36 replies to this topic

[yrose]

Caves? Bulle Rock?

[ismashedit]

Congressional Blue Course

[Don Ross]

I have not played a lot in MD but I really enjoy Bulle Rock; great overall experience.

[ProBowler]

Private ......
1. Congressional Blue
2. Caves Valley
3. BCC ( East course )
4. Burning Tree
5. TPC Potomac

Public ......
1. Bulle Rock
2. Links at Lighthouse Sound
3. Queenstown ( River course )
4. Rum Pointe
5. Swan Point

Played them all ...... Can't go wrong with any of these.

[yrose]

ProBowler, on 21 April 2012 - 10:47 PM, said:

Private ......
1. Congressional Blue
2. Caves Valley
3. BCC ( East course )
4. Burning Tree
5. TPC Potomac

Public ......
1. Bulle Rock
2. Links at Lighthouse Sound
3. Queenstown ( River course )
4. Rum Pointe
5. Swan Point

Played them all ...... Can't go wrong with any of these.

thank you for for your recs.  I have played all the privates except for congressional although I have been there several times.   I have only plate BR and Queenstown of the pubs so i will do mky best to check the others out.  I play at a smaller extremely reclusive club that is fantastic course but i dont get out much so opinions are much appreciated.

[ochowie]

The one thing that always drove me crazy about Bulle Rock is how long it takes to play. I guess it's the downside of being the only destination public course in Maryland. Beautiful course though with an insane practice area.

[dcmidnight]

Sorry but I would put Whiskey Creek at least in the #2 spot on the Public Course list. I've played Bulle several times and it may be #1 over Whiskey - but just barely.

Queenstown and Swan Point are great tracks but IMO they are not in the same class as Whiskey.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

dcmidnight, on 24 April 2012 - 06:29 AM, said:

Sorry but I would put Whiskey Creek at least in the #2 spot on the Public Course list. I've played Bulle several times and it may be #1 over Whiskey - but just barely.

Queenstown and Swan Point are great tracks but IMO they are not in the same class as Whiskey.

Agreed!!

My Top 5 Public MD would be
Whiskey Creek
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse Sound
Queenstown River
Musket Ridge

I could stretch it and say Baywood Greens, as it is only a few miles north of the MD border.  But most consider it an Ocean City course.

[GooseHook]

dcmidnight, on 24 April 2012 - 06:29 AM, said:

Sorry but I would put Whiskey Creek at least in the #2 spot on the Public Course list. I've played Bulle several times and it may be #1 over Whiskey - but just barely.

Queenstown and Swan Point are great tracks but IMO they are not in the same class as Whiskey.

Having played Whiskey and Bulle, I'd say Bulle Rock still has the edge, mostly because of layout.  Whiskey is fantastic, but your game is wrung dry after a round at Bulle.

I'd like to put Greystone up for an honorable mention, it's a fantastic golf course!

[Carolina Golfer 2]

GooseHook, on 25 April 2012 - 12:36 PM, said:

dcmidnight, on 24 April 2012 - 06:29 AM, said:

Sorry but I would put Whiskey Creek at least in the #2 spot on the Public Course list. I've played Bulle several times and it may be #1 over Whiskey - but just barely.

Queenstown and Swan Point are great tracks but IMO they are not in the same class as Whiskey.

Having played Whiskey and Bulle, I'd say Bulle Rock still has the edge, mostly because of layout.  Whiskey is fantastic, but your game is wrung dry after a round at Bulle.

I'd like to put Greystone up for an honorable mention, it's a fantastic golf course!

Good call on Greystone...it is a bit off the beaten path so it gets overlooked a bit.  But MDHacker, SHTerp and I enjoyed a nice round there last year on my birthday.  

It had been so many years since I had played it, I didn't realize they had re-routed some of the hole numbers.

[priceless]

yrose, on 19 April 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

Caves? Bulle Rock?

Given these two selections, I would say Caves Valley.   I only get to play the course once a year and that is only because of a business outing.   Otherwise, they would most likely escort me off the property immediately.  At these outings, we walk using caddies.  I could probably count the number of rounds I've played with a caddie on one hand.   But when I have, they have been the most enjoyable rounds.

Having played the courses listed by ProBowler at least once, I endorse his list.  Likewise, I agree with Carolina, if we can expand the Maryland border just a bit, Baywood Greens is a must play.   With an admitted bias to Eastern Shore golf, I would also add The Pennisula and the War Admiral in Glen Riddle.

[Wooderson]

I am going to chime in, but my thoughts should be weighted at a low level because I have only been to two courses in MD.  I played Bulle rock and Greystone.  Many may disagree, but I actually like Greystone better than Bulle Rock.  Greystone is by far the nicest public owned course I have ever played.  For the money it was a steal.  It was in better condition than Bulle Rock.  Now Bulle Rock gives you the impression that you are at a top notch facility.  Everything is high class, but when it came to golf I will play Greystone first whenever I am in MD again.

Edited by Wooderson, 27 April 2012 - 03:07 PM.

[ProBowler]

priceless, on 26 April 2012 - 09:26 AM, said:

yrose, on 19 April 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

Caves? Bulle Rock?

Given these two selections, I would say Caves Valley.   I only get to play the course once a year and that is only because of a business outing.   Otherwise, they would most likely escort me off the property immediately.  At these outings, we walk using caddies.  I could probably count the number of rounds I've played with a caddie on one hand.   But when I have, they have been the most enjoyable rounds.

Having played the courses listed by ProBowler at least once, I endorse his list.  Likewise, I agree with Carolina, if we can expand the Maryland border just a bit, Baywood Greens is a must play.   With an admitted bias to Eastern Shore golf, I would also add The Pennisula and the War Admiral in Glen Riddle.

Baywood Greens, War Admiral and The Pennisula are on the ESGM golf tour this year.

[GooseHook]

Wooderson, on 27 April 2012 - 03:07 PM, said:

I am going to chime in, but my thoughts should be weighted at a low level because I have only been to two courses in MD.  I played Bulle rock and Greystone.  Many may disagree, but I actually like Greystone better than Bulle Rock.  Greystone is by far the nicest public owned course I have ever played.  For the money it was a steal.  It was in better condition than Bulle Rock.  Now Bulle Rock gives you the impression that you are at a top notch facility.  Everything is high class, but when it came to golf I will play Greystone first whenever I am in MD again.

And when you consider price, Bulle is definitely not worth double the price of Greystone.

[yrose]

GooseHook, on 28 April 2012 - 03:51 PM, said:

Wooderson, on 27 April 2012 - 03:07 PM, said:

I am going to chime in, but my thoughts should be weighted at a low level because I have only been to two courses in MD.  I played Bulle rock and Greystone.  Many may disagree, but I actually like Greystone better than Bulle Rock.  Greystone is by far the nicest public owned course I have ever played.  For the money it was a steal.  It was in better condition than Bulle Rock.  Now Bulle Rock gives you the impression that you are at a top notch facility.  Everything is high class, but when it came to golf I will play Greystone first whenever I am in MD again.

And when you consider price, Bulle is definitely not worth double the price of Greystone.

love greystone, but it completely depends on conditions.  Great buy for the money.  I would put my course up there with any, manly due to course conditioning and difficulty.


Caves is special but a large part is due t othe experience. Their caddise are fantastic, and the staff is impeccable.

[rainkingjr]

What about Rocky Gap's Jack Nicklaus signature course? Anyone played it? Me and my father are going later this month and staying two nights. Can't wait.

[GooseHook]

It's not really on the radar as far as OC courses go, but River Run is quite a challenge. Gary Player designed, and always in perfect shape.

[sforrest]

I am from Oklahoma and a total outsider on this as I have only played Whiskey Creek and Bulle Rock when we were in DC. They were both top notch. If there are any better public courses around the area I would be surprised. Absolutely amazing condition and lay out on both. Whiskey Creek was the more scenic I feel but as far as just the course I loved Bulle Rock.

[wvuwhat]

I've played Bulle Rock once, awesome.  But, it's a little too long of a drive for me to play regularly.  

I'm a very big fan of Musket Ridge (my favorite course in MD), Whiskey Creek, P.B. Dye, MD National, and Worthington.  But, all 5 of those are within an hour from my house in Ashburn, VA, so I'm biased.  

Got offered to play Burning Tree with a client a few years back, but couldn't make it, still regret it to this day.

[wvuwhat]

rainkingjr, on 28 April 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

What about Rocky Gap's Jack Nicklaus signature course? Anyone played it? Me and my father are going later this month and staying two nights. Can't wait.

I'd also like to hear about this course.  I attended WVU and drove by the course every time I was coming or going to school.  Looked pretty nice, actually took an ex-girlfriend there for a stay at the "resort," but never had the time to play the course.

Wouldn't mind stopping for a round on my way up to a football game this year.

[rainkingjr]

wvuwhat, on 29 April 2012 - 07:48 PM, said:

rainkingjr, on 28 April 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

What about Rocky Gap's Jack Nicklaus signature course? Anyone played it? Me and my father are going later this month and staying two nights. Can't wait.

I'd also like to hear about this course.  I attended WVU and drove by the course every time I was coming or going to school.  Looked pretty nice, actually took an ex-girlfriend there for a stay at the "resort," but never had the time to play the course.

Wouldn't mind stopping for a round on my way up to a football game this year.

I'll post a review when I get back. (Going in mid May) I also plan on taking plenty of pictures.

[GooseHook]

sforrest, on 29 April 2012 - 07:12 PM, said:

I am from Oklahoma and a total outsider on this as I have only played Whiskey Creek and Bulle Rock when we were in DC. They were both top notch. If there are any better public courses around the area I would be surprised. Absolutely amazing condition and lay out on both. Whiskey Creek was the more scenic I feel but as far as just the course I loved Bulle Rock.

Consider yourself spoiled!! Both great courses, although Whiskey will give you vertigo with all those elevation changes

[eers2u]

rainkingjr, on 29 April 2012 - 09:04 PM, said:

wvuwhat, on 29 April 2012 - 07:48 PM, said:

rainkingjr, on 28 April 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

What about Rocky Gap's Jack Nicklaus signature course? Anyone played it? Me and my father are going later this month and staying two nights. Can't wait.

I'd also like to hear about this course.  I attended WVU and drove by the course every time I was coming or going to school.  Looked pretty nice, actually took an ex-girlfriend there for a stay at the "resort," but never had the time to play the course.

Wouldn't mind stopping for a round on my way up to a football game this year.

I'll post a review when I get back. (Going in mid May) I also plan on taking plenty of pictures.

I've played it several times as I live about an hour south of the resort.   It has several very good holes and several average holes.  A couple holes feel like they were squeezed in (12 especially).   Hole # 5 is one of my favorite golf holes anywhere and #10 is a good hole as well.   Overall I can take it or leave it but wouldn't go out of my way to play it. It should be in great condition, weather here has been perfect for golf courses.

[CHARGERS]

Private
Caves
Congo
BCC East
Woodholme
Chevy Chase

Public
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse
Whiskey Creek
Queenstown
Rum Pointe

I'm sorry, Greystone is not even in the same category as Bulle Rock, 2-3 bad holes/greens.

[rl4673]

CHARGERS, on 04 May 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

Private
Caves
Congo
BCC East
Woodholme
Chevy Chase

Public
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse
Whiskey Creek
Queenstown
Rum Pointe

I'm sorry, Greystone is not even in the same category as Bulle Rock, 2-3 bad holes/greens.

This.  I played Greystone a last weekend and it was in good shape, but not anywhere near Bulle Rock shape.

[ochowie]

rl4673, on 04 May 2012 - 08:14 PM, said:

CHARGERS, on 04 May 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

Private
Caves
Congo
BCC East
Woodholme
Chevy Chase

Public
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse
Whiskey Creek
Queenstown
Rum Pointe

I'm sorry, Greystone is not even in the same category as Bulle Rock, 2-3 bad holes/greens.

This.  I played Greystone a last weekend and it was in good shape, but not anywhere near Bulle Rock shape.

Plus Greystone has the worst management ever. They never move people ahead and will let a 4-some tee off in front of a 2-some when there is a 7 minute difference in the tee times and both groups are ready on the first tee. I know that the 4-some still has the right to go ahead, but the starter should use his head and encourage the group to let people play through. I have complained upthread about Bulle Rock taking a long time, but I understand that since it is one of the few destination courses in the area, however, I have never had a round under 5 hours at Greystone playing as a 2-some. Just thinking about the waits on that course make me mad all over again. It was one of the motivating factors for me to join a CC (that and moving back to OH) and today I played an 18 in 2.5 hours as a single.

[rl4673]

ochowie, on 04 May 2012 - 08:18 PM, said:

rl4673, on 04 May 2012 - 08:14 PM, said:

CHARGERS, on 04 May 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

Private
Caves
Congo
BCC East
Woodholme
Chevy Chase

Public
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse
Whiskey Creek
Queenstown
Rum Pointe

I'm sorry, Greystone is not even in the same category as Bulle Rock, 2-3 bad holes/greens.

This.  I played Greystone a last weekend and it was in good shape, but not anywhere near Bulle Rock shape.

Plus Greystone has the worst management ever. They never move people ahead and will let a 4-some tee off in front of a 2-some when there is a 7 minute difference in the tee times and both groups are ready on the first tee. I know that the 4-some still has the right to go ahead, but the starter should use his head and encourage the group to let people play through. I have complained upthread about Bulle Rock taking a long time, but I understand that since it is one of the few destination courses in the area, however, I have never had a round under 5 hours at Greystone playing as a 2-some. Just thinking about the waits on that course make me mad all over again. It was one of the motivating factors for me to join a CC (that and moving back to OH) and today I played an 18 in 2.5 hours as a single.

We were backed up 4 groups on the tee at 7 at Greystone.  I know it's a tough hole, but 4 groups?  A few years ago a friend and I played there and got stuck behind a foursome of two guys and their girlfriends that they were giving lessons to on the course.  We asked to play through, they ignored us, sailed a ball over their heads, ignored us, called the Pro shop, the pro shop ignored us.  3.5 hours later at the turn, I went ballistic in the pro shop.  Got a free round that I gave away.   The only reason I played there Sunday is because my league picked it.  Otherwise, I'm never going back.  And it's only 15 minutes from where I live.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

ochowie, on 04 May 2012 - 08:18 PM, said:

rl4673, on 04 May 2012 - 08:14 PM, said:

CHARGERS, on 04 May 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

Private
Caves
Congo
BCC East
Woodholme
Chevy Chase

Public
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse
Whiskey Creek
Queenstown
Rum Pointe

I'm sorry, Greystone is not even in the same category as Bulle Rock, 2-3 bad holes/greens.

This.  I played Greystone a last weekend and it was in good shape, but not anywhere near Bulle Rock shape.

Plus Greystone has the worst management ever.

No, I think that distinction goes to Lake Presidential hands down !!

[educe22]

Live about 2 miles from Whiskey, and have played almost all the pubs in MD, Rocky Gap included.  For a resort course, I thought the conditions were pretty average and found the layout not very memorable. I really like Whiskey but they always seem to have green issues every year - burned out, disease, etc.  Lighthouse Sound and BR are my 2 favorites, Worthington Manor is a really nice play as well

[Reif]

CHARGERS, on 04 May 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

Private
Caves
Congo
BCC East
Woodholme
Chevy Chase

Public
Bulle Rock
Lighthouse
Whiskey Creek
Queenstown
Rum Pointe

I'm sorry, Greystone is not even in the same category as Bulle Rock, 2-3 bad holes/greens.

Hey. Chargers, I live in San Diego, season ticket holder.  How did you find yourself in MD?

My folks live in Ocean Pines, played here yesterday, playing Lighthouse today and Queenstown tomorrow.

OP is a good track, but it's not in as good a shape as some of the others you guys are discussing.

I always play the River Course at Queenstown when I'm driving back to Baltimore to fly home.