Getting To Know: Old Chatham Golf Club

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Jodi Tata who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Set amid 400 acres of protected woodlands, the 7,247-yard championship course is reminiscent of the days when tee and green sites were natural and little earth was moved. Native forest separates the fairways, giving each group the feeling that it has the course all to itself.

The golf course and grounds are maintained with exceptional attention to detail and a seamless combination of both modern and traditional maintenance practices. Playing conditions are never compromised for aesthetics - instead, we strive to maintain firm and dry fairways that are both fast and tight and reward good shots.

Old Chatham is considered a challenging, yet fair, golf course. The Bermuda grass rough is kept at 1.25 inches, so a player is challenged with a more difficult shot than one played from the 1/2 inch cut fairways; however, he or she avoids the frustration of having to look for balls that have sunk down into rough that is left too high. The enjoyment of members and their guests is the ultimate consideration of Superintendent Brian Powell and his staff.

Putting surfaces are true and absent of grain, and the subtlety of our greens tests even the most skilled golfers. These Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda grass greens installed in 2012 are undulating, fast and challenging. The greens stay between 11-13 on the Stimpmeter throughout the year.

The golf course was designed to be a good walking course, and many members play a round with caddies taking care of carrying their golf bags, raking bunkers and, if desired, helping read greens. Golfers may choose to walk the course or take a golf cart at all times when the course is open for play.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
It is a treat in today's world to play a golf course that has no houses or road traffic. Old Chatham is on 400 federally protected acres of rolling hills rich in native pines and oaks, nestled just minutes from the I-40 corridor and Research Triangle Park, yet tucked away from the region's rapid growth. In this secluded yet convenient location, a true golf sanctuary continues to enthrall, as the club's retreat-like atmosphere makes it a top destination where successful people come to unwind, relax and play.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
The golf course was designed without any "tricks" to it. As you golf at Old Chatham, each hole speaks to you, letting you know exactly what is asked of you on each shot. The course is right in front of you, in a "no excuses" layout. The best advice our head golf professional gives new players is to keep in mind that all of our greens are designed with a pitch from back to front, so all putts from the front of the green to the back of the green are uphill when they may not appear to be. Also, the outer edges of our greens angle in toward the center of the green, almost like a plate would be. So a putt near the edge of a green will always break in toward the center of the green. Knowing this will help anyone make more putts and lower his or her score.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
We are very proud of the quality of our staff. John Marino, director of operations, and Brian Joyce, first assistant, have been named Carolinas PGA Section special awards and honors winners. Marino received the Bill Strausbaugh Award, an honor presented to PGA professionals who through their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community. Joyce earned Assistant Professional of the Year, an award given to the Class A-8 Assistant Professional who exhibits the promise and dedication that will lead others into the coming years. The head superintendent, Brian Powell, is the 2014 president of the Carolinas Superintendents Association.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Our 14th hole was recently featured by Triangle Business Journal as our signature hole. Members here will tell you that every hole is a signature hole, however 14 has bunkers lining the right side of the fairway and water to the left. Although it is short for a par 5 (510 yards from the tips versus 622 yards for the 11th hole), it can be challenging to encounter. Even so, it is beautiful and fun to play - it even comes complete with a swan in the lake that flanks it.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
My favorite hole is the 13th hole, because it is a demanding tee shot asking for length and accuracy off of the tee. Even with a great drive, the second shot will likely be a fairway wood or long iron; a draw will be needed to a small, fast green that is guarded by two bunkers and a pond. The green has a ridge that runs through it and makes putting a key component to making a good score. The 13th hole will test your entire game. The best advice I can give you here is probably the best advice I can give you on your golf game in general: Stay focused on where you want the ball to go. There are a lot of places you do not want to be on this hole, and it is better not to think about these. Keep your mind on what you want, rather than what you do not want.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
We have a great selection of IPL beers. I'd recommend trying a Joe's Beer and a bowl of the sirloin steak chili with cheddar cheese and red onions.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
The course record here is thought of in terms of how fast a group moves to play a round. We take pride in offering an uncrowded atmosphere, and players like to go through the course at a good pace. That said, a lot of great players and golf professionals call Old Chatham home, yet it is rare to see a sub-par round. I haven't heard of anyone shooting less than a 67.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,247
Slope: 135
Rating: 75.5

More Information
Old Chatham Golf Club
1480 O'Kelly Chapel Road
Durham, NC, 27513
919-361-1400
http://www.oldchathamgolf.org/