The Turf Valley Resort has long been a golf getaway close enough to Baltimore and Washington D.C. to be convenient, yet far enough away to feel like an escape.
Turf Valley is an oasis of trees, sparkling creeks and green grass hidden in a valley just west of Baltimore. The resort offers 172 guestrooms and suites in its hotel, 26 extended-stay villas, dining and a luxurious spa. Outside, there is a fire pit for gathering and two championship golf courses. This is a place where guests can relax, recharge and return to the real world refreshed. It is family owned-and-operated, which is evident by their friendly and welcoming staff.
“My family purchased this property in 1978 – one thousand manicured acres that were converted from a thoroughbred horse farm to two championship golf courses,” says General Manager Pete Mangione. “We built a hotel with 172 rooms to compliment the features of the course, placing it centrally on the property. We pride ourselves on superior golf professionals who deliver excellent customer service, great golf and many amenities you could want during your stay here.”
Turf Valley: The golf
Turf Valley's Original Course and Hialeah Course play completely different from one another, giving golfers who stay the weekend plenty of variety. The Original Course dates to the vision created by architect Ed Ault in 1959. It has subtle elevation changes with generous fairways. In contrast, the Hialeah rides narrow fairways upon more rolling hills. It's significantly tighter off the tee, forcing golfers to make some tough choices for club selection. Which do people like best?
"It is more a preference of what you enjoy. Do you want to rip your driver all day or do you want to think?" says PGA Professional Nick Spinnato, the club's director of golf. "They play like two different experiences. It's a great asset to have 36 holes be so unique."
Spinnato believes the 13th hole on either course provides the “signature” moment during each round. Both are downhill par 3s with water in play. On the Original course, a creek meanders by the left side of the 13th green. On the Hialeah, a pond lurks in front.
The resort’s practice facilities include a range, a short-game area, three putting greens and a Golf Learning Institute with E6 Golf Simulator.
With a name like Turf Valley, the resort takes pride in the conditioning and care afforded its two courses. "We always try to keep the place well maintained," Spinnato says. "My staff does a great job with keeping people happy."
Turf Valley: The resort
Turf Valley can easily accommodate anyone’s needs – a weekend golf getaway for buddies, a couple’s romantic retreat, a family vacation or the ability to host a major event, such as a wedding or work conference, in the contemporary banquet/conference rooms and adjacent outdoor meeting space.
Golfers on a getaway can relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and sauna to soothe their sore muscles or bruised egos after their rounds. Tennis courts and exercise facilities are available as well.
Good food and good times are never far away. Executive Chef Chris Vocci cooks up American favorites with a Chesapeake twist at Alexandra’s American Fusion Restaurant, a modern and inviting space with a three-story-high ceiling. Thursday nights are steak night and craft beer specials, so come hungry. In warm weather, retreat outside to spend happy hour around the outdoor fire pit overlooking the Original Course. The more casual Fairway Lounge – where live music is played most days of the week - keeps eight local beers on tap.
Outdoor dining in Towne Square and the pubs and wine bars of Main Street in Ellicott City are close by. For a full night out, take a gamble at the Baltimore Horseshoe Casino or the Arundel Mills Maryland Live! Casino.
Stay-and-play options at Turf Valley
Golf packages fit any budget. The Player's Package ($121-$210) and the Gentleman's Stay & Play Package ($159-$266) both deliver a golf-view room with two queen beds, a round of golf and a gift. The Couple's Golf & Spa Overnight Getaway ($519-$569) allows for a choice of either a golf view room with two queens or a one bedroom suite with dinner for two, a nine-hole round and a spa treatment for each person.
For more information, see www.turfvalley.com.
