Little Bennett: You Can't Play It Just Once

Like a favorite record, Little Bennett is a golf course worth playing time and time again. That's mostly because with each return trip, quirks are waiting to be uncovered and challenges are plentiful for both the novice and advanced golfer.

The course seems friendly upon stepping to the tee on the first hole, a par 4 that is just 346 yards from the middle tees, 370 from the back. The green is set to the left, and the wide fairway can be forgiving on wayward shots. There is water not more than 100 yards from the tee--which comes into play on only the most dreadful of mis-hits--a bunker to the left of the fairway and two more guarding the right side of the green.

It's a pleasant start to the afternoon . . . until it comes time to putt.

The landing areas on this six-year-old course are expansive enough to accommodate the less-accurate hitter, but the greens are far from flat. So be close to the pin or be in trouble. When the greens are still moist from early morning dew or just after a shower, putting can be a chore, though certainly not hazardous. But when the conditions are normal, putting on the tightly manicured greens can become downright frightening.

The second and third holes at Little Bennett are as contrasting in their difficulty as they are in shape. No. 2 is a par 5--measuring 543 yards from the back tees--that doglegs to the right and is the second-most challenging hole according to course handicap. The handicappers got this one right.

Though not outrageously long for a par 5, the fairway pinches near the center and has an ominous bunker lurking on the right side. This hole demands a precise drive. Hook the tee shot and risk an unfavorable lie in the rough. Push it and players may ruin their chance to reach the green in regulation, with the dicey proposition of playing a sand shot with 250 yards of fairway between the ball and the green.

The third hole brings some welcome relief. A 365-yard par 4, No. 3 has a wide fairway and contains little trouble. It plays as the easiest hole on the course and offers an inviting bid for birdie, hitting into a green that does not offer nerve-racking undulations.

Then there is the 18th, a finishing hole that tests not only a player's ball-striking skills but also requires thoughtful course management. Longer hitters are encouraged to try for the green in two on this lengthy par 4. Others are cautioned to lay up on their second shot or risk losing their ball in the thick, clumpy marsh that rests between the fairway and safe landing area in front of the green.

In all, Little Bennett is particularly enjoyable and, at $30 to walk, an affordable day of golf. Good thing, too, because chances are after you've played it once, you'll probably want to play it again.

Little Bennett Golf Course

Architect: Michael Herdson, Columbus, Ohio.

Year Opened: 1994.

Par: 72.

Yardage: Back tees, 6,706; middle tees, 6,157; forward tees, 4,921.

Spike Policy: Soft spikes only.

Phone: 301-253-1515.

Directions (From D.C.): Take Interstate 270 toward Frederick to exit 22 (Barnesville/Hyattstown). Off exit, turn left on Old Hundred Road. Turn left on 355. Turn right on 75. Turn right on Lewisdale Road. Turn right on Prescott Road and follow to course.

Rates: Weekdays, $30 for 18 holes, $16 for nine holes. Weekends and holidays, $38 for 18 holes, $19 for nine holes.