and you will be sure to play it again," they said. Pudding Ridge is still evolving with current management making subtle, yet positive changes. Ward is excited about the changes "We are definitely headed in the right direction."