Local Golf Blog » Course Spotlight

University of Maryland To Host Nationwide Tour Event

jeremy — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:33:49 +0000

The University of Maryland, College Park Golf Course has announced that it will be the host of the 2010 and 2011 Melwood Prince George’s County Open. The 2010 tournament will be held May 31, 2010 – June 6, 2010 and will be broadcast on the Golf Channel and will be seen in at least 33 countries including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, and Switzerland.

Greystone – Redefining the “Muni” Course

jared — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:35:02 +0000

Here at TheLocalGolfer, we strive to expand upon the typical feedback on current golf course conditions and provide details about the entire public golfing experience. So . . . over the river and through the woods . . . to Greystone Golf Course we go (actually, there’s no river to speak of when traveling to White Hall, MD, but the trek through northern Baltimore County’s scenic back roads is well worth the trip.)

Since opening in 1997, Greystone has established itself as one of the premier public golf courses in the state, perennially receiving accolades from Golfweek as one of the nation’s Top 50 Municipal Course (#26) or one of the Top 10 public courses in Maryland (#6). Baltimore County’s finest also received a “Four-Star” rating from Golf Digest and is typically named as a “Best Place to Play”. Locally, Greystone is constantly promoted by word-of-mouth as the top-tier course in the area and golfers always indicate a great sense of pride & enthusiasm when talking about this gem.

Ravens Football and Golf at Westminster National – what more could you ask for?

jared — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:25:50 +0000

Unfortunately for Orioles fans, by the time we reach the month of August, it’s already time to turn our focus from baseball to football. For Ravens fans, this means one thing – Training Camp in Westminster, MD. For over a decade now a group of friends and I have ventured out to Carroll County to catch the morning and afternoon practice, but in recent years, we have been mixing in a round of golf in place of one of the practices. This year, our annual trip to Ravens Camp also led us to Westminster National Golf Course.

It’s been a little more than two years since new ownership took over this golf course and renamed it Westminster National (formerly Bear Creek). However, changing the name isn’t the only thing that they’ve done to begin to redefine the course and, most importantly, the golfing experience they help provide.

Tango with the Amish at Tanglewood Manor

jared — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:47:26 +0000

The first things that come to mind when I hear the word “Amish” are Pennsylvania Dutch farmers markets and wood furniture. However, after driving past numerous horse-drawn carriages and farms en route to Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, I will forever associate excellent course conditions and a great golf experience with the Amish.

Tucked away in the heart of Amish Country in South Central, PA is Tanglewood Manor Golf Club. It’s just a little more than an hour ride heading north from Baltimore and even closer to the southern parts of Delaware & New Jersey. Last winter I was driving through Lancaster County and had stopped by to check out the course; one look from the road at the beautiful green fairways was all the motivation I needed to make plans to revisit, and I sure am glad that I did!

The Woodlands – a Gem of Baltimore County

jared — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:21:52 +0000

Friday, 2:07 PM, 83 degrees and sunny. I sat there staring at my computer screen finding myself unable to concentrate. The sound of pings from tee shots & putts hitting the cup are running through my head. I spend the next couple minutes attempting to focus on the end-of-the-week work, but quickly realize that the only focus I’m going to have for the rest of the day will be during the 90+ strokes I’m about to take on the course (hey, we all need to start our march towards the pro tour somewhere, and for now, I’m just trying to score in the double-digits on a regular basis).

Being based in Baltimore, there are a plethora of quality public courses within a half-hour drive time. I grew up in Baltimore County and regularly played those county courses in my early years (when I actually broke 90 regularly). However, this would be my 1ST visit to The Woodlands in quite some time, and I was excited with the expectations of playing one of the area’s most challenging and well-maintained courses.

Lighthouse Sound – Come on Down to the Ocean, Hon

jared — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:45:54 +0000

Summer may only have officially arrived earlier this week, but the city-folk have been heading east towards the beach since the first taste of warm weather. For this writer, this meant a nice long weekend in Ocean City, MD in the beginning of June. It was a great opportunity to visit one of the top courses in the country, the Links at Lighthouse Sound.

The conditions of this course always exceed expectations, and highlights of some of the premier holes and unique characteristics of the design will follow. But part of the incredible experience that Lighthouse provides its players is the excitement elicited even before reaching the clubhouse . . .

Around the World in 18 Holes

jared — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:02:23 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but at Renditions in Davidsonville, MD, public golfers are provided the opportunity to play some of the greatest holes from golf courses across the globe. Each hole on the course ia a replication of a famous hole from various major championships and world-renowned golf clubs. From Oakmont, Shinnecock Hills & Winged Foot to Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie & others, Renditions mimics the layout and design from these celebrated courses and brings them to a local setting.

Renditions’ slogan is "Golf’s Grand Slam Experience" and it lives up to its boast. As you approach the well-designed 1930’s-style clubhouse, the staff immediately greets you, takes your clubs out of your car, and preps your golf cart while directing you to check-in. It is evident that Renditions is a first class facility, and your experience is heightened even before you step up to the first tee.

Many “FORE’S” and seven double-bogeys ago . . .

jared — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:53:04 +0000

Last week I took a drive out to the Links to see what Gettysburg’s finest had to offer . . . and I sure am happy that’s how I chose to spend my Sunday. While driving up to the clubhouse, you will pass through a new housing community, and by the huge water tower emblazoned with the Links’ logo. It’s important to note that these houses are rarely in your sight-line while on the course (so it’s great for those golfers out there who don’t really enjoy playing in peoples’ backyards), but those that are visible are well worth the view.

Upon reaching the Bag Drop, we were immediately greeted by two attendants and the carts were prepped and ready. After a quick stop in the clubhouse (which we were able to enjoy more at the turn and after the round), we hooked up with the Starter who provided an excellent overview of the course. You can tell that he took great pride in working and playing the course, and his enthusiasm put a smile on all our faces; we knew heading over to the Driving Range that we were in for a treat.

Bullish on Bulle Rock

david — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:11:35 +0000

The first thing you notice about Bulle Rock is the driveway. After entering the club grounds, there is a scenic drive to the clubhouse, which sits at the back end of the property. The golf course, named after the first thoroughbred brought to America, is spread out on both sides of the road, which gives you a wide open preview of both nines.

After pulling into the bag drop area, you will be greeted by a team of Bulle Rock representatives. The operation is very smooth: you check in, they take your clubs to your cart, and direct you to the clubhouse. We had plenty of time before we teed off, so my foursome decided to check out the restaurant. I was really craving a Chesapeake eggs benedict