mlv5000

Came out from DC to play something a little different. Coming up 270 we were delayed due to an accident (of course there would be traffic on a Saturday) but M.N. accommodated our late arrival.

Despite having recently been punched, the greens still ran relatively smooth, albeit shaggy. Relatively small greens as well.

Pace of play was excellent despite a healthy mix of doubles and foursomes mixing it up.

Typically a relatively expensive track but snagged a great hot deal off Golf Now.

After seeing a number of tee times still available for Sunday AM on Saturday PM, my wife and I decided to revisit this muni owned by the City of Rockville for a 9:16 AM tee off.

By 10:40 AM we were stacked up 3 groups deep on the tee 4 tee. At 12:04 PM we mercifully putted out on 9 and headed directly for the truck.

There's never a reason to endure almost a 3 hour 9 hole round, but allow me to share why we had to on this day:
1) 2somes allowed to tee off without pairing up (groups in front of us; 4, 3, 2, 2, 2, 4)
2) 2somes not pairing up during play. Despite asking both the groups in front, and behind, us, both declined to pair up moving forward.
3) Players assuming they could reach every par 5 in 2
4) Players that could reach every par 5 in 2
5) Players spraying and praying - then playing from whatever fairway they ended up in

It was an unfortunate and aggravating experience.

I understand the budget limitations of a city owned municipal course. But it's also not an excuse.

I don't consider myself a golf snob, I will play with anyone assuming they follow a certain decorum, but more importantly, they play fast.

Unfortunately, what I saw at Redgate on Sunday, the former is relative and the latter non-existent.

I'm familiar with a number of Arthur Hills tracts, mostly in Maryland and Michigan, and this one fits squarely in his design patterns.

Couple of notes:

1) We teed off on a Saturday afternoon, a 4some, and were played through by a number of singles and pairs throughout the day. We were happy to let them play through, but we didn't see another 4some out there all day.
2) The front and back are completely different animals.
3) You don't need to hit driver, but you definitely need to hit the green. Smaller greens, often tiered, made 3 putts a little more common that you'd like.
4) Watch your misses and your bailouts here, those suckers are quick.
5) Course is in great shape for all the rain, greens weren't pocked up, and no erosion faults to be seen.

All in all had a good time. Thanks to Regents for opening up a few times on Golf Now so we could get out there.