Piney Point Golf Club

Enjoy a warm, proud "southern welcome" at with today's feature: $18 for 18 Holes with Cart and Range Balls at Piney Point Golf Club in Norwood near Charlotte ($46 Value. Good Any Day, Any Time until June 1, 2013.)

For close to 50 years, Piney Point Golf Club has provided a comfortable environment in which golfers can enjoy a unique layout and well-maintained course conditions. Piney Point's legacy began in 1963, when course architect J. Porter Gibson broke ground on 165 acres of farmland along Lake Tillery. Gibson chose the more difficult path of retaining the existing land in every way possible. He started the build process by choosing the locations for the greens and routed the rest of the course around those points, and in so doing, the original lay of the land was preserved in its most natural state.

Since then, Piney Point Golf Club's dedication to the highest quality greens effected a similarly ambitious greens renovation project that was undertaken by Chip Powell in the summer of 1998. The goal for the renovation was to meet or exceed all USGA specifications for greens and bunkers, and so a new irrigation system was installed to support a switch to Crenshaw Bentgrass putting surfaces.

In addition to quick, true greens, this semi-private 18-hole course also offers golfers a fair challenge on the way there. Tree-lined fairways run across the rolling farmland, punishing wayward drives and requiring careful approach shots. However, with proper execution, players are granted many opportunities to score well, particularly on Piney Point's reachable par-5s. Adding even more to the course's playability is the choice of four sets of tee locations, ranging from the 6,713-yard Blues with a 71.8/122 course/slope rating to the 5,031-yard Reds at a 68.5/114 rating.

Prior to starting your round, warm up at Piney Point Golf Club's practice facilities, which include a three-target driving range, chipping/putting green and practice bunker. You can also swing by the pro shop to check out the best gear from all the top brands — you can even try it before you buy it, with a host of demo clubs available for testing purposes. And once you settle on a club, let the knowledgeable staff customize your purchase properly with specialty club fitting through Ping.

After your round, cool off with a cool beverage on the clubhouse patio or munch on your favorites at the snack bar. Either way, you'll appreciate the relaxed, casual atmosphere that feels just as welcome as your own home.