Next we
will ride over to
Riverbend Golf Course and
Country Club

Voted best golf
course 5 years straight by The New Bern COC
Riverbend Golf Course was once upon a time a large tobacco and
corn farm . In the mid 1960`s the farm was sold to a real estate
developer and it quickly became New Bern's first major suburban
neighborhood. Located on the Trent River, about 10 minutes
from mid-town New Bern, Riverbend Golf Course was designed and built
in the early 1970`s by golf course developer Gene Hamm. Gene has
designed quite a few courses in Myrtle Beach and Pinehurst.
The
course and clubhouse underwent a complete makeover a few years ago.
Included in the makeover was a new clubhouse complete with a
restaurant. I have to say that after the improvements this course may be the best value of any golf course membership in the area. Every time I have played it for the past 8 years it has been in excellent shape.
They also have the only lighted practice facility in the area. My
good friend Frank Fragale is the owner manager. If you play
Riverbend tell him I sent you out there.

Number 18 (shown on the left) is the signature hole at Riverbend.
A 240 yard drive from the back tees will leave you about a 6 iron
into a somewhat deep but narrow green. Don't slice your tee shot as
there is water all the way down on the right side. Par is a great
score on this hole.
The toughest hole to me is
number 12, (shown below). This is a long dogleg left with a pond
covering the left side of the fairway that comes into play if you
drive it over 235 from the back tees. You have got to hit a great
drive or par is next to impossible. Birdies are a rarity.

The most exciting hole is number 14. It is a short par 4
with a sharp dogleg to the left. The long-hitters often try to drive
the green, usually with not so good results. I have yet to see
someone drive the green. Most attempts end up in the pond,
shown above, that defends the front of the green. The smart
play( which I rarely do, I'm usually in the pond) is to hit
about a 200 yard drive and have about a 100 yards in.
The 3rd hole is also a challenge. I don't think I have ever seen
a birdie on this hole. A good drive is a must, OB left and Right,
but even with a good drive you are left with a approach shot to
an upgill green that is difficult to judge. A par or even bogey won't hurt you here.
Riverbend is definitely worth playing a round while you are in New Bern.
Riverbend membership is very reasonable. Listed below are
membership rates that are current as of 9-15-07
GOLF/FAMILY
INITIATION FEE = $1500
MONTHLY DUES = $135
INCLUDES: GOLF, POOL, TENNIS, CLUB
HOUSE
GOLF/SINGLE
INITIATION FEE = $1200
MONTHLY DUES = $110
INCLUDES: GOLF, POOL, TENNIS, CLUB
HOUSE
GOLF/*CORP
INITIATION FEE = $750
MONTHLY DUES = $110
INCLUDES: GOLF, POOL, TENNIS, CLUB
HOUSE
SOCIAL
INITIATION FEE = $400
MONTHLY DUES = $25 NOV-APRIL $85
MAY-OCT
INCLUDES: POOL, TENNIS, CLUB HOUSE
Don't forget to stop by Attitudes Bar and Grill on
Shoreline Drive after you play and see my old high school
football team mate and owner Claude Banks. Tell him to give
you my discount. Then again, maybe not a good idea to
mention you know me. If boating is your hobby, boat slips
are available at the new marina . Golfing, boating, or
fishing, Riverbend has it all. Homes in this lovely little
town range from $120,000 up to $550,000 for a home on the
river. My wife and I have sold many homes over the years in
Riverbend. Its a great town to visit, and a great place to
live. Call me and I will give you a tour Click Town of
Riverbend to find out more about this quaint little town.
94 Shoreline Dr
River Bend, NC
252- 638-2819
Open to the Public
Championship 18 Hole Golf Course.
18 holes with cart=$48
Driving Range Two Lighted Tennis Courts
Area?s Largest Outdoor Pool Golf Lessons, Clinics & Schools for
all ages
Clubhouse Facilities
Tennis Courts & Clubhouse Facilities
Membership Dinners & Special Kids Event Private Swimming Lessons
Available Swim Team
Lets see, by boat from Riverbend to New Bern Golf Course takes
about 15 minutes. Lets boat over and check it out.

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