I've been trying to decide how to start this post about the Man O' War Course at Glen Riddle Golf Club. Since I have been going on golf trips and passed by this course in 2008 when I was in Ocean City, I have wanted to play here. Everything I had read about the course has nothing but positive things to say. While I too enjoyed the course, I don't think my review will be as positive as what I have read. I'll present the facts and then you decide.
(The scorecard for Man O' War)
The Course
Man O' War offers 3 tee boxes to play from. As I write this I can only help but wonder if I would have more positive to say about the course. Since we were down here for a bachelor party there were guys who didn't golf regularly. The starter said anyone over a 14 handicap should play the Silver Tees, we obliged.
The Silver Tees play 6,086 yards and offer a rating/slope of 69.1/128. Not as easy as most courses would be at this distance but nothing too challenging. If you moved back one set of tees to the Blues, it jumps to 6,556 yards and 71.6/133. A significantly more challenging course.
(A view of the 1st fairway from the tee box gives you a good idea of how open it is)
I wish I could write this and tell you it's the toughest course I have ever played. It would make my 79 look that much more amazing. I'll repeat that, I shot 79! Don't take this post the wrong way, I am thrilled to break 80 for only the 3rd time in my golf career but the post is about the course, not my score... I'll sneak that in another post.
The front side of the course starts off wide open. It resembles a links style course as there is little punishment for missing a fairway unless you find the fescue scattered throughout. In most cases, the fescue is short enough to find your ball and even play out of. As you work your way through the course, more challenges are presented, primarily by the use of water hazards.
(The 12th hole, a short par 3 with water left and fescue right)
The Par 3's
As I sit here and write this a few days removed from the course, only one par 3 comes to mind. The 13th hole plays 167 from the Silver tees and has water to carry and to the right of the green. The left is guarded by a hill and some fescue but allows for a bailout if needed.
The 2 par 3's on the front, holes 2 and 9 are fairly simple with very little protection. They play 141 and 163 respectively. The 15th hole doesn't come to mind as anything great but plays 134 from the Silvers.
What Else
I think the 16th hole is a great hole and fits better on War Admiral (the other course at Glen Riddle) than it does on this course. A 512 yard par 5, this hole requires a 200 yard forced carry to a fairway with woods to the right. Once in the fairway, you have the option of hitting a long iron (if you're lucky) or a wood to try and carry the creek protecting a small green. It's a fun hole that makes you really think and choose your club wisely.
(A view from the 15th tee box of the forced carry and narrow shoot to drive your ball)
(A better look at the 15th hole)
The carts all have GPS which is a really great feature. Knowing the distance to hazards, the front of the green, the pin, and the back of the green make club selection that much easier. This was certainly a driving factor in my shooting so well.
If you're a horse racing fan or historian that happens to love golf (like me), this course will interest you even more. It's built on an old training ground and they leave the character as part of the course. The clubhouse and cart storage facility are old stables. They even left part of the track to play over on one of the holes along with the starting gate.
(The old starting gate on the track just off the 6th hole)
What WAM Thinks
I think this course could be a great course. What I did not mention above was the conditions which were the most disappointing. Everything around the green seemed to be burned out and not growing back in well. The greens were in good shape.
I think I had high expectations of this course and they fell a little short. I would play here again and I hope they improve the conditions because it could be a really great place. I would certainly play the Blue tees if I went back, I think it might make the round more enjoyable.
Location: Berlin, MD
Cost:
It varies based on time of year and time of day. I think we paid $79 including cart/range
Slope/Rating: Silver Tees 69.1/128
Proshop: Small but they have club rental and most things you'll need.
Range: A great grass range and putting area included in the cost.
My Score: 79 (40-39)
Play Again: Yes, but I'd like to move to the Blue tees and for them to improve the conditions.
Website: www.glenriddlegolf.com
Notes: I'm not the only one who thinks they need to improve conditions. Check out their maintenance blog
The Antarctic penguins are dying, we will go to save it
Posted by: air jordans | 11/16/2010 at 02:04 AM
Golf resorts are located can also be a role where you can go. For example, you might want to be near a big city, so you can take a trip in the evening. You may be tired of the city, however, and want to be in the country where you can use your free time. You can not really care either way until you get to play golf!
Posted by: Platzreife | 04/20/2011 at 01:30 AM
I like that it's not too challenging from the silver tee's makes it nice when you have never played the course. I love when the carts have GPS, especially when you havent played there before. I will put this course on my wish list for next year.
Posted by: Long Putter | 10/16/2011 at 05:36 PM