Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope

70/5577/68.5/121

Description »  Tight, 12-year-old shotmakers course, with a circuitous routing scheme, set on the water where the Occoquan River meets the Potomac. Course borders Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge and runs through the Belmont Bay development, which includes an array of new and old housing, high-rise hotels and condos, a marina, a river walk, and a town center. Course designed by Bob Mortensen.

Reason to play »  Great mix of memorable holes, incorporating woodlands, wetlands, highlands, river views, and a wildlife refuge. Given the geographic limitations and all the surrounding development, this is an unusual setting for a golf course, but somehow it works. Greens and fairways are in excellent condition for a modestly-priced course. Service is both small-town friendly and professional.

Work in progress »  The Ospreys has had several incarnations, beginning as a par 66 executive track. In 2000, it was stretched by 600 yards and became a par 70. In 2005, a clubhouse including pro shop, restaurant and banquet room was added, requiring holes to be re-numbered. In 2006, Billy Casper Management took over daily operations.

Best Hole »  No. 9, Par 3, 134 Yards

The Ospreys’ best stretch (No. 7 through No. 12) is on a sliver of rugged terrain between housing and the Occoquan River. Three of the six holes are short but demanding par 3s, where club selection is key. The best is No. 9, visually intimidating from the tee as players, staring into an eye-level environmental area, consider a shot to a shallow, uphill green, over a 75-foot ravine. Only flagstick is visible.

Signature Hole » No. 10 » Par 5 » 419 Yards

Most photographed hole on course, with vintage iron bridge (Route 1 over Occoquan River) framing green on the horizon. Most players will be able to tee off with no more than a 5-wood. Landing area abruptly turns to rough and sharply downhill. Green sits 100 feet below fairway. Risk/reward hole can be reached in two, but going for it brings water and thick vegetation into play.

Worst Hole »  No. 5, Par 5, 447 Yards

On this sharp dogleg left, even after a perfect drive over wetlands, many players will have no choice but to chip further down the fairway to set up wedge approach to green. Nobody wants to hit driver-wedge-wedge to a par 5. Eeesh.

Miles from the ordinary »  There’s plenty of funky stuff adding to the charm of the Ospreys — a “halfway house” players can visit after No. 6 and No. 12, six par 3s in a span of 11 holes, and a 288-yard par 4 that’s reachable from the tee, over a net which protects a schoolyard.

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