Sycamore Creek GC

Richmond, VA

www.sycamorecreekgolfcourse.com

1992, Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Blue 6269 70.0 126 70
White 5701 67.5 121 70
'09 Fees: $52 prime time weekend ride, $40 after 13:30

Fat Guy Review: When we pulled into this place, I was ready to declare it a hidden gem. The layout looked very good, lots of mounding, good shape to the holes, lush green fairways, and the greens fees were reasonable.

However, apparently it's not quite "hidden." The place was packed, and naturally they've got their tee times 8 minutes apart. We teed off almost 30 mins. after our scheduled time (late AM on a Saturday), had 2-3 groups on almost every tee, and proceeded to play a 2:40 front 9. Not sure I ever saw a ranger (they should call them "Ready Golf Coaches" anyway). When we approached management at the turn about the pace of play, their initial response was, "...And?..." They did give us a rain check for the back, but their attitude basically conveyed, "What do you expect on a Saturday?", as if a round approaching 6 hours was an acceptable everyday occurrence.

The course itself was fairly good if I recall, a few nice little holes cut of of a creekside hollow, and some fun snaking fairways on the more open holes.

Play this one if it's midday on a weekday and you don't have anyplace to be afterwards. Don't go near it on a weekend (unless you bring a picnic lunch and dinner, two cases of beer and a bottle of bourbon to help you with your patience, and feel like growing old there). Rating: 4.5 (8.0 if you could play it in 4.5 hours).

Where To Booze & Grub Nearby: Snack bar on premisis serves beer (Thank God!). OR, make a left onto Broad Street coming out of the course, and 5 miles down is pure suburban sprawl, featuring restaurants galore including most of the major chains. For a couple good local spots semi-nearby, Tom P. loves the home-cooked burgers and friendly, divey atmosphere at Bamboo Grill, or try Jeff and Brenda's old haunt, Shackleford's (10496 Ridgefield Pkwy). Good dinner menu, good crab appetizers, and some of the best nachos I've ever had. TV at the bar, good bartender, and usually a hottie or two on the premisis. From Citysearch.com: "As one might expect from a restaurant inspired by the Bay, seafood is a major attraction at Shackleford's. The crab and shrimp burrito--a tomato-tortilla wrap with a mixture of crab, shrimp, rice and cheeses, baked and served over black beans and rice and topped with salsa for $11.95 is a favorite. I was disappointed, however, at the crab cake sandwich, seared on the grill and served with an herb remoulade; it was a bit salty, and the remoulade was slightly bland."

Best Bar Nearby, Richmond: I lived in Richmond for 2 years, so I know my way around, but it's been a little while. For a great Gentlemen's club, try Paper Moon (3300 Norfolk, Downtown; 6710 Midlothian Tpke, Southside; 804-674-0790, www.papermoonclub.com). I once picked up a dancer there and ended up taking her to Vegas for the weekend. Horrible trip, but a great story. Or Pure Pleasure right up the road from Paper Moon Southside.

Good sports bars include: Glory Days (10466 Ridgefield Pkwy, West End; 6151 Harbourside Centre Lp, South Side); Champps (9202 Stony Point Pkwy, 10 mins S of downtown); Buffalo Wild Wings (7801 W Broad West End; 1501 E. Cary, Shockoe Bottom downtown); Mulligan's (1323 Main, downtown); and Hooter's (1211 Huguenot, Southside; 2401 W Hundred Rd, Chester; 7912 W Broad, West End).

Shockoe Bottom is the best downtown bar district, although an '04 flood wiped out many former hotspots. Hit Tonic (14 N 18th St, 804-648-4300) for serious martinis and a cutting-edge wine list. Try the house-specialty drinks: Champagne & Strawberries, or a Carmel Kiss.

Where To Grub: In downtown Richmond, you gotta get to Joe's Inn. Great little unassuming Italian joint, outstanding house dressing, and try the Spaghetti ala Joe, baked with mozarella on top. Avoid the meatballs. OR, the Tobacco Warehouse in Shockoe Bottom (12th & Cary, 804-782-9555, www.thetobaccocompany.com) is a popular upscale bar/restaurant set in an open 3-story former tobacco warehouse. A little fern-bar-ish and full of Yuppies, but good food in a nice setting. OR, Strawberry Street Cafe has a great Sunday brunch, a salad bar in a bathtub, and the best Snicker's pie on the planet. Or try regional seafood chain Awful Arthur's.