The Emerald Golf Club has scored enviable achievements in its history.

* Named one of the top 50 courses in the Southeast by Golf Weekly.
* Host to the 1992 and 1993 PGA Tour Qualifying School.
* Designed by Rees Jones, 1995 Golf World Architect of the Year.
* Host of the Curtis Strange Shrine Classic 1990-2000.

Pretty lofty accolades wouldn’t you say? I’ve been invited to play the course more times than I can remember but it was not until recently that I was able to enjoy a day in this little part of heaven. For all of The Emerald’s distinguished honors, the course was not created to be overwhelming – even for people like myself who “boasts” a 17 handicap. (Hey I never said I was a great golfer!)

From the back tees the course plays right at 6900 yards and has a 73.8 rating. I played from the blues and it’s a 71.8 rating there and it plays at from 6123-6483 yards depending on where they place the tees. That’s plenty long enough for my game (you’re laughing now, right?) and I’m one of those guys that plays golf simply for the love of the game and the beauty of it. Long ago I gave up on being a low-handicap duffer. I played a ton of football and baseball growing up and the wear and tear of sports and my body style (230 lbs and stiff back) finally convinced me to just chill and enjoy the experience.

This course is a great challenge for typical golfers and that reflects Rees Jones’ sentiment when he designed this gem. He’s quoted as saying, “Too many courses today are being built for the one-week PGA Tournament. I like to design courses that are challenging to the typical golfers.”

The Emerald is not only playable and challenging; it is breathable art in the sense that grasses are mixed to create color variations that give depth and dimension to the course. Bunkers and hazards have been sculpted to mix variety with the element of surprise. The interplay of light from a stand of pines, shadowed from behind by a taller stand of mature hardwoods, creates an unforgettable tapestry on the approach to the 4th green.

I can pass as a golf writer, but I have to admit that the previous paragraph was copied from promotional literature from the course owners and marketing staffers – but it DOES live up to that billing.

Each hole around the course offers five tee locations that allows for golfer to structure the course for their own skill level.

The club marketing department writes, “The Emerald is a semi – private golf club with a practical philosophy: Golf is for regulars, not just the pros. We welcome everyone…. from the professional to the pro at heart only. No matter what your level of play, you will receive a worthy challenge and a memorable experience.”

The club features a well stocked Pro Shop with the best in equipment and apparel to compliment your game. The practice area is great as it offers chipping and putting areas, and is the perfect place to improve your short game. Unlike many courses, The Emerald is also equipped with a lighted driving range and PGA staff available for lessons.

The Bar & Grill is perfect for unwinding with your favorite beverage from their fully stocked bar while you relax enjoying the natural surroundings. The bar & grill is open daily.

Visit http://www.golfnorthcarolina.com/courses_The-Emerald-Golf-Club_New-Bern_151.html for more information and links to their website and more!