Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Golfer Bob
Front Royal
2016-07-01
$31 (cart included), played on Thursday, June 2016 at 9:40 AM
Played here June 30, 2016, after a long drive from northern MD, to use a gift certificate. As prior reviews show, this course has good bones, and some stunning views. Sadly, however, of all of the good stuff is overshadowed (pun intended) by the shabby course conditions. Same old sad story - management company being changed, and outgoing outfit spends only the bare minimum on maintenance. As a result, bunkers are especially bad, with no visible upkeep - sizeable weeds growing out of the sand. Similarly, rough is VERY rough: weeds and clover abound. Interestingly, fairways and greens were pretty good (putting a bit slow, but OK). Also, if there is a ball-washer on the course, we never found it! The layout is excellent, with a nice mix of terrain change, and I can see why earlier reviewers were so positive. Sorry we didn't see the course at its best. Also, we found it to be NOISY! There is home construction progress, so there's all the cacaphony of trucks roaring, 'dozers clanking, hammers pounding, accompanied by the steady rhythm of nail guns. Not exactly relaxing... On the bright side, we were very impressed with the staff: all eager to please, very welcoming, and just nice people. Don't know that we'll ever get back down there, but sure hope the managers do justice to what can be a fine facility.
$31 (cart included), played on Thursday, June 2016 at 9:40 AM
Played here June 30, 2016, after a long drive from northern MD, to use a gift certificate. As prior reviews show, this course has good bones, and some stunning views. Sadly, however, of all of the good stuff is overshadowed (pun intended) by the shabby course conditions. Same old sad story - management company being changed, and outgoing outfit spends only the bare minimum on maintenance. As a result, bunkers are especially bad, with no visible upkeep - sizeable weeds growing out of the sand. Similarly, rough is VERY rough: weeds and clover abound. Interestingly, fairways and greens were pretty good (putting a bit slow, but OK). Also, if there is a ball-washer on the course, we never found it! The layout is excellent, with a nice mix of terrain change, and I can see why earlier reviewers were so positive. Sorry we didn't see the course at its best. Also, we found it to be NOISY! There is home construction progress, so there's all the cacaphony of trucks roaring, 'dozers clanking, hammers pounding, accompanied by the steady rhythm of nail guns. Not exactly relaxing... On the bright side, we were very impressed with the staff: all eager to please, very welcoming, and just nice people. Don't know that we'll ever get back down there, but sure hope the managers do justice to what can be a fine facility.