Pelham/Split Rock Golf Course

i must really disagree with some of the reviews of this course. i would say this course has potential to become one of the best municipal courses in the area. some very well laid out holes with good use of bunkers, hazards and overhanging trees. there was not a single bunker out of place. the pin placements were challenging. the greens were an even mix of flat and undulating, most of them on the smaller side. the course was overall in good condition. we got out relatively late and had no wait on any holes. some beautiful old trees on the course, especially the one on 9. the only criticism i have is that the fairways got a little ''''''''patchy'''''''' at times. as in there were some fairways that were in the middle of getting turf replacements. but overall a very good experience, certainly better than pelham bay.

Set in a spectacular, heavily wooded (bug spray is mandatory) section of a New York City park in The Bronx, this well maintained, with wide, sloping fairways and highly contoured greens, provides a surprising challenge to most golfers. The layout plays much longer than it appears due to deep approach shots required to reach nestled pins and wetness in parts due to poor drainage. Holes 6-8 are The Bronx’s version of “Amen Corner” with even the most skilled thankful for pars on the course’s most challenging stretch. The topography and routing invite walking, which most players opt for, but causes much delayed tee times and very slow rounds, despite players’ adequate skill level. (No pull carts are available for rental.) A rafter of turkeys patrols the course more aggressively than mostly absent rangers. A full-service halfway house and an infrequent beverage cart provide refreshment, along with a recently overhauled, smartly Art Deco-styled clubhouse. American Golf manages the facility and employs an unmotivated, disinterested and unfriendly staff. There is a $3 parking fee.

My round took 8 hours, our tee time was at 10 AM but we didn't tee off until 11:15. I had to wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before each shot. The people we got paired up with were obnoxious and clearly had no understanding of golf edicate (talking in the back swing, always taking honors, etc.). The sirens in the background are a constant reminder that you're in the Bronx, and the quality of the course doesn't help either. I'm not really a golf snob, I almost always play public courses but I can easily say this was the worst experience on a golf course I have ever had. What's worse is that this was in the early spring 2009, so I have to imagine it only gets worse in the summer time. Avoid this course entirely, don't waste your money...but if you do decide to play, don't forget to bring $3 for parking because nothing is free.