Blue Mash Golf Course
 Have you ever been to a course
that inspires you? One that just by the layout and design
makes you settle down, concentrate and play better. Well if
you haven't, then you might want to visit the Blue Mash Golf Club
in Olney Maryland.
Recently we made our first
trip to Olney and the course was everything and more than we
expected. Opening in 2001, the course is well suited
for all levels of playing ability.
With a front nine dominated
mostly by relatively open
and generous fairways, you're welcomed and slowly acclimated to the
flow of the course. But when you cross the turn, the number water hazards
increase and fairways tighten requiring efficient accuracy
from the tee. You need
to have your swing dialed in by number 13 or your round can turn south
quickly if not careful.
The Scottish links inspired
design is reminiscent of Raspberry Falls but with holes like
the Par 4 Number 8 and long Par 5 18th the course is in a
class all by itself.
 Amigos
favorite Hole:
It was tough to decide on one hole as our favorite,. but the
number 8, 283-yard par 4 gets
the
gets the final nod. One of the most " unique" designs in all of our area,
this devilishly angled narrow fairway is dotted with mounds and
bunkers begging for the wayward shot.
There are 3 different
approaches to play the hole. Those with an adventurous and brave
game can pull out the driver and go for it. At only 283 from the
tips the green is very reachable. But be warned, your strokes can and will
increase if your not accurate.
The second and probably the
most popular approach is to hit the 3 or 5 wood to to a narrow level
patch of fairway 50 to 60 yards
shy of the green. From there you're in great position to put
it close to the pin for a chance at
birdie.
 The
third and most conservative approach is to hit a good middle iron to
the widest and largest part of the fairway leaving a short iron to
the green.
On a day where the swirling
winds of late afternoon thunderstorms loomed, one Amigo choose
driver while the other choose 3 wood.
Both tee shots were good with
one Amigo just off the green leaving a
delicate chip shot and the other just off the fairway with the ball
sitting up perfectly in the rough.
With two nice shot, both
Amigos were in prime location and within grasp of the ever rare
birdie, but
only one Amigo was up to the test sinking his putt for 3. The other Amigo left his putt just a bit short
and had to settle for par.
Review Date:
08/03/2003
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
All sets of tee boxes were long and nicely taken care of. Good design of larger tee areas allows the course flexibility in moving the markers around to help minimize divot damage. Perfectly cut and level, leaving no excuse but your swing for not starting the hole positively.
Fairways:
Excellent bent grass fairways that are highly receptive of irons. With a design style that changes from hole to hole the fairways are a constant medium that if hit give you the ability to reach greens in regulation.
Rough:
A lengthy first cut of rough awaits every wayward shot. Very punishable and in excellent shape. The rough around the green is thick and a challenge to chip from, making approaches to and on the green critical.
Traps:
All the traps were in very good shape and easy to escape from. Some courses have issues with keeping sand in the bunkers, especially in a wet season like we are having this year. Blue Mash does and excellent job at maintaining a receptive surface for playability out of the bunkers.
Greens:
The greens were in good shape and rolled very true. The speed was quick but not over bearing. Design was varying with some multi-tiered to larger and more subtle surfaces. A couple of the greens were a bit bumpy but was due more to in inability of previous players not repairing ball marks than lack of maintenance.
Amenities:
Outstanding natural grass driving range and full practice facility on the premises. The large putting green and bunkered chipping green is a great spot to work on the short game. The entire practice area is right behind the clubhouse and near the first tee. The clubhouse is large, inviting and well stocked.
Staff Services:
The entire staff was extremely outgoing and nice. The starter was informative and detailed for us first timers to the course.
Pace of Play:
With a 4 hour and 10 minute round, each group in our twilight round was perfectly spaced and there was no wait or rush on the course. With round clocks set throughout the course its a nice feature letting you know how fast the round is going and if your keeping good pace.
Overall Average:
4.7, Birdie Course
Outstanding Course, must play recommendation
The GolfinAmigos would like to thank Mr. Jason Slack the Manger of Blue Mash Golf Club for allowing us to visit and review the course.
CLICK HERE for additional course information...
Location:
5821 Olney Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville MD 20882
Tee Time Phone:
301-670-1966
Course Type:
Public
*The opinions expressed in this course review are those of the individual reviewer(s) and do not reflect the editorial opinion of
www.GolfinAmigos.com
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