The combination of all four directional points at Compass Pointe has finally come together.

The East Course opened for public play this past Saturday and is paired with the South Course that opened last summer.

The combination of the two courses completes another formidable 18-holes of golf putting a final exclamation point on the 36-hole facility.

After our review of the North and West Courses last year we realized Compass Pointe has a single goal. The management and owners want to create a nurturing ideal environment for all to enjoy the game. Their formula for success was created with an opportune location, excellent facilities and outstanding courses making Compass Pointe a "sure hit" with the Baltimore area golfing community.

Once on the course we realized the same dominate course characteristics carry over from the North and West courses.

The hard fairways promote lots of roll and same quick hard greens require delicate approach shots with forethought of execution.

Every Nine at Compass Pointe requires patience and attentive course management. You must play smart to post a good number.

A perfect example is the short finishing Par 4 on the East Course. From the tee, the green looks almost driveable, but what you "can't" see are the multiple bunkers and small water hazard guarding the green. If your tee shot is just slightly offline you could have an unpleasant surprise awaiting you near the green.

Amigos Favorite Hole:  The hole we liked best of  the South Course at Compass Pointe was the 214-yard Par 3 number 4.

The length speaks for itself but when you step to the tee box all you see is water on the right, dense woods on the left and a very narrow green making one formidable target.

Take our advice; choose the right club for distance and only think about solid contact. Any hesitation on this beauty and visions of par can turn into a double bogey in a heartbeat.

The hole we liked best at the East Course was the 344-yard Par 4 number 1. Unlike the South Course that opens with a tough Par 5, the East opens with a short Par 4 that is driveable. All you need is a 250-yard drive and gravity with do the rest with 70-yards of down hill slope leading up to green.

Depending upon pin position and a manageable two putt, you can easily wall off the green starting the East Course at 1 under. But don't get to cocky, you might need that stroke to escape some of the "less forgiving" holes of the remaining eight.