Pine Ridge Golf Course

$36 (cart included), played on Sunday, June 2009 at noon

Course was in good shape. They need to bring the border collies back to keep the geese off of the course. Pace of play was actually ok for a Sunday afternoon. The price is a little high for a muni course, but they fill the course, so that won't change.

$36 (cart included), played on Thursday, October 2008 at noon

Played here 10-2-08 for the first time in about two years. Pine Rdige has a reputation for being very slowly paced, as it gets very heavy play year-round. Happily, that was not the case today: took 4:32 for 18 holes, which is good since the course was pretty full.

The layout is quite nice: course opened in 1956, so the trees are mature, and the turf well-developed. Course borders the Loch Raven reservoir, and there are some pretty holes, though felt that removal of some trees would really open up the vistas. Some modest elevation change throughout, enough to keep one-s attention and interest. Playing from the White tees, length is 6,390, with three 400 yard par 4s and one 576 yard par 5. Multiple dogleg holes. Par 3s are 156, 169, 177, and 184, which is longer than average for most courses in the area. #8 is a really neat par 3: 184 yards over water from an elevated tee to an elevated green with two sizable bunkers in front: WOW!! #18 is also interesting: from the tee box, it is hard to discern the fairway with heavy trees both right and left. The trick is that the trees on the right are much closer than those on the left, so it is possible to get a drive into the fairway.

Conditions today were quite good: tee boxes are in good shape, fairways are very nice, bunkers were firm, but playable, and greens were a little rough, but putted pretty well. Greens are generally fairly large, with modest undulation.

This course is part of the Baltimore City group of courses, and as such, has some good deals available with member cards, etc. Without a card, I paid $40, which I felt was a fair price. Clubhouse is adequate: getting a little shabby after 52 years in business: could use a rehab. But, the staff is excellent, and very accommodating. Good course and worth a play.