A Course You Can Play: Worthington Manor, Urbana, Md.
Thursday, May 10, 2001; Page D03
• Par: 72.
• Length: Black, 7,014 yards; Blue, 6,502; White, 6,001; Red, 5,206.
• Rating/Slope: Black, 74.0/143; Blue, 71.4/132; White, 68.9/122; Red, 70.1/116.
• Architect: Ault, Clark and Associates.
• Most distinguishing trait: The first four holes -- all par 4s -- are about as tough a start as you'll face anywhere. A solid tee shot is required on all four holes, and the punishment for failing to do so is extreme. No. 3, a 411-yard par 4 from the blue tees, requires a long straight tee shot, and the approach shot must traverse a wetlands area to a green that is long but not deep. It's not hard to go through a sleeve of balls before you reach the fourth tee. If you're erratic or impatient, your round can be over before it begins.
• Toughest hole: No. 12, a 423-yard par 4, starts with a semi-blind tee shot. Enjoy it, because once you see what the approach shot requires, you'll realize what trouble really is. The approach shot must carry a huge ravine that prevents long hitters from taking the length out of the hole with big tee shots. Anything short of the green is going to roll back down the steep face, leaving golfers unable to see the flag -- much less the putting surface -- on their chip shots. Best layup opportunity is to play the second shot well right of the green, where a landing area will at least allow a better view for chip shots.
• Best chance for a birdie: At 332 yards from the blue tees, No. 11 is a short and straight par 4. There's dense vegetation left of the fairway and troublesome trees to the right, but you don't even need to hit driver to leave yourself a short approach.
• Practice facilities: Range balls are free with paid greens fee. The driving range features natural grass tees and four target greens guarded by bunkers. There is also a short-game area that includes a practice bunker.
• Rates: Weekends (cart mandatory) before noon, $75 for 18 holes, $40 for nine; after noon, $60 for 18 holes riding, $49 walking.
Weekdays before noon, $60 for 18 holes riding, $49 walking; after noon, $50 riding, $39 walking.
Twilight (after 4 p.m.), $40 weekends, $35 weekdays.
• Directions: Take I-270 North to Route 80 exit. Take Route 80 west one mile and course is on left.
• Phone: 301-874-5400 or 888-917-2582.
• Web site:www.worthingtonmanor.com
© 2001 The Washington Post Company
|
|
_____Multimedia_____
•
Video: Frank Lickliter and J.J. Henry talk about their grueling Sunday.
•
Video: First-day co-leaders Stuart Appleby, Chris DiMarco and Henry talk about their rounds.
•
Audio: The Post's Leonard Shapiro says the field is pretty good despite the absence of big-name stars.
•
Video: Tom Scherrer talks about his life since winning last year's event.
|
| |
|
