Wisp Resort Golf Course

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Wisp Resort Golf Course

What is a "wisp"? By definition it's a small "tuft" or "lock" or something. It's that added descriptor applied to a slight instance of both tangible objects and non-tangible emotions or places. That tangible object could be a wisp of hair or slight wisp of wind. That non-tangible emotion could be a wisp of hope or that non-tangible place could be a slight glimpse of an ideal no one thinks exists but hopes might be true. A wisp of heaven comes to mind.

Recently we made a trip back to Wisp Resort in Western Maryland and finally understood what a wisp of heaven means. With the surrounding mountains, fall foliage and great golf course, Wisp Resort embodies a glimpse of what we only hope heaven might actually resemble.

To me there is no greater test of golf skill than a mountain course. Just the ability to manage your game with the various up-hill and down-hill shots is a feat within itself and the Wisp Resort Golf Course is no different. The Par-4 uphill No. 1 is a great example. The tee shot is up-hill and the second is to a green that is only partially visible.

Trusting your distance and hitting to a hidden target is one of the greatest challenges of playing any mountain course. In the days of modern course design where no mountain or obstacle is too large for moving, it's nice to know courses like the Wisp Resort Golf Course are still thriving and providing a flavor of golf that embodies the sports true nature, a test of skill!

But don't think the course is too overly difficult. The course is not long by modern design standards and if you choose the right set of tees and keep the ball in the fairway, then there are ample opportunities to score.

The course recently completed a renovation in 2008 removing and replacing three of the more difficult holes with new ones on property across the main road affectionately named "Fantasy Valley". The only remaining structure of "Fantasy Valley" is a small wedding chapel that overlooks the 12th tee and 13th green. If you're getting married on a budget perhaps you can “kill two birds with one stone”, play a round of golf and partake in nuptials.

The four new holes (No. 11, 12, 13 and 14) and redesign have transformed the course from its original design into a playable resort friendly course with tons of character. The original fourteen holes present the same challenges of mountain golf, while the four new ones provide a different flavor of modern design. When you intertwine the two you get an outstanding course that even has an extra 19th Par-3 hole as a bonus. Actually it's not officially part of the course but it's there to play after you finish the Par-5 No. 18.

The Wisp Resort Golf Course embodies the ideal of a stereotypical resort course. It provides a challenging, fun play that is at the same time unique and memorable. If you're in need of a weekend away or just want to get away to the mountains for some great golf, then we highly recommend a trip to Wisp!

Amigos Favorite Hole: We chose the Par-4 323-yard No. 13 new hole of the Wisp Resort course as our favorite. This short Par-4 is a great risk-reward hole where the long drive has a chance to reach the green but it's guarded everywhere by strategically placed bunkers.

At some point in every round you usually ask yourself should "I go for it" or do the smart thing and "lay-up" off the tee. The answer to that question is usually answered by the way you’re striking the ball. Well from the forward tees this green is very reachable but considering the very narrow target and plethora of bunkers, you're more likely to end up at the beach.

Either way you're second shot will be a chip or sand shot leading to a reasonable run at birdie. Take our advice and go for it! It always makes the round more fun, and more than not a reason to come back and play the course again if the hole doesn't go as planned. This hole is a definite birdie hole if you're striking the ball well!

Review Date: 10/02/2009

Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)

Tees: 4 Flag Rating, Very Good

With four sets of tees ranging from 6,911-yards to 4,677-yards the Wisp Resort course is playable for every level of playing ability. Knowing your limitations and comfortable tee distance is key to a fun round at Wisp. With the many different elevation changes all the holes can play totally different each day depending on the direction of the wind.

Each set of tees was in good condition with some minor noticeable wear on the Par-3s. Be sure to check your angle off the tee and don’t rely solely on the direction of the tee to line up you're shots. The many dog leg and varying directional targets off the tee make course management a must at the Wisp Resort course.

Fairways: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

Even with some noticeable damp spots due to recent rains the fairways were in tremendous shape. We didn't get much roll but depending on your fairway elevation direction, up or down hill, you will notice considerable roll especially on the down hill shots.

The fairways vary from large and wide to narrow targets on a couple of holes. One of the best aspects of the new holes is it seems management wanted to make the course more playable. The holes that were removed are a stark contrast to the replacement holes regarding target difficulty.

Rough: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

There is one predominate cut of rough just off the fairways and around the greens. The depth and feel is very consistent giving you the ability to gauge shots with ease. This is the key to gaining any feel for how the ball will react out of the rough.

Chips from the green-side rough were noticeable more difficult but unless you were short sided then you shouldn't have any issue getting the ball up and down.

Traps: 4 Flag Rating, Very Good

The design puts a premium more on tee shot accuracy than approach accuracy. There are bunkers guarding the greens but on most of the holes remaining from the original design there seems to be a bailout side on each green. Luckily the greens make for large enough targets. So unless you really hit a bad pull or push your likely to arrive on the green anyway.

There are a couple of fairway bunkers that can easily come in to play if you don't throttle back on the tee shot and or don't cut the corner. Great old school design where the bunker is strategically positioned to catch all balls hit to the gathering point at the elbow in the dog leg.

All the traps were in good shape. With the recent rains though a few were a bit wet and hard but none were washed out.

Greens: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

All the greens including the four new greens of the new holes were in perfect shape. There are tons of variety in both slope and green size on the course. Remember to check the angle and lie of the land off the green to truly assess the slope of the green.

If there is any issue we had with the greens it was the different feel of the greens from the original holes to the four new holes they’ve added. The new greens a bit softer, more receptive and have less slope while the new holes are a bit firmer and have more slope. Just something to think about whey you play your round at the Wisp Resort course.

Amenities: 4 Flag Rating, Very Good

If a nice resort with plenty of amenities to keep the non-golfers in you group busy while you're on the course appeals to you, then it doesn't get any better than a trip to Wisp Resort.

The proshop has moved since our last visit and is currently located closer to the first tee. It is adequately supplied with all the balls and extra layers to purchase in case you didn't pack appropriately for the cooler weather.

There are a couple of restaurants and bars at the resort so you have plenty of options for both pre-round meals and post-round drinks.

There is a nice chipping now which incorporated the old 18th green and a nice practice putting green just off the first tee. Our only slight complaint was the range. I think it might be a ski slope in the winter and goes straight up hill 250 yards.

Staff Services: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

All the personnel we had contact with at the Wisp Resort were extremely nice and courteous. From starter to resort staff the friendly welcoming feel exuded by everyone was very appealing.

There is a snack and beverage station located after the 6th hole so the layout doesn’t allow a stop after the nine hold to grab food or drinks. Be sure to stock up here or your options will be limited to the beverage cart making the rounds.

It was nice to see a beverage cart out making rounds even for our late afternoon round.

Pace of Play: 5 Flag Rating, Excellent

On a gorgeous yet windy Fall day we had very little no big issue with pace. There were many resort patrons out enjoying the weather and our round lasted just under 4.5 hours. Given the elevation challenges and cart path only rule for the day we thought we made great time.

Overall Average: 4.6, Birdie Course
Outstanding Course, must play recommendation

We would like to thank Director of Marketing Lori Epp for having us out to visit and spotlight the course at Wisp Resort.

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Location: 290 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry MD 21541
Tee Time Phone: 301-387-4911
Course Type: Resort

*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