There are many varying opinions of what makes a quality course design. Most depends on the individual golfer and what they seek in a golf course.
But some of the most common characteristics found are: challenging yet fair layout, enjoyed by 20 plus handicapper and scratch golfer alike, a great piece of property with scenic views and the list goes on and on....
But for me the essence of any great layout is simple. As I walk off the 18th green, contemplating my round I tell myself, "I can't wait to play that course again".
It may seem over simplified to some, but it all comes down to the way a course makes me think. All quality designs make you think. You look back at your round and recall the memorable shots and not so memorable and the end result. Did your decisions result in an well executed plan or a poorly played hole?
You realize the course stimulated your passion for the game and it's never ending mystery of searching for perfection.
Well if you’re looking for a quality design near Baltimore Maryland then look no further than Waverly Woods Golf Club in Marritottsville Maryland.
Just off I-70 the course is conveniently located and offers a design you will not soon forget.
Varity is the spice of life and this must have been the motto of Arthur Hills when he designed Waverly Woods.
No hole on the course looks the same and each will demand the full attention of your game and course management skills.
Your attention to the task at hand starts on the first tee and doesn't end to the 18th green.
The variety of shot selection at the tee is abundant. Many of the holes have sloped fairways, so knowing how to pick a side of the fairway and take and aggressive line is key to setting up ideal shots to the greens. Playing strategically to specific landing areas will lead to easier approach shots and manageable putts.
More variety awaits you on the green ranging from large to small size; with relatively little slope to lots of undulation. The mounding and positioning of the greens is superb. Visually the green at times can seem closer or father away due to the sublet mounds and slight dips in the fairway leading up to the green, the course can either reward or punish based solely on the golfer’s ability to execute exact decisions.
But in the end the most "inherent quality" of Waverly Woods is its ability to project a true golf enthusiasts desire to play it again and again.
Amigos Favorite Hole: Waverly Woods has a few holes vying for our favorite, but in the end we settled on the par 5 554-yard number 8.
At the tee you're presented with what looks to be a wide open fairway sloping from left to right.
A large oak tree flanks the left side and looks to be a good target off the tee. But "beware", don't use the tree as a guiding target. The tree is much closer than it appears and if you hit a good shot it's possible your ball could run through the rough and into the woods.
In our case, we didn't reach the woods but were left with an intimidating second shot back across a water hazard to the fairway. Your lie will determine how much you want to gamble trying to get the ball close to the green. But with water on the left and woods on the right side of the fairway a conservative approach is advisable.
Your approach to the green should be routine with only one bunker guarding the front right side. If the pin is on the back of the green make sure to take an aggressive line. Any putt left short will have to crest a hill prior to reaching the back portion of the green, leaving a very tricky two putt to save par.