Control pace from 3 to 20 feet, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Blackthorn Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
16
16 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
72
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
5
3 days , 4 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days
The Ridges Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for The Ridges, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for The Ridges
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Single Tee, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts
Chip | Rough | Uphill/Downhill
Up to 5 players hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped rough grass; one bucket from the uphill slope and one bucket from the downhill slope.
Driver | 3 Landing Zones
Hit 15 balls to each landing zone using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 15/25
Make 15 out of 25 putts using an alignment mirror.
One Handed, Ball Gate, 12 in a Row
Make 12 putts in a row, one-handed through the ball gate.
Around the Hole: 8 Ball Circle, 4/8
Make 4 out of 8 putts from [6 ft | 2 m], 5 times in total.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about The Ridges.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
graham@blackthornclub.com
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Facilities
Location
1501 Ridges Club Drive
Course Description
Blackthorn Club is a golf, tennis, dining and social sanctuary nestled in the foothills of northeast Tennessee. A golf course designed by Arthur Hills, twice named Golf Digest "Architect of the Year", is only the beginning of what makes Blackthorn Club a first class club. Blackthorn Club is committed to providing world-class recreation and entertainment along with the finest club service. With some of the most extraordinary scenic views the Mountain Empire has to offer, Blackthorn Club offers an incomparable club experience.
private club • social club • event venue • family activities • membership • community club • jonesborough tennessee • evergreen community • clubhouse • calendar events • member engagement • private membership • regional recreation • social events • community hub • golf club • club calendar • year-round events • golf • tennis • dining • recreation
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Architect
Arthur Hills
Opened
1997
Google Reviews
Blackthorn Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for The Ridges
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 16 Programs
% match to course practice profileControl pace from 3 to 20 feet, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedFeel the green, for a 20-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Pitch to the green, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
12 Week Flagship Program for The Ridges
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for The Ridges. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 12 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Read Subtle Breaks
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 1.0
Short Game · Pitch
Pitch 15–25 Yds From Fringe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Driver
Stop Missing Fairways with Driver
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink Every Mid Putt
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 1.0
Short Game · Sand
Check your clubface: does it match your target?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 31.0
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Stop Missing Greens With Short Irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink Every Mid Putt
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 1.0
Short Game · Pitch
Check your clubface: does it match your target?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 20.0
Driving Range · Driver
Improve Driver Accuracy
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Hit fairways consistently, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Control flight, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Read breaks and aim precisely, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Check clubface, for a 20-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Stick chips near hole, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Check setup, for a 32-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Flop from bunkers, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Turn into par saves, for a 20-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Avoid trouble spots, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Control flight path, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedAdvanced fairway accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at The Ridges
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Ridges
Get answers to common questions about playing The Ridges and what to expect.
How difficult is The Ridges for mid-handicap golfers?
The Ridges is regarded as a strategically complex layout. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at The Ridges?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at The Ridges?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is The Ridges and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is The Ridges and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make The Ridges strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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