The Cardinal by Pete Dye

Pete Dye masterpiece. Out of the five or so Pete Dye designs that I have played in VA and NC, and after today: The Cardinal by Pete Dye is the confirmed best of every one I have played Pete Dye design wise. Every hole at The Cardinal is unique from the previous hole in drastic fashion. As one meanders around this property which boasts a variety of trees, shrubs and plant life bordering a neighborhood that compliments the botanical garden like golf course environment with many residential houses back yards displaying their own timber, gardens, flowers and foliage. Not to mention many small Augusta National like esque’foot bridges going across cross hazards and such. And on each green complex there is something that makes each one unique whether it’s a runoff collection area below the typically elevated greens or a swell or hump on the actual green itself. When I played it today 4/7/22 the greens were aerated and punched and I was forewarned pre round by the assistant pro prior to paying the greens fee. This made me nervous at first, but the ball rolled truer than most mature green on courses back home in Hampton Roads, VA. I can’t imagine how amazing and true these putting surfaces may be when the greens aeration have filled in. Lastly, I was also impressed that besides the typical scorecard in the golf cart (a greens map displaying green complex traits was underneath the score card), fully stocked cart with golf tees and two towels and everything and above and more all for a great public greens fee rate. Can’t beat it!

The course gave me $15 off my $35 dollar senior fee and as usual it was great day playing golf at The Cardinal. I recommend this course for everyone.

You will love it. If it's your first time playing it, don't be surprised with the amount of bogies you collect. They provide green reading cards. You are going to need it.

This course is the best course open to the public hands down.

I had a PGA card holder join me from Columbus Ohio and we had a great time, The course was in great shape, the greens were a challenge for me but not for my friend. The course was in really good shape and we enjoyed the round thoroughly.

If u gave this track Less than 5⭐️ U have to be Tiger Woods or just uninformed.

YOU WILL NOT HAVE MORE FUN ANYWHERE!!

This track is better than some of the private tracks I run w my brothers. A++++++++

Worth way more than what u r paying.

Greens r perfect, rough isn’t ridiculous. EVERY tee box is in great shape…fairways look comfortable enough to sleep on.

When u come you’ll wanna buy from the pro shop to remember the trip. I was even impressed w the logo on the merchandise. Top to bottom 10/10

My phone died so I can’t upload pics for u guys…my apologies

This is the best course in town and maybe the state. It is beautifully maintained, masterfully designed, and has every element of nature included. It is absolutely a GEM!!

Challenging layout with greens that are superb. Great practice facility and well worth the price of $35.

Course was in really good condition. Greens were moderately fast with lots of break. It is paramount here to remain on the fairway as 3rd cut is really tough. I played like crap but it was also hotter than fire. Course is also pretty tight. Bring your best game!

Even playing cart path only(it was extremely wet out there with lots of puddles) I started at 1:00 and finished at 3:45 with about a 30 minute delay due to heavy rain. The course drains really well and the most of the greens did not have a lot of water. I plan on joining after my yearly trek to Florida from Nov thru Jan.

If you get the opportunity play this course!! It is very pretty in great condition and challenging. I wish there was hole layout on the scorecard or tee box and for that matter maybe a bit clearer directions on course. The staff was very very kind and the course was in great shape. Anyone playing soon, my hint is the greens are fast!!!

Golf course was great. Had a wonderful time.

Food selection was below par. No breakfast food and the sandwiches were definitely below average.

Other than that, good times.

Course is in great shape, loved the challenging holes, finished the course in under 4 hours which is fantastic, greens are immaculate, couldn't ask for a better place to play and am seriously considering becoming a member.

This was my first time playing a Pete Dye course and the layout was amazing. Beautifully maintained course, only issue was a lack of sand in the bunkers. Bunkers were largely mud and clay. Greens were well maintained and play a bit fast. Fairways were also in great shape. Staff were friendly, pricing was fair. Overall I’d say the Cardinal is a great course for testing your meddle.

Fun challenging course, I thought it was very fair, but I was playing very well on the day. Course has some awesome holes! Loved 10, 11,12! I have had this course on my bucket list for two years now, and finally made the trip! Worth the drive, Pete Dye courses are my favorites. It not only tests the swing but the imagination., like all his courses. Greens were awesome, and I made a lot of clutch putts cause their fast and true. From t to green, this course is sweeeeeeeet! Fairways like carpet. My only complaint would be the bunkers, but they were still better than most courses and their are a lot of em in all shapes and sizes! Bring the A game and you will enjoy, loose stick, you may pull your hair out! Wished I lived closer!!! 78 on the day, with five birdies, my bunker game was still back in Charlotte. Those bunkers crushed me!

Great course! Excellent.conditions! 1 of the top courses in the area!