Courses you can play » Twin Lakes – Oaks Course

Fees » $47 Friday-Sunday, $37 Monday-Thursday

Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope

71/6,715/72.5/137

Description » The Fairfax County Park Authority facility has two 18-hole tracks, the older Lakes Course (1967) and the newer Oaks (1998). The Lakes (71.7/124) is wide open and forgiving, with large, flat greens. The Oaks, built around the perimeter of the Lakes, has tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, more hazards, and is significantly more challenging.

Reasons to play » Inexpensive and well-conditioned, with strong practice and clubhouse facilities, and two distinctly different 18s. No surrounding homes. Only course in Northern Virginia with 36 holes. The Oaks has a great variety of holes.

Long way home » Don’t get too excited if you have a good round going through the first 12 holes — the next four are tight, tree-lined and tough. No. 13 is a straight, demanding par 4 at 447 yards. No. 14 is more of the same, and at 585 uphill yards is the longest hole at Twin Lakes. No. 15 is the longest par 3 (235 yards) by far. No. 16 is a 431-yard dog-leg. The length of these holes is mitigated somewhat by ample green complexes and areas where you can miss.

Signature hole » No. 5, Par 3, 185 Yards

Significant carry over water to a wide but shallow green. Tough part is deciding which club to hit. Green is in the open, but the tee is surrounded by tall oaks and evergreens, giving players little chance to judge the wind. Usually plays longer.

Toughest Hole » No. 2, Par 4, 468 Yards

Intimidating tee shot over water requires a carry of 200 yards, but looks longer. Successfully negotiate that and you still have an uphill approach to the green.

Take a walk » Both courses at Twin Lakes draw lots of walkers. Greens and tees are in close proximity.

Cheers » If you hear the roar of a crowd, it’s not for you. Just over a fence and behind a tree line are the athletic fields of Centreville High.

Architect » The original course was designed by Charles Schalestock. Denis Griffiths, who has designed courses in nine countries, built the Oaks and handled the Lakes’ re-design.