With the availability and variety of so many differing types of courses in the Mid-Atlantic we sometimes get spoiled. We  demand a higher level of both quality and satisfaction just because we're used to seeing the best on a weekly basis.

But then a course comes along and raises the bar of excellence. A perfect example of such a course is the Woodlands golf course in Baltimore.

This Lindsay Ervin design first opened in 1998 and is a modern day masterpiece in both aspects of golf challenge and appearance. The bent grass tees, fairways and greens are first rate and the outstanding condition of the course is a testament to both the staff and superintendent.

The other half of excellence is the course design. The hardwood lined fairways stand to frame each hole while guarding against errant shots. The generous layout exudes a feeling of isolation. At different points on the course you feel like you're the only foursome around.

The tricky rough is every present to punish those who try to get to aggressive and the large greens with ample undulation will make even the best of putters weak in the knees.

The Woodlands offers an outstanding test of game. The course is a quintessential thinking mans course requiring good course management to capitalize when possible and minimize damage when trouble may arise.

Brazen short cuts are abound with many risk-reward possibilities. The course makes the golfer contemplate constantly ones on ability to make a variety of different shots. Par fives can be reachable in two yet with on missed shot the same approach can turn in to double bogey with a blink of the eye.

But in the end what makes this course so special is that the first rate overall quality and design is maintained and owned by the Baltimore County Revenue Authority. We have traveled far and wide in our journeys throughout the Mid-Atlantic and we have yet to find any county course maintained of this caliber. Courses at this level of condition usually require membership or have greens fees that require a installment payment plan. Luckily the Woodlands is a public course nearby for us all to enjoy.

Amigos favorite Hole:  The 538-yard Number 17 Par 5 was our choice of favorite at the Woodlands.  This blind tee shot sets all right handed players up with a choice to cut the corner. But be warned there isn't as much room to the left as you think and in the end cutting the corner doesn't make that much of a difference. Take our advice and aim in the left center of the fairway and you will be in good shape for your approach shot.

If you hit a good tee shot your second shot would be long iron or fairway wood to a green that is reachable in two for the longer hitter. But the well protected green at the bottom of the fairway is a tough target to hit from beyond 200 yards.

The smart play is to lay-up for a more comfortable low iron or wedge into the green. Remember to pay attention to pin placement, the left side and back of the green leaves little room for error. Any bladed wedge or iron could mean big trouble in a hurry.