The left section of the aerial shows the 9 hole, Reynolda course in R. J. Reynolds's front lawn.
The right section reveals the first three holes at Old Town Club.

In November of 1939, the Perry Maxwell design was complete, and Old Town Club opened for play. Guy Paulsen was hired as the first head professional. Paulsen received the highest recommendation from Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts with whom he served as associate professional at the Augusta National Golf Club.

A North Carolina Newspaper introduced its opening with the following quote:

 Its planners believe that it will immediately take rank as one of the South's three great courses and as one of the nation's ten best. Some courses are noted for their wide, long fairways, others for their hazardous or tricky traps, still others for their greens. The Old Town links course will have them all.

Perry Maxwell was even quoted in the July 20, 1939 edition of the Winston-Salem Journal. Here, Perry Maxwell described the Old Town links course 'as one of the seven finest in the nation'. This is quite a compliment considering that Maxwell had previously spent a few years working in conjunction with Alister MacKenzie on other great courses, including Crystal Downs (1933). At this time Maxwell had already designed Southern Hills (1935), and nine holes at Prairie Dunes (1937). He was further hired as a consultant and redesigned existing features at many other renowned courses, including Augusta National (1937-1938), Pine Valley, National Golf Links of America, Maidstone, and others. Thus, Perry Maxwell had seen many legendary courses and was affiliated with some of the best and still gave Old Town this high billing.

DESCRIPTION

At Old Town, Maxwell utilized core-routing in his design. Hole 1 and Hole 10 tees begin within feet of the understated clubhouse, and Hole 9 and 18 greens finish in close proximity as well. Plus, there are no intermittent crossroads or residential housing within.

Maxwell's affiliation with Mackenzie coupled with his admiration of St. Andrews likely prompted his interest in creating severely undulated greens with steep swales and bold contours. These undulations have become known as 'Maxwell rolls', and they were certainly incorporated at Old Town!!!! Old Town manifests some of the most interesting green complexes in the country! There is not a straight putt on the course whereas you may have a half of dozen putts in a single round which slide laterally 15 to 20 feet. A golfer must use his imagination and be very creative when negotiating with these greens. Thus, depending on pin locations, certain sides of the green are much more desirable than others. Old Town defends par by emphasizing the short game through demanding approaches. These greens serve as evidence, particularly when firm.

       Just look at the 'Maxwell rolls' as displayed on Hole 16!

      Look at the mounds and depressions which compliment the green slope on Hole 5.

Just as the greens are severely undulated, so is the entire golf course. It was brilliant how Maxwell routed the course over such hilly terrain. Nothing was sacrificed. All hills, inclines, swales, ravines, and creeks were utilized. In fact, a creek or branch is located on twelve of the eighteen holes. No hole appears man-made or artificial. The tumbling topography was obviously left undisturbed. Maxwell states:

It is my theory that nature must precede the architect, in the laying out of links. It is futile to attempt the transformation of wholly inadequate acres into an adequate course. Invariably the result is the inauguration of an earthquake. The site of the golf course should be already there, not brought there…Many an acre of magnificent land has been utterly destroyed by the steam shovel throwing up billows of earth.

Due to his routing over a natural landscape, the golfer encounters many variations of stances and lies when playing Old Town. Most landing areas are amidst some degree of incline. A golfer simply is not required to hit from downhill lies or sidehill positions. Instead, a combination of lies, such as downhill/sidehills, is typical for an approach shot. The course is a shot-maker's dream and the programmed golfer's nightmare.

The course measures almost 6700 yards from the back markers and is a par 70. Old Town maintains four sets of tees. The par 3's vary in direction, and more importantly, vary in distance. The four par 3's measure respectively: 163 yards, 186 yards, 194 yards and 213 yards. The par 4's are diverse as well. Although there are five par 4's which all measure approximately 420 yards, they actually 'play' at different lengths because of the roll, or lack thereof, initiated by the slopes and grades of the landing areas. We have two par 5's. While one is reachable in two, the other simply is not, as it measures close to 600 yards with a creek fronting the green.

Both the size and the shape of Old Town's bunkers reflect the work of their architect. Maxwell's bunkers are too often remembered for their grand size and charismatic, irregular shapes, a style he became associated with following his collaborations with Alister MacKenzie. However, Maxwell also tended to embrace simple bunker shapes which were circular or oval. The bottoms were typically concave in dimension and the faces were flashed modestly away from the fairway or the green for visibility. The bunkers at Old Town have been preserved in this respect. See below!

     An array of bunkers on Hole 18 in 2002.

An array of bunkers on Hole 14 in 1939.

On the other hand, Maxwell also had a penchant for rugged bunkers with jagged edges. Notice the natural, weathered look of Maxwell's bunkers which was highlighted by native fescues, such as blue stems and broom sedge. Old Town's bunkers obviously have not retained their initial character in this respect.

The use of different grasses distinguishes today's bunkers from the originals. Today, zoysia bermudagrass has been sodded into the bunker surrounds. Consequently, Old Town's bunkers appear puffy and upholstered. Although the look is inconsistent with the Maxwell style, it compliments a classical theme of creating visual contrasts. Zoysia bermudagrass draws attention to these bunkers by creating diverse color and textural contrasts. With this additional flare, Old Town's bunkers are accentuated and emphasized in the mind's eye.

Also, evolving maintenance practices distinguish today's bunkers from their originals. The edges are well defined, cleanly cut and manicured. These are the ingredients for today's generic bunker style, not Maxwell's.

Old Town's cart paths are minimal! Typically, the cart paths lead golfers to the fairway just beyond the tee and then resume inconspicuously at the green. While some holes do not possess cart paths at all, our par 3's contain paths which vertically traverse the entire length of the holes. These paths are out of play an unobtrusive to the eye.

The membership is very small, and the golfing membership is even smaller. Old Town does not have tee times or other similar restrictions or requirements. As for membership sentiment, the majority enjoys Old Town's anonymity. This may not be the case for long! Bill Coore believes that Old Town is one of the most underrated courses in America and has stated many times that it is a personal favorite. Golfweek currently ranks Old Town as the eighth best course in North Carolina. Brad Klein stated that it is certainly a sleeper for America's Best, Top 100 Classic Designs. In The Confidential Guide, Tom Doak gives Old Town a '7' on his 1-10 scale. Doak ranks Old Town in his Gazette among the Top 10 'Courses Worth Groveling To Play' in the country along with Cypress Point, San Francisco Golf Club, Chicago Golf Club, Seminole, Augusta National, and Fishers Island. But Doak states, 'be forewarned that this is the type of club that wants you to have permission from the Board of Governors just to take a walk around or may require your family history before you may play. Otherwise, it is worth seeing just for the greens'.

This is a misconception! Rather, Old Town evokes an antiquated sensibility by its very name and by its archaic, gray stone walls and bridges which pepper the course like ruins. Stone tee markers and wooden, 'woody' flagsticks are other touches which create a distinct sense of place and time. The juxtaposition of the golf course, its visual imagery, and accessories reflects a classic theme of an era gone by.

A gray stone wall and specimen trees set up Hole 17 tee

 A gray stone bridge on Hole 18. Hole 11 green seen in background.

Old Town Club has also been the home of the Wake Forest University golf team for almost forty years. Therefore, Curtis Strange, Lanny Watkins, Jay Haas, Scott Hoch, Billy Andrade, Len Mattice and Darren Clark (etc). developed into successful professionals at Old Town. Jim Ferree, another long time touring professional, learned the game at Old Town.

HOLE BY HOLE

Hole 1:  At 420 yards, this moderate length par 4 is a very difficult opening hole. The tee is located within feet of the clubhouse and visibly misdirects golfers straight toward the green. The fairway however runs far right of center toward a lone out-of-play bunker utilized for orientation and direction. The true difficulty begins with a mid-length approach from a sloping downhill/sidehill lie to a severely contoured green located across a creek high on a hill. The green is protected by bunkers positioned on the right and the rear. Hitting the green is difficult enough. Hitting the correct quadrant of the green in relation to the varying slopes and pin locations is the true challenge. Otherwise, par will be in jeopardy.

Classic misdirection: Left arrow constitutes visual line while right arrow indicates fairway direction.

Hole 2: This par 3 measures 163 yards to a wide green perched on a knoll and surrounded by seven bunkers. This green constitutes the most heavily bunkered green on the course. The green extends diagonally to the right; therefore the golfer must determine his desired line before he selects his club. This green is contoured with three distinct sections: the left, the middle, and the right. Ridges separate each section which slopes in varying degrees from back to front. Note: A 1939 article from the Winston-Salem Journal states that Maxwell attempted to replicate a hole at Augusta National here at Old Town. The green complexes of Hole 2 at Old Town and Hole 7 at Augusta, which Maxwell designed a year earlier, are quite identical. Check out the similarities! Both green complexes are perched on a knoll. Both green complexes are completely surrounded by bunkers. Both greens are undoubtedly the most heavily bunkered greens at their respective sites. Both greens are wide with varying horizontal sections. Both greens slope from back to front.

Postage stamp green similar to Maxwell's seventh at Augusta National.

 
Hole 7 at Augusta National.

Hole 3:  At 418 yards, this par 4 meanders gently to the right around two flashed bunkers which are visually dominating from the tee. Because the fairway slopes to the left away from these bunkers, the tee shot is catawampus as it sets up for a fade. In contrast, the approach sets up for a draw not only because the ball is positioned above your feet, but also due to the positioning of the bunkers which protect the green. The green contains subtle movement throughout. The most distinguishing mound is in the center. Ideally, the approach must favor the side of the hump where the pin is located.

Hole 4:  The first of two par 5's measures 520 yards and doglegs to the right at a distance of 300 yards from the tee. The green is certainly reachable in two if you can carry a hill and get the extra roll you need to see the green. But be aware of the deep valley of sin just short of the green which attracts many mishit shots. From this position, your third shot, being a chip or a putt, is extremely difficult. Choices are certainly available here as there is a much easier way of arrival. A golfer could opt to use two long irons followed by a short iron approach. The green complex is large and its contours are subtle.

Hole 5:  A dogleg left, this par 4 measures 385 yards. From the tee, a couple of visually intimidating carry bunkers are set at the corner. The more you choose to bite off, the more these bunkers come into play. The green, however, is the most memorable aspect of this hole. Bold contours and swales flow throughout the green which is tilted severely from left to right. This large green a contains many smaller greens within. Three putts are inevitable and four putts are possible if you hit the wrong portion of this green.

Hole 6:  This par 3 travels 185 yards down hill to another green with a lot of internal movement. The tee shot is visually deceptive as the green significantly drops off from behind the green, and to the right and left hand sides. Because of the lack of containment, depth perception is inhibited from the tee.

                A view of Hole 6 at sunset. Look at the waves of motion on this green!

Hole 7:  At 383 yards, this par 4 requires a 205 yard forced carry from the tee over three cross bunkers lining the entrance to the fairway. Some of the weaker golfers may bail-out to the right which gives an alternative route to the green. The real challenge, however, is in the approach which demands accuracy and distance control. Because the green diagonally runs away to the right with a bold ridge in the center separating the left front from the right rear, the golfer must first establish his direction before he selects his club. The green has little depth and sharply slopes from back to front. The green is protected by two bunkers on the left and one bunker on the right. While being long is absolutely the worst position, being short falls into another valley-of-sin like depression.

Hole 8: At 382 yards, this par 4 contains a crowned landing area just before a steep slope that runs downhill to a creek fronting the green. The longer the drive, the more difficult the approach. The approach must carry the creek which literally connects to the false front of this double green. This green's contours are understated in comparison; however, the hole is still interesting because of the choices from the tee and the demanding approach.

Hole 9:  At 434 yards, this long par 4 traverses hilly terrain and doglegs to the right to an undulating green perched in close proximity to the clubhouse. The landing area slopes drastically from left to right. The approach demands a long iron from a downhill/sidehill incline. The green is protected by one front left bunker and two back right bunkers.

As seen from the clubhouse, Hole 9 displays one of the many tilted fairways at Old Town.

Hole 10:  At 407 yards, this par 4 begins within feet of the clubhouse and requires a carefully placed tee shot to a crowned fairway. The approach requires a short iron from a downhill/sidehill lie to a small green with a mound in the middle. Depending on pin location, the goal is to land on the correct side of the mound even if that means off the green. Hitting the green in regulation, but having to negotiate with this mound, often leads to a bogey.

Hole 11: This par 3 measures 194 yards. The green is guarded on the left by a bunker and is protected by a creek on the right. From the tee the creek is very intimidating and often dominates visually as it meanders the entire length of the hole and literally engulfs the right portion of the green.

    Hole 11

Hole 12:  At 428 yards, this par 4 is known for its long blind approach to the largest green on the course. The fairway slopes significantly from left to right; therefore, the sidehill lie amplifies the difficulty of the approach. The green is buffered by bunkers to the back left and front right. A mishit will surely find the creek which crosses 15 yards in front of the green.

Hole 13:  At 436 yards, this is the most difficult par 4 on the course. A long drive is required with little room for error as the fairway is unusually narrow and is protected by trees on both sides. The approach demands a long iron from another sidehill lie to a long, narrow green. This green tumbles as well.

Hole 14:  At 337 yards, this hole represents the shortest par 4 on the course. A creek travels the entire left side of the fairway. The short uphill approach requires accuracy in that the green is surrounded by bunkers and is contoured with three distinct sections separated by rolling humps and/or ridges.

Hole 14 (foreground) and Hole 15 (background) exemplifies one of many sweeping vistas at Old Town.

Hole 15:  This Redan hole is a long par 3 which is 215 yards in length. There is one bunker to the right of the green, and three bunkers surround the left side of the green. The front however is open for run-ups. The green slopes gently from right to left with subtle motion throughout. A creek runs the entire length of the hole along the left side.

Hole 16:  This par 4 measures 363 yards and is remembered for the extreme contours of both the fairway and the green. The fairway slopes drastically from left to right. The approach demands a mid-iron from a sidehill lie to a small green on a knoll which maintains a huge bold mound. The resulting contours divide the green into mini-sections. Three putts are a norm on this green. It all depends on your approach.

Hole 17:  This three shot par 5 measures 590 yards. Although the landing area from the tee is wide-open, a long second shot to the approach requires precise placement. Here the landing area again slopes from left to right, so another sidehill lie is inevitable. A creek crosses directly in front of the green which eliminates many ambitious contemplations of going for the green in two. The green comprises the right hand portion of the double green which is shared with Hole 8.

               The approach to the double green at Hole 17.

    Hole 17 (foreground) and Hole 8 (background).

Hole 18:  At 422 yards, this par 4 finishing hole travels uphill to the clubhouse. The left portion of the fairway is guarded by four bunkers. The approach requires a mid-iron from a sidehill/uphill lie over some carry bunkers on the right which are set back from the green. These carry bunkers cause depth perception problems on the approach especially from the right side of he fairway. The green undulates with tremendous swales and depressions.

       A view from the tee on Hole 18.

ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY

1978: gassed Bermudagrass greens in favor of Penncross Bentgrass.

1992: John LaFoy - renovated bunkers.

1996: Bob Cupp - restored green sizes, upgraded greens from Penncross Bentgrass to Crenshaw Bentgrass, and renovated bunkers.

2002: Bobby Weed - installed multi-row irrigation, upgraded fairways from common bermudagrass to a pure hybrid, called Tifsport Bermudagrass, restored original fairway widths, implemented modest tree removal program, and extended select teeing areas.