River's Edge Golf Club: Don't Miss It

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

That billboard read "The River's Edge - seven miles on the left" and featured a stylish picture of Arnold Palmer in one of his signature v-neck sweaters, thin hair blowing in the wind and holding the end of his home-cooked follow through.

I pulled the car into the Brunswick County visitor's center - which is an untapped golf information resource if I ever seen one, by the way. Turns out the River's Edge Golf Club had cornered the market at this underutilized rest stop. A flyer almost as big as the billboard on U.S. 17 jumped out at me and practically begged me to change my plans and pay a visit to Arnie's latest creation.

I would say that it was fate, but I have seen the Matrix so that is out of the question. But whether it was blind luck or a computer program that led me to the River's Edge I am glad it happened. With all the skill of Ace Ventura, I had discovered the course of the future in Brunswick County.

As I drove up the River's Edge driveway, my sprits rose upon seeing a smattering of cars whose sheer lack of volume indicated that I would be able to realize one of my weekly fantasies - a three hour round of golf.

As I walked into the proshop, the morning just continued to produce like an Ally McBeal episode. Head Professional Bruce Harper stood behind the desk, ready to check out the website and set me up with a tour of the grounds and the clubhouse.

Every member of the staff treated me like a member, calling me by name once they learned it. And no, it wasn't just yours truly getting the red carpet treatment - it was every Ohioan, Michigander and local that walked in the door.

"The course opened on October 12, so we are still trying to get the word out that we are open for play," said Harper.

This definitely explains the lack of SUV's in the parking lot, and could explain why there are no jaded attitudes amongst the staff. After playing the course, the former is quite true, and the later is total speculation.

"The word is starting to get out about the course," said Harper, sounding like he was holding the trump card for the entire county golfing scene. "[Golf] package-wise, we haven't had that many bookings. A lot of people are weary of playing a course for the first time - one that just opened."

I have never actually booked a golf "package", because that would require foresight, common sense, and money - great attributes of which I am severely lacking. But if I ever did, the River's Edge would be part of my package. In fact, it may be my entire package.

To give you a feel for the overall design of the River's Edge - it is as natural as Ken Griffey Junior's batting stroke. The sophisticated earth moving and green complex construction that is so common in many of today's courses is pleasantly missing.

Seven of the eighteen holes (I counted nineteen) are along the Shallotte River, and make the most of the God-given scenery. The other eleven holes are carefully crafted and routed through pine forested inland.

Well, anymore and I am going to step all over this week's course review and hole profiles. But just in case you can't wait to stand on the River's Edge (I had to get that in), the number to call for tee times is 1-877-RIVER18.