If you're in the Cherokee Village area, and you like to walk, then the North Course is your best bet. The front nine has all tee boxes and greens very close together. The back nine is a bit more spread out, but is still very much walker-friendly. There are a couple quirky holes, but on the whole it's a fair layout, without an excessive number of forced carries. Front nine is tree-lined and well shaded, and lots of dog-leg holes. The tree lines separating the holes are not overly dense, so a stray tee-shot won't be hopelessly lost in the woods. Back nine is a bit more stretched out and has more extensive bunkering and more elevation changes than the front. Course was not crowded at all on a weekday morning, and the walkers and cart players mixed easily.
When we played the weather had been quite wet, so in spite of the early summer heat the greens and fairways were in fabulous condition. Greens rolled very true and the fairways were lush with no hard-pan spots. Good drainage all around made for very few casual water spots even with heavy rain the day before. Bunkers on the back nine were a little mushy with all the moisture, but I consider that a fair trade for the awesome turf conditions.
We'll be returning to Cherokee Village for many summers to come, and the North Course will certainly be a part of my vacation week plans.
