Let's get real for a moment. Today's economy has forced most of us to "reevaluate our golf budget". With the cost of equipment, greens fees and buckets of range balls, golf is one of the mor expensive leisure activities. We have to find creative ways to keep our "obsession" in check.

One of the more obvious ways to cut back on your budget is to play more municipal courses. "Munis"... might not get the buzz high end daily fees in the area receive but they do provide a quality round at a fair price. If you haven't heard a municipal is actually hosting the U.S. Open next week.

Well if you're looking for a fun and entertaining round of golf that doesn't put a dent in your wallet, then look no further than the Lakes Course at Twin Lakes in Fairfax Virginia.

The near perfect spring here in the Mid-Atlantic has translated into some of the best course conditions we've seen in years. If you've played a couple of rounds recently, then you already know the "pain" of the ever present thick rough that's everywhere.

We recently returned to Compass Pointe in Pasadena Maryland to play the South West Course. It's been a few years since our last visit and we wanted to see if this great parkland style design was flourishing after an ideal spring. As we expected conditions were nearly "top notch" and the course as always did not disappoint!