Welcome to the Two Down Press golf newsletter!

Happy New Year! I hope you’ve had a great holiday season and are as excited as I am for 2026. Good news - I did find the box of Pro V1’s I was looking for under the tree, but playing 9 holes with my Dad on Christmas Day was my real gift this year.

Lots to cover in the first newsletter of the year, including a profile on our #1 Charlotte-area public golf course (featuring photos from this week’s presenting sponsor) and tournament news from across the Carolinas.

Before we dive in, we need your feedback as we work to shape the future of 2DP! Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for information about our subscriber survey. Now, let’s get to it…

COURSE REVIEW

We’ve talked a lot over the past 12 months about municipal golf in Charlotte and how it could be improved, often citing examples of how other cities have invested in and overhauled their urban golf product. Ironically, one of the best examples of this sits a mere ~25 miles north of Uptown at Mooresville Golf Club.

In 2014, the Town of Mooresville approved recreation bonds to renovate the golf course, which was comprised of 9 original holes designed by Donald Ross and 9 more added in the 1970s. The renovation, which was carried out by architect Kris Spence and completed in 2016, produced a product that should be the envy of every municipal facility in the country.

The land: The course is broken up in to 2 sections of different character, which is no surprise given the 30-year gap between the construction the original front and back 9’s. The front, where the original Ross holes were routed, is the portion most frequently photographed and discussed. Outside of the 1st and 5th, which sit on a low, flat section, the front 9 offers great land movement, sweeping views, and wide playing corridors.

The back 9 weaves through trees and neighborhoods, but plays over some great golf land despite its logistical constraints. The closing stretch of 15-18 in particular shows off some of the property’s most dramatic features, with large elevation changes taking place on several holes.

The layout: Spence totally redesigned the front 9 but successfully managed to keep the old-school Ross feel. In typical Ross style, well-placed fairway bunkers and clever greens defend the course, forcing players to think critically about their route to the hole despite the width available off the tee. The front is a perfectly balanced cocktail, with scorable stretches sandwiched between tougher holes that call for 100% attention.

The back 9, while tighter, maintains many of the playing characteristics of the front. Restraint is a critical skill on the back, and deciphering when to push the gas or slam the brakes can take a few rounds to figure out. With 3 par 5s and a drivable par 4 in the mix, there are plenty of chances for low scores on this side, but long par 3s and a tough closing stretch make golfers earn their number.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t give a shoutout to the playing conditions at MGC, which are typically excellent. The bermudagrass putting surfaces often rival any private club in the area for their quality, and the overall level of maintenance is extremely impressive given the course’s price point.

The full package: MGC is more than just a golf course - it’s a true community hub with off-course amenities of equal quality. The practice facility is excellent and always slammed with players of all ages, and while we typically don’t give extra credit to golf courses for their food and beverage offering, we’ve heard good things about the onsite restaurant. Marry all of this up with some of the best rates around (summer 2025 peaked at $68, current winter weekend rate is $42!) and there is no better value for money in Charlotte public golf than Mooresville Golf Club.

Standout Holes:

#2 - 350/321 Par 4

The 2nd is a short-ish par 4 that navigates some rolling terrain, with the fairway canting left-to-right and dropping down into a low hollow before rising to meet the green. You can hit almost any club off the tee, but must choose between a shorter, blind approach from the lower fairway or a longer shot with a clear view from up top.

The approach shot, however, is the most intriguing element of #2. The green has 3 distinct sections and has the playing characteristics of a double plateau template - 2 tiers (back and left) that are difficult to access and a lower section where slopes assist in funneling your ball to the hole. This may look like a scoring opportunity on the card, but you’ll be glad to walk away with a par if the pin is tucked in one of the corners.

#7 -157/139 Par 3

The 7th is as beautiful to look at as it is fun to play. Perched atop a ridge, the hole features a downhill tee shot to a skyline green flanked on all sides by bunkers. While the teeing ground provides a great view of the front 9, the elevation change and exposure to the wind make distance control tricky on this short par 3.

#8 - 497/471 Par 5

The 8th is an obvious fan favorite - a short par 5 and a birdie opportunity - but there is a ton of strategy and complexity on offer here. The green is certainly reachable in 2 as the crow flies despite playing uphill, but the line of charm is guarded by a trio of fairway bunkers that require a significant carry even for long hitters. Players must make up their mind on the tee whether they want to take on the risk associated with cutting the corner or bail out left to a wide swath of fairway and accept a longer shot in.

While the tee shot favors a left-to-right ball flight, the green is set on an angle that prefers a draw - another subtle example of the control needed to play well at MGC. Approaches hit short and right of the green will have a clean view of the surface, while misses left or long will be met with challenging recovery shots (and possible OB!).

#17 - 460/423 Par 4

The front 9 deserves its plaudits, but the 17th earns its spot on this list as a back 9 standout. This long par 4 is totally bunkerless, but is by no means lacking in strategic interest. The fairway pinches in between two mounded native areas that are staggered in distance from the tee (275 right, 300 left). While bashing driver and trying to thread the needle is a viable option given the length of the hole, players keen to avoid the trouble must consider both target and distance to avoid the long stuff.

Fortunately for players who don’t hit the green in regulation (i.e. most players), the 17th is one of the most fun chipping-and-pitching holes at MGC. The large green is surrounded by short grass, large humps, and steep runoffs, inviting players to show off their creativity and short game prowess to try and steal a par.

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TOURNAMENTS

The Carolinas Golf Association recently announced plans to expand its Interclub competition, including adding both Gross and Women’s divisions for the 2026 season. CGA Interclub is the official region-wide team competition that pits clubs against one another in a series of matches, culminating each fall with playoffs and a finals event hosted at River Landing Golf Club. Team golf is the best golf, so we’re excited to see this program expand and add new divisions aimed at bringing new players into the fold.

Answering the question: Until now, all CGA Interclub events have been net match play. The introduction of a Gross division is a big deal, as it creates an opportunity to get a definitive answer to the age-old and oft-argued question - which club has the best players? No strokes. No handicap controversy. Just field your best!

Get involved: Want to rally an interclub team to represent your home course? Talk to your Club Professional or GM about how to start the process. Registration is open now and runs through February 15th.

STORIES TO TRACK

Brady, Sandhu Take Donald Ross Junior Titles: 2 players on the lower end of the age range (15-18) took home top honors at the prestigious junior event in Pinehurst. Local Jake Brady (high school class of 2029) was the winner on the boys side, while Savera Sandhu (class of 2028) got it done in the girls division. The event concluded Tuesday in cold conditions, with competition across various age divisions taking place on courses No. 1, No. 5, and No. 8.

17th Carolinas Young Amateur Begins Monday at Mid South: New venue this year for the CGA’s annual event exclusively for 18-25 year-olds (weird age range, if you know the history of why this event exits, reach out!). Defending champion Alex Martin is in the field on the men’s side, while Sophie Lauture’s absence will mean a new women’s champion this year.

HOUSEKEEPING

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