Local Course Review Walden Country Club
Location » Crofton, Md.
Phone » (410) 721-8268
Fees » Weekday $35; Weekend $43
Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope
71/6384/71.3/126
Conditions »
Layout »
Facilities »
Value »
* out of a possible five golf balls
Description » The 19-year-old course with narrow, sloped fairways, winds through a housing development, twisting and turning through woodlands and wetlands. Water is in play on 14 holes. This is one of the least-known courses in the Washington area, and perhaps for good reason. Conditions are spotty and there are many blind shots and opportunities for lost balls.
Reasons to play » Not many except the following: Green fees include two draft beers. Food from Traditions Restaurant is outstanding. Cart attendant was particularly helpful and made the rounds quickly.
Grand designs » Course architect Lindsay Ervin, who collaborated with Robert Trent Jones on Walden, is known for taking on challenges. At Hilltop (Alexandria), he created an interesting Scottish-style course on a landfill. At Compass Pointe (Pasadena), he also transformed a less-than-optimal piece of property with some success. Queenstown, Birdwood and the Links at Gettysburg are among his best.
Better half » Walden has a crowded feel, especially on the quirky front nine. The course improves, however, on the more traditional back nine, which has several aesthetically pleasing, tree-lined holes.
Signature hole
No. 3, par 3, 227 yards
This hole is infuriatingly typical of Walden. From the back tees, half of the green is obscured by environmental outgrowth and is nearly impossible to hit for those who play right-to-left. Some are forced to hit driver on this hole, and there is no run-up.
Best hole
No. 12, par 4, 414 yards
The dogleg right is the longest par 4 at Walden. Its fairway slopes hard to the right, requiring an accurate shot down the left side to set up a clear approach. Otherwise, players will be unable to bend shots around big trees that guard the right side. A stream runs across the fairway and is in play for those who miss the fairway.
Toughest hole
No. 18, par 5, 503 yards
From the tips, players are faced with an intimidating carry of more than 200 yards over water. The approach is uphill all the way. Generous bunkers in either side of the fairway complicate attempts to lay up. For those trying to get home in two shots, a trio of bunkers protects the front of the green, with no chance for a run-up.
– Kevin Dunleavy
