1757 Golf Club building its way to a full 18-hole public course
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
June 25, 2009
Description » Originally designed as an upscale private course, catering to corporate clients, and named the Presidential, the facility has been opened to the public after builders were evicted last fall with the course halfway built. Ten holes are complete. The rest will be ready next spring. Built on marshland near Broad Run and Redskins Park, 1757 is managed by Billy Casper Golf.
Reason to play » To preview what could become an outstanding public course. Interesting design and excellent bentgrass conditions leave you anxious to play the full 18 holes, the last eight of which are in various stages of completion. Range and practice facility are expansive and lush with all the latest teaching aids.
Waterworld » Like Bethpage Black, 1757 should come with a warning: It's not for beginners. Water is the dominant theme. In the current 10-hole setup, wetlands are in play from the tee and on approaches to all but one hole. When complete, 16 of the 18 holes will have water. But don't fret too much. Landing areas are wide. On most holes, it requires a serious miss-hit to get wet.
Best Hole » No. 5, Par 4, 342 Yards
On No. 5 and No. 6, the fairway wraps around the same lake, bending right. If the wind is right, No. 5 can be reached from the tee as players cut yardage by hitting over water. The safer play is with a long iron/hybrid, setting up a wedge to the green. Taking the correct angle is critical. In addition to water up the entire right side, four bunkers frame the left side.
Academy awards » In contrast to the course, most of the support facilities are finished. There are six indoor coaching stations; a luxurious practice area; and a huge, lighted driving range with covered stations and grass and SportTurf tees. With the best practice facilities of any public course in the D.C area, 1757 plans to create a learning center niche. It has already established an instructional academy for juniors.
Bear Prints » David Heatwole, with two decades under Jack Nicklaus, designed 1757. Nicklaus' influence is apparent as most holes favor players who hit a fade. Several holes have deceptive landing areas -- wider than they appear from the tee -- another Nicklaus signature.
Why 1757? » It was the year Loudoun County was founded.
