Country Club at Woodmore
Location » Mitchellville, Md
Phone » 301-249-6100
Fees » Private
Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope
72/7059/75.0/137
Recommended Stories
Description » Traditional 28-year-old course with tree-lined fairways, dogleg holes, push-up greens, and water hazards. Arnold Palmer-Ed Seay design is rated by “Golf Digest” as one of the top 10 courses in the mid-Atlantic. The centerpiece of a gated community, but homes line the fairway on only four holes.
Historical perspective » Established in 1923 as Prince George’s County Golf and Country Club and located on nearby Landover Road, the club moved to its present site in 1981. Name was changed to Woodmore in 1993 to better align course with the surrounding housing development. At its former site, club hosted the PGA Tour’s National Capital Open in 1947-48.
Toughest hole » No. 16, Par 4, 458 yards
This tree-lined, dogleg monster was 493 yards in 2007, the longest par 4 on the course by a whopping 70 yards, but was shortened last year. It’s still a severe test. Tough long iron/hybrid approach to a sloped, elevated green.
Signature hole » No. 18 » Par 5 » 564 Yards
With hillsides rising above the lake-guarded green, this is a grand setting for a closing hole, similar to the classic finisher at Congressional Blue, which also plays toward a clubhouse perched on high. This risk-reward hole yielded a tournament-high 11 eagles in the inaugural season and high drama both years. In 2007, Paul Claxton protected a 1-stroke lead, but not before flirting with the water on his lay-up shot. Last year, Jeff Klauk birdied the 72nd hole to clinch his 1-stroke victory.
Viewing spot » No. 17, Par 4, 386 yards
From behind the tee at No. 17, spectators can see No. 12, approach shots to No. 11, putts on No. 16, and tee shots on No. 17. “There’s a nice little triangle in back of 17 tee where you can see a lot of action,” said 26-year member Jerry Duffy.
Toughened » Nationwide pros found Woodmore easy in the inaugural year (2007) as 19 players finished 10-under or better. Last year, however, just three players broke that barrier. Expect the trend to continue. “The rough is high and tough,” said Kevin Johnson, the winner last week at Raleigh. “It’s like U.S. Open rough. You don’t want to be in there.”
Prettiest hole » No. 3, Par 4, 410 yards
With a pond in front of the green and trees offset from the fairway, this is a visual stunner. Not a particularly tough hole, but excellent for viewing action as wooded hillsides provide a natural amphitheater and plenty of shade.
