EMERALD LAKE GOLF CLUB

The rolling piedmont terrain creates dramatic elevation changes that transform what could be mundane Carolina golf into something memorable, with several holes playing 30-40 feet uphill or downhill to well-protected greens. Water comes into play on nearly half the holes, but it's the strategic bunkering around the putting surfaces that separates approach shots from recoveries. This Matthews track punches well above its public golf weight class, delivering conditioning and design nuance that rivals many private clubs in the Charlotte metro.