17 / 42
the last two holes on the front nine. The 8
th
is
a splendid downhill par three with the basin
behind the green. The 9
th
is the only hole at
Rivers Edge with a name: “Arnie’s Revenge.”
This par-5 features two shots over water with a
narrow approach to a peninsula green.
If you play the hole conservatively, you can
easily get a double bogey, but if played too
aggressively, a ‘snowman’ or worse is easily
attainable. Par or better at “Arnie’s Revenge” is
a worthy achievement.
“With the tidal change throughout a day, it
is not odd to see different aspects of river life
during your round,” adds Pianelli. “What the
design may lack in overall yardage, it makes
up for in course strategy. Each hole offers a
safe route or a risk/reward that can be chosen
by the player. If you successfully pull off the
game, you are rewarded for your efforts. Rivers
Edge is definitely a place that allows multiple
play without getting bored.”
After playing the front nine, the back nine is even
better. The highlights of the inward half include,
the approach shot to the par five 11
th
hole,
where Palmer Lake sits greenside, the commute
along the ‘river’s edge’ from the 11
th
green to
the 12
th
tee, and the last four holes flanked by
the river. Palmer’s creativity in designing those
four finishing holes leaves an impression with
golfers begging for more. The views across the
Shallotte River while playing 15, 16, 17, and 18
are worth of the price admission, as they say.
Even if you have a bad day at Rivers Edge,
but secure a par at “Arnie’s Revenge” or finish
strong on the last four holes, your Rivers Edge
experience will be a true memory maker.
NWO Golf Links