Laytonsville Golf Course
With the boom of
new course development in the Mid-Atlantic our choice of courses to
play is continually expanding. But what you don't see in many of the
new courses are the friendly confides to accommodate all golfing
skills.
Most new courses have a tricked up design,
intimidating length and big price tag to play. That's why it's nice to know an "old friend" like Laytonsville Golf Course is
still alive and thriving.
Where hitting a fairway is the
norm instead of the exception. Where par is what should be scored
not a major accomplishment. Where the rough means a longer shot, not
a penalty stroke. A place where you can have a good round, leave
with confidence and feel like you're a real golfer again.
I know, it's fun to go play "the new course". I love
hitting driver, three-wood
and 4 iron on a Par 4; Don't you? (Hopefully you could sense the
sarcasm in that statement.). Honestly, we all like a good test
but if you're like most you like a good round too.
Don't get me wrong; I'm the
first to sign up for a tough course. I love a challenge. But
even more than that, I like a birdie attempt, I like hitting driver
and wedge, I like sinking a reasonably make-able putt and best of
all being
under 40 for nine holes. Don't you? Well if you do, then Laytonsville
Golf Course is worth a round.
Owned
an operated by the Montgomery County Revenue Authority the course
offers a venue where all skill levels can play.
From beginner to seasoned
veteran, the course has a warm welcoming feel that makes golf fun
again.
The course has gone through a
redesign the past few years. Some holes have been
stiffened up a bit, but the overall feel and original concept of the
course still rings true. The county has does a great job with a course
that is playable for everyone.
Amigos
Favorite Hole:
Our favorite hole at Laytonsville was the number-6 485-yard Par 5.
This relatively short par 5 starts off with a down hill tee shot, to
the most intimidating fairway landing area anywhere on the course.
As
the hole makes its way down the hill it narrows where most tee shots
should land. Leaving dense foliage on both sides of the
fairway. If you can hit a long drive, 275 and up, the fairway
does widen out a bit to the left but you really can't see that from
the tee.
Your best
bet is to play the hole with a three shot approach. Once on the
green with a good wedge you should have a decent look at at birdie
on a smaller green with slight undulation.
Review Date:
08/28/2004
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
Four sets of tees to accommodate all skills. Each tee box was in relatively good condition except for some minor ware. But on a inexpensive county course you have to expect lots of play. The course is relatively short so if your a 10 or below handicap it wouldn't be a bad idea to step back to the championship/black tees. The course is less than 6500 from the tips.
Fairways:
Most of the fairways are wide and receptive which is great for us less accurate golfers. The course sets up well for beginners and those wanting a build some confidence. All the fairways were in good shape and receptive to iron and wedge play.
Rough:
One cut of semi-thick rough around the greens and along the fairways. Off the beaten path there may be a few bare spots but if you find yourself in those locations you can blame most of it on your poor shot that got you there.
Traps:
The traps were in decent shape but a bit thin on sand around the greens. If your going to have greenside bunkers, sand is necessary to expect sand saves.
Greens:
For a county course that gets tons of play, the greens were in very good condition. The speed was medium and each green has slight undulation. Don't read to much into line, pay more attention to speed. If you can get the speed down early you should be set up for a few birdie attempts and makes during the round.
Amenities:
The renovated clubhouse and pro shop has all the extras. The large sitting area, grill and bar make a nice a 19th hole. A range is available along with a chipping and putting green near the 1st and 10th tee. Only recommendation is to change the practice green. The current one has "no holes." If you can't hear the sound of the ball rattling in the cup how can you get pumped for your round?
Staff Services:
Everyone at Laytonsville Golf Course was accommodating and nice. Only issue with our afternoon round was no starter. Could have been an issue if the tee sheet was full.
Pace of Play:
On a hot an humid August afternoon most normal golfers didn't want to brave the heat. No real issue with pace anywhere on the course.
Overall Average:
3.6, Par Course
OK Course, might be worth a play
The GolfinAmigos would like to thank Mr. John Luke at the Montgomery County Revenue Authority for aiding us in setting up the review.
CLICK HERE for additional course information...
Location:
7130 Dorsey Road, Laytonsville MD 20882
Tee Time Phone:
301-948-5288
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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