Housing market crunch provides golf opportunity in Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Ford’s Colony Rocky Mount is a very upscale, 1,000 lot housing development that, because of the economic climate, is basically on hold. That bit of bad news, however, provides a great chance for the general public to play a really good private golf course and at public prices to boot.

For traveling golfers, the Ford’s Colony layout is a perfect place to take a break in your road trip as it is located just a few miles east of Interstate 95. I had the pleasure of playing this course cut out of rolling, forested land a few weeks ago. Having previously played all three Ford’s Colony courses in Williamsburg, Virginia, I expected an interesting test and good playing conditions. Let me tell you, it is that and more.

After working yourself into a lather on the all-grass practice range, the first thing you will notice after just a few holes is the roominess between the edges of the fairways to the tree lines. This roominess gives the feel of a major league facility capable of hosting tournament-sized galleries. The next thing you will notice, or not, is lack of housing. I didn’t count the number of houses I actually saw, but would be surprised if there were 10 that came into view during the entire round. Most would agree that the pure golf feel of a course devoid of housing adds a certain something to the overall experience.

The golf course itself really doesn’t have a lot of wow-signature-type holes, but it does have 18 really solid ones. At 6,800+ yards from the tips, even top players should not be fooled into thinking it is a pushover. Many of the holes require well-placed tee shots in order to promote aggressive approaches. Additionally, there are a few water hazards and doglegs to be negotiated and the bunkering is significant. At the current greens fee of $40 on weekdays and $50 on weekends, golf at Ford’s Colony Rocky Mount is quite the bargain.