Players must beware of ‘Hell’s Half Acre’
Baltimore Country Club (East Course)
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Location » Timonium, Md.
Fees » Private
Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope
70/7037/74.6/137
Description » The East Course at Baltimore Country Club, built on rolling farmland, has sweeping fairways, elevated tees and greens, several holes that dogleg, and 96 bunkers. Named one of the nation’s top 100 courses by Golf Digest (2007).
Architect » One of golf’s most illustrious designers, A.W. Tillinghast, built the East Course in 1926. Tillinghast, known for his distinctive bunkering and greens pitched back to front, also designed Northeast classics Baltusrol, Bethpage, Winged Foot, and Aronimink.
Rich history » Baltimore Country Club was established in 1896 in Roland Park and gained immediate acclaim, hosting the 1897 U.S. Open, won by Willie Smith. In 1926 BCC added a second location with the opening of the East Course at Five Farms. In 1962 the West Course was opened at Five Farms.
Facts and figures » Unknown Tom McKnight shot a final-round 64 to set the course record on his way to a tie for 17th place in the 2007 Constellation. Jeff Sluman matched it last year … BCC was the sixth toughest course on the Champions Tour in 2007 (71.0) and 10th toughest (70.8) last year … Greens are stimped at 10.5.
Signature hole » No. 18 » Par 4 » 496 Yards
“Poplars” is a worthy finishing hole, the longest par 4 on the course by 38 yards. Out of bounds left and trees right. Hole was the second toughest finisher on the Champions Tour last year. This is hole No. 2 for the members, but, because of its proximity to the clubhouse, works better as No. 18 for the tournament.
Toughest hole » No. 13, Par 4, 452 Yards
“Evergreens” has fairway bunkers on each side, demanding accuracy off the tee. The approach, over a deep valley, is long and tough to judge. Like many holes at the East Course, a shot that falls short of the green, can roll far back downhill, leaving an awkward pitch. Green slopes deceptively from back to front. Only 25 birdies in 2007 with 103 bogeys or worse.
Easiest hole » No. 4, Par 5, 583 Yards
“Barn” has been compared to the famed Road Hole at St. Andrews, where players hit tee shot over a hotel. Here players launch over a red barn, cutting distance off a fairway that doglegs 90 degrees. Smallest green on the course is protected by bunkers. There were nearly as many birdies (126) as pars (155) in 2007, but only three eagles. Not many players will have the length to reach this green in two.
Best hole » No. 12, Par 5, 603 Yards
“Hell’s Half Acre” gets its name from the bold and imaginative arrangement of bunkers, fescue grasses and mounds that players must carry with their second shot. The approach is to a wide green framed beautifully by offset trees. No. 4 and No. 12 are the only par 5s on the course, but both are unique and memorable.
