CONCORD, N.C. - Rocky River Golf Club's decision to remain operational this summer during its conversion to Bermuda greens has provided a nice option for novice golfers.

The course is open daily with temporary greens and reduced golf fees. While all types of golfers are welcome to continue playing this championship-caliber course, the shorter length of the holes and reduced amount of golfer traffic creates ideal conditions for beginners and juniors.

Novice golfers have the opportunity to play either nine or 18 holes, and can choose between walking and riding. In addition, the temporary greens have six-inch cups which are larger than golf's standard cup size of 4.25 inches in diameter.

"For a lot of beginners and juniors, this is an excellent way to get comfortable with the game when they might not feel that way on a regulation-size course," says director of golf Ryan Brickley. "And with the temporary greens, they can enjoy the game without feeling like they're going to lose a lot of golf balls, without feeling they are going to be rushed by the group behind them. It's a relaxed atmosphere where a family can come and enjoy spending time on the course and learning the game."

On June 4, Rocky River began a project to convert its greens from bent grass to Mini Verde Bermuda. Switching to this modern strand of ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass is increasingly popular in the golf world because Bermuda thrives in summer heat and is resistant to most diseases that afflict bent grass. The project is scheduled for completion in mid to late August.

During the project, greens fees at Rocky River have been reduced about 50 percent. New rates are $25 for 18 holes with cart on weekdays, and $35 for 18 holes with cart
on weekends. Walking rates are $15 during the week and $25 on weekends. Nine-hole rates are also available.

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Embassy Suites Owner to Manage Rocky River Golf Club - March 8, 2007

CONCORD, N.C. – Rocky River Golf Club at Concord is now under the management of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

John Q. Hammons owns and operates the new $65 million Embassy Suites hotel & convention center adjacent to Rocky River Golf Club. Hammons built the hotel in partnership with the City of Concord. And given Hammons’ strong background in hotel/golf properties, it was only natural that Concord would select the company to manage its city-owned course.

“This provides the best of both worlds for Rocky River Golf Club,” said Embassy Suites general manager Terry Crawford. “It will continue to offer a quality golf experience to the public, while instantly becoming a destination resort with luxury accommodations, spa and fine dining.”

The partnership is even more natural when you consider that the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord is not your typical Embassy Suites hotel, and Rocky River is not your typical municipal golf course.

Both facilities are built to the highest standards. The hotel, loaded with amenities and upgrades, is the most expensive Embassy Suites ever built by John Q. Hammons, while Rocky River was designed by noted architect Dan Maples of Pinehurst and is ranked among the top 80 golf courses in the state by the North Carolina Golf Panel.

Crawford, the hotel’s general manager, is accustomed to providing guests with quality golf. His previous job was GM of the World Golf Resort in St. Augustine, Fla., home of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

“In 1997, Dan Maples designed Rocky River to a high standard and we intend to bring back his original design intent,” Crawford said. “We’re working hard and golfers should see improvements by summer.”

Hammons has retained most of the staff at Rocky River, including long-time head golf professional Floyd Gragg.