Just twenty minutes from Evans, golfers find a true treasure at Rocky Branch Golf Course. Located just across the county line in Lincoln County, Rocky Branch is celebrating its thirtieth year of welcoming players of all ages and experience levels to enjoy the challenges and rewards of the game of golf.
Al Holloway, co-owner and manager of Rocky Branch, recalls the conversation that changed his life and brought him to Rocky Branch. “In 1995, I was working at Hickory Knob State Park in the pro shop and was approached by a local couple, Bill and Sue Ashmore, who wanted to build a golf course,” shares Al. “They asked me to come and run it for them, and it was the greatest thing God could have ever done for me. Not only did Bill and Sue become like family to me, but I love what I do and I have made tremendous friends from the people who have come to play at Rocky Branch.”
In 2013, Al and a few other investors purchased Rocky Branch. Under their leadership, the club has continued to foster a love for golf in the community and provide a beautiful course for players to enjoy. The club offers both a monthly membership option and convenient walk-on play opportunities. As home to several organized golf groups as well as the Lincoln County and Harlem High School golf teams, the course provides a great atmosphere for youth and adults to hone their skills. “We have a men’s group that plays on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and a women’s group that plays on Wednesdays and Fridays,” shares Al. “The Dogfight group plays on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.”
There are several features that make the course distinct, most notably are its rural setting and the course’s design. “One thing that makes Rocky Branch unique is that it’s a very playable and enjoyable course,” says Al. “One side of the golf course is wide open with hardly any trees on it and on the backside, there are trees that outline each fairway. So the two play very differently, and that is a good thing.”
Golfers love the rural setting, easy flow, and compact design that make the course both enjoyable and challenging. Players tend to be big fans of the course’s 90-yard Par 3 on #14, but Al says that #10 is his favorite. “You can see everything from the tee, and it is just beautiful,” he shares. “It could be a hole at any professional tournament.”
According to Al, a round of golf at Rocky Branch usually takes between three and a half to four hours and with the exception of tournament week, tee time reservations are only required on weekends. The club offers a snack bar with light refreshments and pro shop that has a surprisingly large assortment of used golf clubs for sale. “Our members can bring clubs, and we will sell the clubs for them,” shares Al. “It has been much more popular than we thought it would be and we usually have a very nice selection.” Members and their families also have access to the club’s on-site pool, which turns an afternoon of golf into a family outing that is fun for everyone.
Al also points out that Rocky Branch keeps play rates reasonable all the time, even during tournament week. “During the week, seniors play for $35 and non-seniors play for $40. Everyone plays for $45 on the weekends. We also keep our course fees at $45 per round Monday through Sunday of tournament week,” says Al. “Most courses increase their fees that time of the year, but we want to keep it reasonable and welcoming for both local and out of town players. But definitely call for a tee time because we do get pretty busy that week.”
If there is one thing Al would love for people to know about Rocky Branch is that a great round of golf is closer than they think. “Most people hear Lincolnton, and they think we are so far away,” he says. “In reality, we are only 25 miles from Riverwood and it’s an easy drive with no stoplights between there and here. You cross of the county line and here we are.”
Rocky Branch Golf Course is located at 4711 Double Branches Road in Lincolnton. For more information and to take a peek at the course, visit rockybranchgolf.com. To schedule a tee time or join one of the groups who play the course each week, call 706-359-4303.