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Fortunately this winter has been pretty kind to us in the northeast region ( Philadelphia area ) for golfing, my wife and I took a ride to Williamsburg Va for the Presidents day weekend. She is an elementary school teacher and had a 4 day weekend. We stayed at Kingsmill and had a nice stay as usual. I was going to just book the plantation course but decided to add another Williamsburg course to my resume'( Plantation , River , Golden Horseshoe, Colonial Heritage and Kiskiack > one of my all time faves.
I'm glad I played Yorktown at Williamsburg National, The course was very fair as well as very good condition. The greens where fast. It was cart path only due to all the rain that's been happening here witch is no problem Id' rather do that than the treadmill any day. I did not score well, not that the course was hard but like I'm rusty. My playing companions where local guys who gave me a few tips as we played. The kind of guys you hope to get when you call in as a single. My only thing is there are no yardage books, I believe these are a necessity for a " traveling ' golfer. I don't want to hear about download it on the phone,,, I want a book.
I think the fee for the day was fair as well. I did not stay for food but the bar area was full and sounded pretty lively. If you plan a stay and have time to play in Williamsburg put Williamsburg National on your list.
Chris,
Thank you for a nice time and some great sports conversation, you need to get up here for an Eagles tailgate !

I have a habit of being 1 hour early of my tee time, today wasn't any different. I drove 10 hours to play golf on Hilton Head Island south Carolina. This is my 3rd trip here 1st was Port Royal last year was Harbour Town this year is Palmetto Dunes. Winter hit this area hard a deep plunge from l, came down from Canadian territory to disturb the northeast from stealing days.of golf at this time of year. 1st, the staff was very welcoming to me when I checked in,, i was given a complimentary YARDAGE BOOK ( all of you courses who don't even have them ) this is a great part of the game,, not the app. There is no range here but a swi g area to warm up. The putting green got my attention with how fast they were. The fairways where green for the most part, rough was brown the Bunkers where very nice i was in a few mot many though. Cart path in some spots are in need of repair. But on a scale from 1 to 10 a solid 7 or light 8. Play it when you come here.

This was a complete surprise, I always try to get to a course at least 45 minutes ahead of the Tee time. Bulle Rock in my opinion is an hour for sure since by the time you check in, wander around the pro shop and this is a pro shop, get out to your cart and smile at your name on your Bulle Rock bag tag. Now you are driving to the range ( follow the dots ) go to the very end and circle back, pick a spot to park and take your bag. I prefer to start light with sand wedge pitching wedge 9 iron then work to the longer irons, then fairway woods then only a few driver, then back to my 60 degree wedge. A whole pyramid of balls,, not a vending machine that spits out a small when you paid for a large. Drive back ( follow the same dots but in reverse ) to the putting green by the starter, bump a few around I usually bring 3 balls that are the brand and series I;m using get a feel for the greens. drive back past the starter to the snack bar, I got coffee since it was cold, wet and a little wind here and there. I went up to the Starter made small talk. The gr4oup I was supposed to play with bailed out since they may have gotten a little wet.
The staff put me in at 9 or so with a pair who I did not know a situation I;ve been in many times.
This time was a complete a real surprise. The pair rolled up did the usual routine of getting balls tees selecting clubs small talk etc, first name introductions ( a odd feeling of familiarity ) step up and tee off. As the one fellow walked back to his cart passed me it dawned on me, I walk over to the cart and introduced my full name and said his then told him what an honor it is to out here with him.
It's funny I've been playing for 9 seasons here in this area when I went to hit my 2nd shot my hands went numb my wrists felt like they had an electrical surge and my elbows felt like cinder blocks where hanging from them. I had to back off the shot catch my self and refocus. When you get to play with a professional athlete you'll get what I'm saying.
We finished out the front the clubhouse had a Bagpiper playing in the mist on a cool gloomy wet morning I heard the comment of " it feels and sounds like Scotland " and it did.
Everyone loosened up on the back 9 a little more chatter " good Shot" " nice putt etc. we finished out I wrapped up with a 95 I could have done better but we can always do better. I thought for a moment about asking for an autograph this man in his career has had many fans jumping out of their seats on Sunday afternoons and during the season myself included. So I ask if he would Attest my scorecard in which he did with a smile saying yes I can do that.
I hope that anyone reading this gets to play with a celebrity someday and I hope they have a great time just as I did.
As for the course it's a Must play.

Quick and simple fellow golfers
good conditions " undulating greens" a few maybe 3 Dog Legs the rest was all straight away fairways over some marsh lands a few nice views of the water, and plenty of water hazards. Upon arrival the Bag man Bob, seemed annoyed that so many people where coming out to play, his fellow assistant seemed thrilled and was very helpful. The lady at the cash register was very happy to get my $ 79.00 for the round which should haven't been more than $ 55.00 for this track, I guess it's location, location, location. My tee time was for 8:57 the 3 they paired me up with still hadn't shown up and Bob made it seem as though it was a disaster. He wanted me to jump out to #5 with an earlier group then finish out the front when I got in, I told him I'll go solo from 1st tee and if the 3 show up they can catch up. As a rule I'm there a minimum 45 minutes to my tee time. The 3 caught up on #2 ,, good guys,, youngsters to my age of 52. They where fun and respectful.
This was the weekend that all group packages begin from what I was told and Golfers where thick as fleas on an old yard dog.
Would I play here again,, unlikely, I'd rather spend more and play a bigger place. Try to catch a special rate if they have one it's not a $ 79.00 spend you'll be ok with.

I'm not a course analyst or a shot technician by any means, I know my club distances when I hit them good I get lucky more often than I get good. With that being said, Atlantic Dunes seemed toughest of the courses I played so far, On the 1st three holes I was +9 I was very frustrated the day was the warmest of the past two and I was overdressed, I pulled off my long sleeves put my short sleeves back on threw my cigar away and said to myself,, you gotta play better than you have. I pared the next 6 in a row. A bogey on 10, par 11 then lost ball 8 disaster on 12 and a 7 on 13, a bogey at 14 then par par par and finished with a 6 for a double bogey some of these higher numbers where balls lost to the water.
I finished out with a 92 The greens seemed to be the hardest to read of the 3 rounds at Sea Pines I played My playing companion Gary from DC agreed. He has a really good game and I was happy to play 2 times of the 3 rounds.
This year I played a total of 38 different courses Sea Pines being the last 3. Now there is 2 inches of snow outside and I'm watching SBS Tournament of Champions see you in the spring.

This was the 2nd course of a 3 course package at Sea Pines Resort. My " Villa " was directly across the street but I kept to my routine of being there 1 hour before Tee time to check in hit balls putt and quite honestly immerse myself in a place where the men I watch from Thursday to Sunday actually go to work. They morning was clear unlike yesterdays round at Heron Point, I could see the whole place and the field. I checked in and gave my round voucher ( you should get a voucher for each course in your welcome pack ) and then became a kid in a candy store in the pro shop. Using some self control I got the Harbour Town Tartan bag towel a logo ball and a poker chip and a yardage book. My bag was on my cart the starter directed me to the practice range and said my partner Mr. Johnson was over there hitting balls already. The practice range seemed small to me for some reason maybe because it is narrow ? Anyway,, The range balls are in a leather bucket with a leather strap for carrying ( very Cool ) after hitting a few balls Mr. Johnson and I began the typical chit chat the I introduced myself as did he Dustin Johnson he said. It was just about our tee time and we went to the starter where we where introduced to Boyd our Forecaddie , I never had a forecaddie or a caddy this was definitely new. He rattled off the yardage and a beware of this and that and then lets go ! Pine straw left but not a disaster but double on first hole. I'm not going to talk you through the next 17 holes but I was ok until 17 the par 3 and 18 the finishing hole, I splashed 3 balls on those 2 holes finished with a 99. I could have done better and maybe next time I will.
The next day I went back to turn in my Caddie rating card and meander the pro shop again, I bought a windbreaker and it was pouring rain when I was at the register. The gentleman suggested I go upstairs to check out the locker room he showed me the stairs the walls are cover with paintings of everyone of the game,, stepping into the locker area " the angels sang " each locker has all the pro's names on them Boo Weakly Jerry Kelly Jason Dufner, Matt Kucher,, Everybody. I turned the corner to the lounge room the two guys sitting by the window made me feel very welcome the one man had an ear for accents and said directly " youre from Philadelphia,, he's right. If you go here fellow players don't just run out to play golf, live it , breath it, be it, if just for a little while. I did and I'll never forget it.
And,
Dustin Johnson was from Seattle Washington

This was the 1st course of a 3 course golf package, The staff was very friendly from arrival and check in to getting range balls and getting me going to the 1st tee box. The fog was so thick that morning, I could only see 1/3 up the fairway and it stayed thick for most of the round. I was paired with a walking player who was familier with the course. I have to say it was a blurr but everything was in very good shape, the greens where fair but slow due to the heavy air ( sounds good ) my putting wasn't bad and I felt like I played ok after a 12 hour drive with an 8 30 tee time the next morning. I finished with a 96 a 46 on the front and 50 on the back. Too many double bogies on both sides. All in All I'm ok with it, playing for the 1st time. If you book a package make sure this is one of them.
Thank you everyone at Heron Point

This is the course that always brings me back to reality. I bogeyed the 1st hole, birdied the 2nd pared the 3rd then my game went so far sideways I needed a cab to get home. Lost balls , out of bounds off the tee over and over again, chunk and chunk and bunker and over the green, into the water into the marsh everywhere you can think of that just makes you want to get in your car slide down low in the seat and slink home. I will be back to play,,again and again.

A short ride from me about an hour and a half, The pro shop is around the right hand side of the Magnificent looking Restaurant the pictures don't do it justice. A quick check in then a heavy downpour of rain. I asked for a yardage book and they didn't have any but Tom came out a little later with his own from his bag and gave it to me ( That's a professional move/ I did return it when we finished ) They really help when you are unfamiliar with a course. I was paired with a father and son who have played here numerous times which helps too. Its a compact course but challenging, its in good shape and the greens are fast. It has some pretty area's in the layout as well. A couple of elevation changes and water hazards. From 9th green to the10th Tee box is through the parking lot to the par 3 10th. I finished with an 88 on this course. I liked it and will be back again. 'Give it a try if you haven't been there yet.

What where you doing 100 years ago ? same thing as me most likely. This is a nice golf course tightly woven into the edge of Wilmington Delaware. Its a short track with tee boxes in some places side by side, tree lined fairways alittle bit of water here and there and a few homes skirting the edges of 3 /7/ 8 /16/17 and 18. I kind of lost my way after the 2nd hole and teed off on the # 12 tee box to the 3rd hole along the road it was a really nice drive until a gentleman told me " your tee box is behind # 2 green down along the road " LOL ok Thanks is that a stroke I should write down ? Anyway I played up to #4 that's where I really got spun around its a temporary green circled with blue paint before the roped off area AS I was told upon arrival. 1st time here. Yes the fairways are not in great shape But you can hit from them, The tee boxes are beat up but they are clearly marked for you ( red / Green / White )
The ground is hard as concrete and it's grassless in some places.( similar to the top of my head ) The bunkers have really good white sand in them I was there a few times and the greens are very receptive and in good putting shape. For a course that's 100 years old and going through a much needed facelift I think by the time all the bandages are all off it will be a really great in town place to Golf.
I didn't have time to play the 19th but maybe next time.

This is a nice place to play golf, and I understand grouping singles into existing 3 groups or 2's to fill the slots. I got pushed into a 3 from Baltimore who's phones where constantly ringing, one guys was hanging up while the others was answering another call or putting someone on hold. I happened to get in the cart with the guy who didn't drink enough beer yet. He seemed like he'd rather drive the cart around looking for balls rather than hitting them. When he did hit them they went a booming 40 yards. The one fellow in the group I could tell was uncomfortable with his friends behavior and the other guy from New York didn't care either way. Fortunately for me they already played the front so at the turn it was over. The disturbing thing to me was it was only 930 am when I was grouped up with them.

This is a nice " close to home " course in the area. Its just enough all the way around flat fairways then to elevation changes trees will really get in your way if you don't stay in the short grass. bunkers in good shape, as well as the greens. I played last Sunday and it was SWELTERING, I think my eyeballs where sweating ! Hats off and all my respect to a gentleman named Ralph who walked this course I'm 52 yrs old he had to be at least 67 I did not ask I'm just guessing.
I shot a 90 I like this course

You'll find an off the tourist path hidden by cornfields out of the way cozy and friendly golf course called Kiskiack. This course is just right for average players with enough flat as well as rolling fairways. Tree lined fairways on most holes, Elevation changes to challenge your knowledge of add a club or less a club, Everything was in great condition except....the bunkers HEAVY Rain washed them out and they were pretty unplayable I'm sure they are back in shape by now and I'm not complaining about them only stating the conditions at the time I played. The bunkers where deep in some locations maybe 5 feet at greenside, so they are a challenge to get out of as well as stay away from or avoid on 6 thru 9 , 13/ 14 and 18. Water is in play along 8/9 /10/11and 18, I lost 1 at 9 hitting the rough short of the bunker and it bounced into the thick shoreline scrub. Bermuda Grass what an invention that stuff is !! coming from the North that " Grass " is quite a challenge. I got quick on it and you Gotta get in on it to get your ball out of it.
I finished out with an 89, I birdied 18 with a drive to the very bottom of the left hand side of the fairway and I mean very bottom a well struck 3 wood/metal put me center fairway about 70 yrds from the pin, chipped up less than a yard 1 putt and a circle on the card. The 19th hole is a nice place, just enough of a menu to select from, FRIENDLY Staff ( Miss Patty ) Great cole slaw and BLT. If you are in the area PLAY this Course. No yardage book BUT the starter went out of his way to find a yardage card for me They have an ' APP " thing for yardage course layout. I like the books/sheet
Thank you everyone at Kiskiack.

A family matter brought me to Altoona Pa, Most likely for the last time. So as any avid golfer would I brought my clubs and booked a tee time at Sinking Valley on Saturday. The course is surrounded by just stunning mountain views and even pictures can't describe them.
The pro shop has everything you need as well as YARDAGE Books ( take note courses that don't ) that traveling players need. The Staff is very friendly, yellow stakes means no carts past them, $ 7. for range balls range is good, it has target flags and bag stands a bunker and chipping green and a clock. Putting green is by the 1st Tee box. Electric carts,, so very nice and quiet and paved cart paths and good directions. Starter / Ranger even though he wasn't doing much rangering and a beverage cart. The course opens with a par 5 dog leg right creek on the right behind the trees, I got out of there with a 6. The fairways were dry but not a big issue you could still take your divot and replace it. The greens are receptive and pretty readable. Most of the fairways bottleneck into the greensand have bunkers well placed around them. Elevation changes show up now and then but nothing crazy and water comes into play on 3 holes, par 5 # 1 / par 3 #10 and par 5 on 17. you should be able to get through them dry. Play came to a stand still on 10 the pair I was sent out with left after 9. I was jambed in behind 3 foursomes nowhere to go, even though they said play thru. I began playing with my new partner " Patience" The day was perfect for Golf, hot but plenty of shade at Sinking Valley, and several vending stations. I had 4 cigars left so I wasn't panicking. I shot a 43 on the front, I'm ok with that except the 7 I took on #4. The group behind me caught me at the 16th local guys who were having a great time and invited me to finish out with them. I got thru 16 with a bogey and 17 I crumbled with a lost ball snowman and finished 18 with a bogey. total back was 48. A 91 total less 13 hcp.. ok
I can't believe there hasn't been a review on this course as nice as it is Great Course really nice people inside and out put this on your play list when you get to Altoona Pa.
in memory of M.J.S.

I have played about 25 different courses this year since January. Royal Manchester by far has the most difficult to read greens of any I played. I mean this in a good way. The fairways are in great shape as well as everything else. Lets just get to putting,,, When you read greens you see something as a target , you put,, and you are ok with the outcome most times. A fellow I was with said the word " Diabolicol " I've only heard that on the Golf Channel until now. Your best bet is to watch what other players end up with,, and that's no guarantee. fast, slow,, it does not matter it's more like " how does a ball do that ??? break away hard 2" from the cup Yikes, Wow,, Unbelievable,, all words describing missed puts. Bring your A B or C game here but bring an extra putter. Good Luck.
I'll be back.

I read a magazine that said this is " must play " course, so I did. The staff was very friendly the area is very scenic the egg and cheese sandwich I had was very good. The cart paths where good. The tee boxes where in good shape as well as the fairways the greens were slow and spongey. The slow group in front of us had a foot dragger in their group and just chewed up every green around the cup. I met 2 players and fortunately they've played here before. I am disappointed in the fact that this course does not have yardage books, if you are day tripping for golf courses they are very helpful and it is rather disturbing the a course that charges $ 100.00 on a Sunday doesn't have this product on the shelf as a complimentary item of for purchase. ( yes I know what GPS is ) How much could a book be to have made up. I understand the cost of things today but a realist value would $ 7.00 to sell in the pro shop I've seen them for 5 as well as $ 10.00 never playing a course before I think a lot of people would buy it for the round as well as a keep sake. I did not have a bad round 94 with a handicap of 13,, I'm ok with that.
I think this is a $ 65.00 course tops maybe a weekend rate of 72.00 The Course at Glenn Mills is a $ 100.00 course, Bulle Rock is a $ 100.00 course Wyncote is an $ 80.00 course They have yardage books too. On the back of the scorecard it has a course layout but you nee a magnifying glass to see it, it also states " # 6 Best place to play in the state of Maryland but I disagree. It's a likeable course but that's it.

Fellow Golfers,
This course is really a great place, from the appearance upon arrival, to the bag drop, to clubhouse. The Staff is very friendly, the place is clean, inside and out. It is the type of place if I lived closer I'd go there just for the afternoon to watch people playing the 18th from the 19th !!
I read a lot about pace of play issue's here. The pace was ok on Saturday,, we waited on a few holes but nothing that could set you off, maybe we where lucky ? The course is in great shape from T box to greens, the brown sand threw me a bit but " when in Rome " there was some white sand around too. We had a great time and will be back again.

I have been playing as many different courses this year as I can, from Gettysburg To Ocean City Maryland. I've reviewed each, Lets face it,, golf is like pizza,, even when its bad it's still pretty good. Spring Hollow was a good 1 with elevation changes great green surfaces and well managed fairways. Bunkers where alittle rough but it has been raining here alot so " don't count that" I was greeted by a German Shepard a very friendly who seemed to like the attention he got from me. Pro shop Buck was very nice in an unpolished way gave me a cart key and said have fun. A foursum in front of me let me play through,, This course is tricky from elevation changes to Hard doglegs some layups and a back to back par 3's. cart paths are clearly marked and paved. Staff was very friendly helping me with ideas and cost analysis for an outing. Very Clean that goes along way with me as well. I'm not good enough to reccomend club selections and only reccomend them to myself. Go play Spring Hollow.

This is a nice course to play especially with a beginer.
Its not overwhelming in length water hazards are in the right places to challenge you a bit. The bunkers are deep and in most cases they surround the greens. This is the first course I have ever played with 6 par 3's but it work's with the layout. We had a frost delay and it set everythig back a bit I was alittle annoyed that the ranger came up on us while leaving the 17th and said to pick up the pace,,, now throughout the round the group of old guys have been ball hawking in the water hazards as well as wherever they might find a free ball. We found it more amusing than annoying until the marshall thing,, most likey they where friends of his or members and to say something on 17 ?? ok,, I'm not letting it bother me I'm just telling you.
Find it book it play it.

If you plan on spending $ 51.00 on a course spend it on a place you know or like. I am playing every course I can this summer 2 different per weekend. I called Thursday for a tee time letting them know I'm a solo player I was told just come out we'll put you with another or a group ok I'm fine with that. Checking in I got the aaahh I don't know we're really busy maybe you can get 9 in,,, I didn't drive an hour to play 9. ok,,problem solved but we had to check in at 16 to see what tee time we could get when we came around to 1, I was started of the back with a guy nice enough person,, he gave me the rundown on each hole which was nice. As we played on it seemed like the grass was growing in the fairways or are they always that long ? The greens were just untrue and allover the place when putting it may have been esier to putt if they where airated last week. Maybe its just this time of year when everything is still getting up and running as far as courses go, some of The bunkers had tire tracks from the grounds crew machine that rakes them. This is not a $ 50.00 course if you haven't played it take your money somewhere else where you know its worth the spend. The bacon and egg sandwich was good.