In 2018, I had the pleasure of playing in the Rix Invitational at Claremont Country Club, and it remains one of the most enjoyable golf tournaments I have played in years. The event uses a unique and highly entertaining format, where two-player teams compete in five nine-hole match play games within their combined handicap flights.
At the end of the group stage, the teams with the highest points in each flight progress to the playoffs, which is where the real drama begins. The playoff format switches to straight foursomes, a style of golf many players don’t often experience. With alternating shots and intense pressure, anything can (and usually does) happen.
To raise the difficulty even further, the greens are double-rolled before the playoff, with new hole locations cut in extremely challenging positions. The greens become lightning fast, and I vividly remember watching players four-putt — and in one memorable case, an eight-putt — under the pressure of the moment. Unfortunately for me, my team didn’t quite make the playoffs, but the entertainment more than made up for it.
The playoff itself was thrilling. Eight teams started on the 1st hole, which was then reduced to five teams after the 8th hole. Eventually, three teams progressed to the final showdown on the 18th hole. Incredibly, two of the finalists came from the highest handicap flights (Flights 7 & 8), alongside the winners of the lowest handicap flight — proving that determination and teamwork can overcome any odds.
All three teams tied the 18th, forcing a final dramatic shootout. The last hole was a specially created 110-yard par three, played from the 9th fairway into the 18th green. A large crowd gathered around the green as each team played their shots. Two balls narrowly missed the green, and then one finally landed on the putting surface to a huge cheer from the spectators.
In the end, the winning team produced a superb birdie to claim the Rix Invitational 2018 title. It was an unforgettable finish to a wonderful event — and without doubt, one I immediately marked down on my calendar for 2019.
The 1st Hole at Claremont County Club
The Course at Claremont Country Club
Despite measuring just under 5,800 yards from the back tees, Claremont Country Club is far from an easy golf course. At first glance, the length may suggest a straightforward layout, but the reality is very different. Staying true to the spirit of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the club has completed careful redesign work over the years, ensuring the course remains loyal to MacKenzie’s original strategic intent and timeless character.
Around the Greens – Where the Real Challenge Lies
The greens at Claremont present small, demanding targets and are famously difficult to read. Subtle breaks and hidden slopes make putting a true test of skill and feel. Some greens feature significant movement, deceiving golfers into misjudging both line and pace. Putts that appear to be gentle uphill or soft downhill efforts can quickly become treacherous, often racing past the hole or even rolling off the green.
The short game area is equally demanding. Tight lies around the greens require precise, confident chipping, and missing the green on the wrong side of the pin can leave golfers with extremely delicate recovery shots. The deep, well-constructed bunkers add another layer of difficulty. The sand is consistent and high quality, but the bunkers themselves are deep and penal, meaning a strong bunker game is essential for scoring well at Claremont.
Off the Tee & Through the Fairways
From the tee, positioning is everything. There is very little margin for error, particularly when missing the fairway either left or right. The opening seven holes are relatively open and free of trees, allowing for a more generous visual presentation. However, from holes 8 through 18, the course tightens dramatically, introducing tree-lined fairways, water hazards, deep bunkers, and sloping landing areas.
Accurate tee shots are critical to scoring, as poor positioning quickly leads to difficult approach shots and increased risk of double bogeys or worse. To the club’s credit, fairways, greens, and bunkers are maintained in excellent condition, providing a consistently high-quality playing experience throughout the course.
Dooley Noted Review
If you ever get the chance to play Claremont Country Club, take it. This course is a brilliant and strategic test of golf and can be approached in multiple ways depending on conditions and pin placements. Local knowledge is a huge advantage for golfers looking to post low scores — but just as importantly, I would recommend playing and enjoying the course for what it offers on the day rather than overthinking every shot.
And if you’re partial to a drink or two after your round, it’s worth trying the “Claremont Classic” — by all accounts, it’s a very decent pour.
Claremont Country Club is a private members’ club, so the best way to secure a tee time is through an invitation or introduction from a member.
Claremont Country Club and the Rix
Claremont Country Club
In 2018, I had the pleasure of playing in the Rix Invitational at Claremont Country Club, and it remains one of the most enjoyable golf tournaments I have played in years. The event uses a unique and highly entertaining format, where two-player teams compete in five nine-hole match play games within their combined handicap flights.
At the end of the group stage, the teams with the highest points in each flight progress to the playoffs, which is where the real drama begins. The playoff format switches to straight foursomes, a style of golf many players don’t often experience. With alternating shots and intense pressure, anything can (and usually does) happen.
To raise the difficulty even further, the greens are double-rolled before the playoff, with new hole locations cut in extremely challenging positions. The greens become lightning fast, and I vividly remember watching players four-putt — and in one memorable case, an eight-putt — under the pressure of the moment. Unfortunately for me, my team didn’t quite make the playoffs, but the entertainment more than made up for it.
The playoff itself was thrilling. Eight teams started on the 1st hole, which was then reduced to five teams after the 8th hole. Eventually, three teams progressed to the final showdown on the 18th hole. Incredibly, two of the finalists came from the highest handicap flights (Flights 7 & 8), alongside the winners of the lowest handicap flight — proving that determination and teamwork can overcome any odds.
All three teams tied the 18th, forcing a final dramatic shootout. The last hole was a specially created 110-yard par three, played from the 9th fairway into the 18th green. A large crowd gathered around the green as each team played their shots. Two balls narrowly missed the green, and then one finally landed on the putting surface to a huge cheer from the spectators.
In the end, the winning team produced a superb birdie to claim the Rix Invitational 2018 title. It was an unforgettable finish to a wonderful event — and without doubt, one I immediately marked down on my calendar for 2019.
The Course at Claremont Country Club
Despite measuring just under 5,800 yards from the back tees, Claremont Country Club is far from an easy golf course. At first glance, the length may suggest a straightforward layout, but the reality is very different. Staying true to the spirit of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the club has completed careful redesign work over the years, ensuring the course remains loyal to MacKenzie’s original strategic intent and timeless character.
Around the Greens – Where the Real Challenge Lies
The greens at Claremont present small, demanding targets and are famously difficult to read. Subtle breaks and hidden slopes make putting a true test of skill and feel. Some greens feature significant movement, deceiving golfers into misjudging both line and pace. Putts that appear to be gentle uphill or soft downhill efforts can quickly become treacherous, often racing past the hole or even rolling off the green.
The short game area is equally demanding. Tight lies around the greens require precise, confident chipping, and missing the green on the wrong side of the pin can leave golfers with extremely delicate recovery shots. The deep, well-constructed bunkers add another layer of difficulty. The sand is consistent and high quality, but the bunkers themselves are deep and penal, meaning a strong bunker game is essential for scoring well at Claremont.
Off the Tee & Through the Fairways
From the tee, positioning is everything. There is very little margin for error, particularly when missing the fairway either left or right. The opening seven holes are relatively open and free of trees, allowing for a more generous visual presentation. However, from holes 8 through 18, the course tightens dramatically, introducing tree-lined fairways, water hazards, deep bunkers, and sloping landing areas.
Accurate tee shots are critical to scoring, as poor positioning quickly leads to difficult approach shots and increased risk of double bogeys or worse. To the club’s credit, fairways, greens, and bunkers are maintained in excellent condition, providing a consistently high-quality playing experience throughout the course.
Dooley Noted Review
If you ever get the chance to play Claremont Country Club, take it. This course is a brilliant and strategic test of golf and can be approached in multiple ways depending on conditions and pin placements. Local knowledge is a huge advantage for golfers looking to post low scores — but just as importantly, I would recommend playing and enjoying the course for what it offers on the day rather than overthinking every shot.
And if you’re partial to a drink or two after your round, it’s worth trying the “Claremont Classic” — by all accounts, it’s a very decent pour.
Claremont Country Club is a private members’ club, so the best way to secure a tee time is through an invitation or introduction from a member.
Please send your comments to [email protected] or contact information. Also, please take a look at this golf trip to Ireland, this is a Marathon of Irish golf courses to play.
A couple of holes from the Claremont County Club yardage book.
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Alister Mackenzie, Claremont Country Club USA
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