Getting To Know: Blue Top Ridge Golf Course

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Damon John who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
The golf course at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort will make any golfer feel like a champion. After all, it was designed by Rees Jones, a designer of championship golf courses. Jones adds this outstanding 18-hole course to his list of more than 100 courses, including seven U.S. Open venues, five PGA courses and three Ryder Cup sites.

Spanning over 7,400 yards, Riverside's world-class golf course offers players breathtaking vistas overlooking two rivers, man made lakes and diverse terrain. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind golfing experience for beginners and pros alike.

Complementing this awesome golf course is a full-service golf clubhouse, a pro shop, and teaching and practice facilities. For more information or to schedule your tee time, call 877.677.3456.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
What does it mean to Live it up? You'll find out the moment you enter Riverside Casino & Golf Resort®. From the magnificent fountains that greet you as you drive up to the luxurious surroundings of our hotel and casino, every aspect is designed for one very special purpose - your total enjoyment.

For a night out, a weekend away or a week long retreat, you'll find exciting gaming in our Vegas-inspired casino, a world-class golf course designed by Rees Jones, one of a kind shopping opportunities, luxurious hotel rooms, top-notch live entertainment, a relaxing spa, first class culinary delights at our five restaurants, and more.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Seek help at the Performance Studio. The Riverside Performance Studio has established one of the best instruction facilities in the country.

Developed specifically to meet the needs of each player by using multiple technologies that are integrated into each studio. Each studio will provide high-speed video and analysis systems that provides both the student and the teacher high quality video & data to produce a detailed analysis to give to each student. A multitude of analysis tools and video views will help reinforce the critical swing changes that need to be made.

The data collected will help each player reinforce the swing changes that they are making and assure each player is moving toward a repeatable motion.

We offer a variety of Multi-Day Performance Schools, as well as custom packages.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
2011 America's Best Club Fitters (Golf Digest)
2009 Best Courses You Can Play (Golfweek)
2009 America's Best New Courses (Golf Digest)
2008 Top 10 New Courses You Can Play (Golf Magazine)

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Hole #16. This par 5 is the longest hole in Iowa at 665 yards. From the tee, the green looks like it is 5 miles away. This hole requires 3 good shots to get to the green. The tee shot is protected by natural areas on the left, a bunker on the right, and a creek that cuts off the fairway. Distance, control, and accuracy are important.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
Hole #16. This par 5 is the longest hole in Iowa at 665 yards. From the tee, the green looks like it is 5 miles away. This hole requires 3 good shots to get to the green. The tee shot is protected by natural areas on the left, a bunker on the right, and a creek that cuts off the fairway. Distance, control, and accuracy are important.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Expect the best when it comes to dining at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort®. Enjoy a succulent steak or fresh seafood cooked to perfection in the quiet and elegant atmosphere of Ruthie's Steak & Seafood. Take your pick of flavors - Italian, Asian or comfort food - at Robert's Buffet. Grab a burger and fries at Ripple Diner. On the run? Pick up a cup of coffee and a snack at Ripple Express. Something is always cooking at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort®, and it's all very, very good.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
Orange Tees: Ian Vandersee - (66) Purple Tees: Bryan Haas - (64)

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7442
Slope: 146
Rating: 77.6

More Information
Blue Top Ridge Golf Course
3184 Highway 22
Riverside, Iowa, 52327
319-648-0044
www.bluetopridge.com