There's no question this is an incredibly thoughtful layout. No cow pasture here. This is professionally done.
But it fails in being accessible to 10 handicappers and up. A good course design is difficult for all levels, but still provides outs for players who aren't scratch golfers. We're talking 5 on an occasional par 4. If there are very difficult, long holes where a 10 handicapper (not to mention 15, 20, 25...) can't score below 7 (forced carries, no layup area), then the design is fundamentally flawed. If a player can't miss an approach by one pace in any direction without a lost ball, there's something wrong. That's the case with River Ridge.
It's too bad. This course has many positives, and I really wanted to like it. But I can't recommend it. And I haven't a clue where the slope and ratings came from. They're way too low for the difficulty.
Pros: Great condition; professional layout
Cons: Unpleasantly difficult for most players
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