Silver Spring’s Nogay has small course in back yard
The first time Brian Nogay visited the Web site, Google Earth, and saw a satellite image of his back yard, he was thrilled to see it stand out from the rest in his Silver Spring neighborhood.
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Why? Nogay has built a small golf course — one Bermuda grass green in the middle of his backyard, with nine small tee boxes cleverly situated around the perimeter of his 1.5-acre property.
Nogay and his children, Justin, a freshman golfer at Mt. St. Mary’s College, and Mary, a sophomore golfer at the Academy of the Holy Cross, are regulars on the makeshift course, along with Nogay’s golf pals.
“It sets us apart from our neighbors, that’s for sure,” said Nogay, a science teacher at Georgetown Prep.
With a degree from West Virginia in plant and soil science, Nogay is equipped for golf course maintenance. Keeping the green cut to standard length, however, is too much to ask. He settles for once a weekly mowing, the blade set low, and cuts it in four different directions. To smooth out the bumps, he rolls his course with the family SUV.
“They’re used to it now,” says Nogay of his neighbors.
Nogay has added some distinctive touches — a pin from nearby Argyle Country Club, a ball washer, a sign that commemorates the course record — a 4-under-par 23 by Justin.
The tricky two-tiered green is challenging and, for variety, has two holes.
Three tees from the back end of the property, each with a different angle to the green, overlook the backyard. One tee is elevated, fortified by a short stone wall. The best hole, No. 8, requires a high lob over two trees to the green. The longest hole is 60 yards.
“All you need is a lob wedge, a putter, and a cigar,” said Nogay.
