| Hole of the Month |
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Tom Clark, ASGCA
Designer Notes:
River Creek Country Club opened to popular acclaim this Fall as one of the top new courses in the Washington Metropolitan area. The course is routed through a 900 acre private, gated community on the banks of the Potomac River and Goose Creek (hence the name). It is bisected by historical Edward's Ferry Road, where, in June of 1863, the Army of the Potomac crossed from Virginia to Maryland on their way to Gettysburg. In order to take full advantage of the site characteristics, the returning holes of each nine hug either Goose Creek or the Potomac, but the real trick was transitioning down 75’, from the top of the bluffs to the adjoining river floodplain. Hole No. 15 accomplishes this in spectacular fashion. Multiple tees enable most players to traverse the 60’ deep gorge between the tees and landing area with only a long iron or fairway wood. The landing area (see photo) is both generous and well defined with a series of bunkers and grass depressions, however, if one so chooses, a long drive working from right to left may catch the down slope and reach the front of the green. To say the least, this is a risky shot fraught with trouble on both sides, as well as the risk of stopping in the slope's high rough, short of the green. For those opting to go for landing area, the next shot could be anything from a 6 iron to a pitching wedge, but it is severely downhill to a narrow strip of a green. The green is flanked to the left with a huge sand bunker and a slope down to water, and to the right with a series of grass depressions. Any shot long or left may find the River itself, so club selection is imperative. The green is relatively subtle, but offers a commanding view up and down the River. |
