There are many self described "links" style courses in the Mid-Atlantic, but few match the undeniable feel and charismatic uniqueness of Hunters Oak Golf Club in Queenstown, MD.
Most Americanized links courses only have one or two attributes of real links courses. Some feel high grass lining the fairways and a pot bunker here and there are enough to earn "links style" designation. Luckily, on this side of the Atlantic we have Hunters Oak to set the record straight. This course goes beyond the norm, bringing a true slice of Scotland to Maryland.
The course boasts an incredible assortment of bunkers, including 34 sod and 68 sand, and a variety of berms, swales and gulleys that appear never-ending.
Imagine standing at the tee and all you see are "hints of fairway" with a lone aiming stick to guide your shot. The course blends seamlessly with rolling terrain and ever-present fescue grass flanking every hole.
Genuine heathland links courses are located inland on open stretches of land. Most have just a small number of water hazards and few trees allowing the wind to act as a natural defense. Hunters Oak resonates genuine links with an open feel and water coming into play on only a couple of holes. The ever steady breeze coming off the Chesapeake Bay makes for a great natural defense.
But the natural defenses protecting par at Hunters Oak are only part of the challenge. The course has thick greenside rough requiring a delicate touch and a multitude of various bunkers, both fairway and greenside standing guard to capture any wayward shot.
The course provides far more than your typical round of golf.
Sometimes you visit a course that is more than just another round: it becomes an experience. So if you want to experience a true links design that will test every facet of your game, then Hunters Oak should be on your must-play list.
Amigos Favorite Hole: It was tough to decide on a favorite hole at Hunters Oak. Like the Old Course at St Andrews, each hole at Hunters Oak has its own unique name. The complimentary yardage book will describe each hole in detail.
In the end we settled on the 460-yard par 4 number-5, ironically named "Jester". In the yardage book, a large bunker lies nestled in the middle of the fairway. The second realization is that there are few options on playing the hole, other than just taking a rip and hoping you miss the bunker.
Luckily for us and since the yardage book was printed the bunker has been removed. It's great to see a course re-tool itself over time, correcting obvious mistakes. We were told the only safe way to play the hole before the bunker was replaced was to lay up before the bunker and hit a fairway wood to the green. Knowing that, I can definitely see why they decided to remove the bunker.
Once safe and in the fairway, you should get ample roll to shorten this very lengthy Par 4.
Your approach shot is to a green that is guarded by water on the front left. Depending on pin position, long and right is not a bad option for a miss, but short and left will be wet.
The green slopes from back to front, so keeping your approach shot below the hole is always the best call. Posting a birdie on this hole is an exceptional score but par should be the normal play. Like many shots at Hunters Oak, a wayward, over-aggressive one here can cost you dearly.