Rocky Point Golf Course
On the outskirts of
Baltimore and on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay lie the wide-open and welcoming fairways of the Rocky Point
Golf Course.
Built in 1971, the course is
managed by the Baltimore County Revenue
Authority providing a scenic classic layout for all to enjoy.
On the course everything is
presented up-front. There are no blind shots or
hidden hazards; the course is approachable and playable by all
golfing abilities.
The most memorable hole on the front nine is the par-4 350-yard number 6. The tee box lies just behind a small water hazard
running horizontal to the fairway. The hardest shot on the hole is
from the tee to one of the tightest fairways on the course. If you
can land safely and in the fairway you should have a good chance at
stuffing your approach shot close for a birdie attempt.
 At
Rocky Point you soon realize that that by keeping your ball in the fairway and around the green you
should head to the turn with a decent score.
But as you make the turn, you
realize the course saves most of its scenic beauty and challenge for
the back.
The 10th hole starts with a
nice dogleg right. From the tee and as you approach the
green you get your first glimpse of the Back River providing a
prominent scenic backdrop. Then as you approach the short Par 3 11th
the scenic luster of this classic course rings true as a sail boats
drifts by as you attempt to reach the large downhill green.
But in a day and age of
high-end daily fee courses that can cause damage both to your wallet
and golf ego; it's nice to know courses like Rocky Point still exist.
Amigos
Favorite Hole:
The hole we liked the best at Rocky Point was the number-15 485-yard Par 5.
This short
par 5 teases your driver with plenty of room to let one loose,
making the hole reachable in two for longer hitters. But once in the
fairway you will see that you have a very tough decision to make.
Most long
hitters who carry a 250 plus drive will be setup with a long iron or
fairway wood into a green protected by an encroaching water hazard
running all along the front of the green. But with closer inspection, and what is hard to see from the fairway,
is a front to back sloped drop off back into the hazard. So if you are trying to
reach the green in two, take plenty of club and make sure you can at least
carry the fringe for safety.
 For
the more conservative approach three shots is the more manageable
play and should still leave you in good position for a run at birdie
with a short and accurate wedge.
Once on
the green you will find relatively mild slope but a small ridge does
run through the front part of the green. Depending on pin placement you can be
left with a tricky put.
Review Date:
08/07/2004
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
Expansive tee area but worn in areas. In decent condition but due to amount of play the tee sets should be moved around more to prevent to many divots and wear in the same place.
Fairways:
Nice generous rolling fairways. There were few worn spots in different areas making for hard lies if you're unlucky. Beyond 150 yards the fairways are marked sparingly so if you have a rangefinder it can come in handy for accurately assessing further distances.
Rough:
Two cuts of rough with a first cut not much different from the fairway. Further off the fairway was a second cut but not very punishing. If you like your golf course friendly and approachable then any problems off the tee can be rectified at Rocky Point.
Traps:
All the green side bunkers were in good shape with plenty of sand. The fairway bunkers were minimal but due to the layout and other hazards not really needed in this type of design.
Greens:
Some of the largest round greens you will ever see. Subtle undulation and slope can make for some tricky putts depending upon pin placement. Greens rolled at a true medium pace.
Amenities:
Adequate clubhouse and pro shop. The range is available for warming up or practice if you live in the area. The large practice green is very true to the condition and speed of the greens on the course. A snack shack is available at the turn with all your favorites but during our round there was no beverage cart attendant making rounds.
Staff Services:
The entire staff at Rocky Point was very nice.
Pace of Play:
Our round was just over 4 and a half hours with minimal waiting. On a crisp, cool sunny August Saturday you have to expect larger crowds than usual. The ranger was making rounds minding pace.
Overall Average:
3.8, Par Course
OK Course, might be worth a play
We would like to thank Mr. George Hale of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority for welcoming us out to conduct the course review.
CLICK HERE for additional course information...
Location:
1935 Back River Neck Road, Essex MD 21221
Tee Time Phone:
410-887-4653
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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