Power Golf on Hains Point

• Course: East Potomac (Blue Course), Hains Point, Washington.

• Par: 72.

• Length: Back tees: 6,599 yards; middle, 6,226; forward, 5,703; ladies, 5,269.

• Rating/Slope: 70.5/113; 68.7/110; 66.2/104; 71.2/114.

• Architect: Robert White.

• Most Distinguishing Trait: The course, on Hains Point and off the Potomac River, provides picturesque views from almost any spot. But Hains Point also has a few drawbacks, notably a nearly constant wind and airplane noise from nearby Reagan National and VIP helicopters. A stiff wind can cause havoc on the last five holes, all long and nearly impossible to reach in regulation under such conditions.

• Toughest Hole: The first two, both par 4s, are no cakewalk, but they're easy compared with No. 3, a par 5 that is 596 yards from the blues and 564 from the whites. Tee shots need to carry at least 150 yards to hit the narrow fairway, and if they don't, golfers need to be prepared to deal with a deep rough and several small hills. Upon reaching the fairway, it is simply a matter of distance to the green, but be sure to avoid the hilly left side. Three greenside bunkers protect the green.

• Best Chance for Birdie: If No. 3 puts you on the fast track to a higher handicap, No. 5 can help alleviate the pain. At 291 yards from the blues, it is the shortest par 4 on the course. It is also a straight shot from the tee box, and the only two bunkers are well short of the green. Don't worry about the few trees on the right; there aren't enough to prevent a good look at the flag.

• Practice Facilities: Even on the busiest days, there is room to hit balls on the two-tiered driving range, which faces the Potomac in between the front and back nines. There's also plenty of room to putt, including two large greens next to the range and another one near the clubhouse.

• Shoe Policy: Soft spikes.

• Rates: Monday-Thursday, 18 holes, $20; 9 holes, $14; Friday-Sunday, 18 holes, $24. (No nine-hole rates on weekends.)

• Directions: I-395 to East Potomac Park, follow signs. From Washington, take 15th St. past Jefferson Memorial, left on Ohio Drive toward Hains Point.

• Phone: 202-554-7660.

• Web Site: www.golfdc.com

-- Seth Emerson