Tag: Par 71

  • 9th Course (of 100) and 16th Round: The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course, Crownsville

    It had been about 15 years or so since I had played at Eisenhower.  Since that time, there’s been a complete makeover with all the sand traps being removed and “hummocks,” irregular shaped mounds with un-mowed tall fescue, added to act as replacement impediments around the greens and at strategic locations in the fairways.  In some ways the hummocks are better than sand traps (very little maintenance) and in some ways they are worse (multiple attempts may be needed to get away from them once they get you).  My only significant interaction with one, that was like two of them close together, was on the par 4 fourth hole where I took a 9.  Barry didn’t enjoy his interaction with one on the third hole either.  Best to keep away from them.  

    They are also in the process of building a new clubhouse.  The old one has been demolished, and the upper parking lot has been taken over for the construction.  Only the lower parking lot remains available, and the pro shop is in a trailer next to the parking lot.  The sign out front is a little on the small side so there’s a chance that you’ll drive past it like I did.  Trust your GPS when it tells you to turn.  

    Since starting the Maryland Seniors Golf 100 website in December, followed by the companion YouTube channel of the same name, this is the 9th Maryland course that I’ve played and my 16th round of golf.  The round wasn’t a great scoring round, shooting a 25 over 96 on the par 71 gold tees, measuring 5,544 yards.  Barry easily outscored me, leading the event from wire to wire.  Joining us were new friends Shawn and LJ, who played from the green tees.

    Clayt and Barry's scorecard for golf at the Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course, Crownsville, Maryland, in April 2026.
    Clayt and Barry’s scorecard, the Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course, April 2026

    Videos of the round and of the course will be forthcoming.

  • Walden Country Club (#7 of 100)

    Phil and I went and played at the Walden Country Club in Crofton. For me, that’s the tenth round of the year at seven different courses. We played from the gold tees with 5,176 yards and a course rating and slope of 65.2 and 115, just slightly harder than the gold tees at our “home” course. Bowie. Our final scores, 101 for me and 100 for Phil would suggest that the course is harder than that. The main difference it that Walden has a lot more places to get into trouble than Bowie does. Only a few holes have any significant trouble. If you hit it straight, even if it’s not long, you should be fine at Walden.

    I also struggled with the putter, with the yips coming back. If you’re afraid they might be contagious, you might not want to watch the video. As you’d expect with those scores, there weren’t any birdies and only six pars between the two of us. For me, there were 4 pars, 6 bogeys, 3 double bogeys, 4 triple bogeys and one 6x bogey (an 11 on a par 5 – what’s that called?).

    Here’s the video for the brave.

    Next up (#8 of 100) is the Bay Hills Golf Club in Arnold.