Review Date
September 17, 2007

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Sparman, Shoots in the 80s

Summary:
Played 9/16/07. Course was in good shape despite very dry summer. Greens had just been aerated w/ sand so were not in top form, which was fortunate because some of the greens were steep/fast enough as it was.

This is a pretty course for a public layout and would be very scenic in the fall. However, it has a lot of blind shots that can really stump you the first time playing, and it helps to see greens up close to know where to aim if you want to keep ball on the green after approach. Blue tees (6700 yds) are challenging but not too much - not out of reach for mid-handicappers like me. A few uphill holes are tough to reach and several extremely steep downhill 3's that are difficult to judge if you have never played them. Not a course to play if you need flat lies all the time and don't like going uphill, but overall a fair course. My wife thought women's tees were reasonable, in most cases shortening and eliminating severe carries facing men, but there are still a few holes where par is tough for ladies.

Like most publics, expect slow going if the weather is nice - our round was 5+ hours, and Ranger came by once to say it was always like this between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Not surprising as it's a nice venue.

Would play again.

Similar Courses Played:
All Montgomery County facilities

Review Date
July 20, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: golferbob37, Shoots in the 80s

Summary:
Played here 7-19-07, so this will update some of the previous comments, with which I generally agree. Used the White tees, which are 6157 yards, and the 70.8/129 rating/slope seems about right. Design is excellent for this piece of ground, no two holes mirror each other, although #9 and #18 have the same general profile, as do the two downhill par 3's, #6 and #12. Course is NOT walkable for a senior: lots of verticality and some long hauls from green to tee. Very pretty course: clubhouse looks very elegant, and commands the terrain; Sugarloaf Mountain is the target line for a couple of tee shots, and the designer made good use of the elevation changes. The course management has changed: it was formerly part of the Montgomery County Park system, but after a political struggle, was taken over by the Montgomery County Revenue Auhtority, which ran the several other county courses. Might be just me, bt I have the sense that conditions have slipped just a little bit. The greens were not in as good shape, fairways were a little more shaggy and less well-defined, several of the bunkers were loaded with rocks, etc. This course used to rival the several very good daily fee courses in the area, such as Worthington Manor, P.B. Dye, Maryland National, etc. Now, it's just another muni, albeit a very nice one: although not quite as manicured as Clustered Spires in Frederick, it's beter than Rattlewood. After the change to the MCRA, the course no longer accepts the Tee Time Book, and the variety of fees can be bewildering. On 7-17, it was $39.95, which included a Continental breakfast (packaged muffins), and a lunch sandwich (which was made to order, and quite good), and was supposed to include driving range tokens, BUT, the range is closed on Thursday mornings for mowing. The point is, check the fees on the web AND on the phone before making the trip. It's a very interesting and challenging course, and well worth the trip.

Customer Service:
On this day, pro shop staffer was OK, snack bar staff was not especially warm and friendly, starter was excellent and compensated for the other two.

Similar Courses Played:
Clustered Spires, P.B. Dye, Maryland National, Rattlewood

Review Date
January 11, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: golf-addict, Shoots in the 90s

Summary:
Played first time, 2hrs for front 9 + 10-11, 17-18. Open and hilly terrain; traditional design, many dog-legs; very challenging course with quite some blind shots; relatively open, won't lose too many balls in woods as in Redgate

Customer Service:
nice and friendly

Similar Courses Played:
nice winer rate, could be bit pricy in summer. Maintenance and crouse condition appear to be very good, comparable to Redgate; should have much better scenic views in summer than those courses in the city

Review Date
April 20, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: robbuschmann, Shoots in the 80s

Summary:
Well-maintained and very enjoyable course out near the border of Montgomery and Frederick counties. After a long and wet winter, the course seemed to be in great shape -- no real marsh areas or bare spots. The course itself is not exceptionally long, but there are certainly some tricky shots, and the elevation changes make club selection challenging (or infuriating, depending on how you deal with hitting uphill or straight downhill). Relatively forgiving course, but not wide open, and approach shots on some holes force you to make good decisions. Greens were in superb shape for the most part, quick and true.

Customer Service:
Very good, from what I could see. Ranger was helpful and friendly, as were the clubhouse folks.

Similar Courses Played:
Driving range was in great shape, and the prices in the clubhouse for food are pretty low. Seven bucks for a pitcher of beer is fine by me.

Review Date
June 8, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: PSURoss, Shoots in the 90s

Summary:
What a terrific course. The fairways were in excellent condition, especially for being early in the season (March). The tees were a little bit iffy, but not at all unacceptable. The greens were rolling really well. Much of this course is open and subject to some pretty heavy winds. There is a lot more room on this course than you would expect, but the lush rough makes you pay. My only complaint, is that I would have like to see more variety in par 3 lengths.

Customer Service:
Top notch staff

Similar Courses Played:
Modest grill and a nicely stocked pro shop.