NevrupNevrin

Greens were in great shape for March 2. Smooth and fast for this duffer. Fairways were dormant and brown - duh, it's March, and the area has experienced severe winter weather. The rough was not an issue, but I can imagine what it presents once grass shakes off winter dormancy.

Staff were friendly and helpful. Did not visit the grille/snack bar, but it was cheery and well populated.

Minor quibble: The practice range is limited to 7 iron or less.

I'll play it again the next time I visit the OBX in warmer times.

Shawnee is now The Rookery North and open to the public.. Same facility with a name change effective March 2012. Mature parkland style course, built 50 years ago and expanded a few years later.

Bermuda fairways are not extremely broad but are not US Open narrow, either. They are over-seeded with a rye for early season color but brown out a bit in summer heat. Do not expect a lot of roll on the drive. Undulating Greens are not large and a touch faster than the average public course. Fairways bunkers are well-placed challenges for the average golfer. Greenside bunkers require getting the ball up as well as out. Grip it and rip it types need to bring their get-out-of-tree-trouble shots as most fairways are lived with mature pine/oak trees.

This course does not get a lot of play; one could walk in and be on the 1st tee in minutes from about noon on. Tip: get the "bag" of ~30+ practice balls for $4.00 for a warm-up. I can get around in 3.5 hours on foot. Cost is average for the outer reaches of the DE/MD seashore area. Staff friendly and cordial. Restaurant/grille area maintains the private club setting. beverage cart runs on weekends only.

Good: Greens were super-receptive to shots. Found the greens that are shaded at this time of year are significantly slower than those in the sun (that's my excuse for 3-putting #3, and I'm sticking to it!) Open and forgiving layout. Significant elevation changes on some tees necessitates the use of the right club on a number of tees. Fun stuff right there.
Bad: A 10:22 tee-time actually went off at 10:45. Pace of play was slow, with our group being the 3rd at some tees. Be prepared to wait.
I'd recommend this course only with the understanding that it requires patience with the pace of play.

This is not the average muni course, at least in my experience. Slightly fast, super receptive and smooth greens are a standout. Nary a un-repaired ball mark could be found. Fairways are wide and most holes keep the ball in play for those directionally-challenged off the tee. Not a lot of roll in the fairways which are soggy in spots, usually around sprinkler heads and obviously weeping irrigation lines.
Bunkers could use a bit more sand. Pace of play was very good until the 10th hole (possibly due to policy of starting play on both the front and back nines in the early AM?). Still, the round was completed in a bit under 4 hours. A very walk-able couse, which we had to do when the cart died on the 10th fairway.

Wide fairways and playing areas means the ball stays in play. Greens were a bit bumpy. Pace of play was good until the last 4 holes on a Sunday. GPS was a nice feature as were the "tips from the staff." Expected to find firm and brown conditions with a lot of roll and was surprised by the soft and green fairways and greens in mid-November. Not sure if this description is valid at any other time of the year, though. Some nice views of the mountains made it a pleasant change of scenery for me, a visitor to San Diego. As a single, I found my assigned playing partners friendly and helpful.

I've played this course many times. It is visually appealing, with meticulous attention to detail. This applies to the playing areas as well as the "decorative" plantings. Sometimes known as "the Augusta of the North." Yes, it is that nice!
As for the playing area, it is very well maintained. Fairways are fairly generous, although stray tee shots can find OB or trouble in this mostly tree-lined course. Greens are receptive, a touch on the fast side for a public course and has break. The rough, although not overly long, is well maintained and thick. Water is a feature on many holes, with #14 being a great risk/reward hole. Hint: bring 2 sleeves with you.
All that being said, you will find the pace of play very s-l-o-w. 5+ hours is not un-common during the height of the season. The staff talks a good game regarding keeping up pace, but do not act to enforce the rules. GPS-equipped carts are banned from par 3's #I'm OK with that# and on 4 of the remaining 14 fairways, leaving a total of only 10 fairways that the GPS is useful. Cart path-only pay is not uncommon for 2-3 days after rains.
Now, the price. Be prepared for sticker shock during the season. Play during the shoulder season is less harmful to the wallet.
If you have the time and the $ while in the DE/MD beach areas, play this course.