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Rowley CC is marked by tree-lined holes and subtle greens. Over the course of a trip around Rowley, players will hit various shots to different elevations.
The first hole is a good introduction to the course, a mid-length par 4 with water cutting across the hole, which requires some thought off the tee. The green is perched up and protected by some bunkers on the left.
The second hole is a formidable, uphill 200+ yard par 3. The work isn't done after that, as hole 3/12 are 2 and 1 on the index, respectively.
It gets a little easier after that trio of holes, but accuracy is still paramount on the other six holes, and players who want to attack the course will have to be able to shape their shot or stay patient off the tee. It's a nice mix holes, as holes 4 and 6 are dogleg right holes and holes 5 and 9 are dogleg left holes. Hole 7 is a nice par 3, even though it's tucked among some houses. And the 8th is a short par 4 with a few options off the tee because water cuts across the hole.
This round was in October, and the greens were in good shape, and the fairways were solid. The farther you get from the center of the hole, the scruffier the course gets. Lies in the rough weren't great, but that's to be expected late in the season.
The ninth hole isn't the strongest closer. Houses frame the edge of the hole and trees line the right side as protection for those houses. Even while the course is tree-lined, it's the only hole where the trees feel out of place and get in the way.
While the greens aren't extreme or wild, they are subtle. Five of the greens sit above the fairway (1, 2, 5, 7, 8). The ones that sit in the ground allow for balls to roll up. The 4th green is excellent. Balls can roll onto this par-5 green, but trying to get the ball close to any pin on the front of the green is a challenge.
Overall, Rowley CC is a great option for golfers on the North Shore. It's a rather easy walk at a good price. It will test anyone's game and allows for opportunities to score.
