$31 (cart included), played on Tuesday, March 2006 at 10am
Have reviewed this course before, but our group of travelling seniors played here 3-13-12, and had a few comments that were not previously covered.
We paid $34 with the Tee Time Golf Pass, which is a very good rate for a course of this quality.
We had 13 players, so used four slots, with three threesomes and a foursome. The Starter was a little difficult to deal with: he insisted on 10 minute spacing, even though the group ahead was gone from the first green in about 7 or 8 minutes (he said it was "course policy"); His rationale was that the spacing would keep us separated on the course, and we'd enjoy our round better...BOGUS!! we caught up to the group ahead on the third hole, and still played the entire round in under four hours. Needless aggravation, in my view.
Anyway, the course itself is still a delight, although the greens were a little bumpy, especially for their quickness. One other nitpick: despite a 70-degree day, no drinking water anywhere on the course. The after-round refreshemtns were excellent: the folks at the bar gave us a nice discount becsuse of our group size, and they were very hospitable in every way.
The group really likes this course, and we'll probaby add it to our rotation. Now about those houses....
$51 (cart included), played on Wednesday, April 2010 at 10am
Waverly Woods is a semi-upscale course for the area, located alongside I-70 about ten miles west of Baltimore.
The course is relatively young, and only a few years ago, was a real gem, surrounded by woods and with a "country" feeling. Now, however, they have practically surrounded every hole with housing, ranging from higher-end single-family homes, to townhouses, and four- and five- story apartments. The ambiance is now that of a freeway rest stop, and that is the reason for my "Overall" rating of 3.
The course itself is still very good, but... Anyway, the design is excellent, taking full advantage of the terrain and elevation changes. Not too much water, but several holes have some significant carries required on either first or second shots. Design is such that no two holes look at all alike, even the par 3s, and that is a very good thing, as far as I am concerned. Good mix of longer holes (course is about 6300 yards from the White tees), and testy shorter ones. Greens are very large, most are undulating, and some are seriously sloped. Lots of bunkers, well-placed, and some are quite intimidating visually. Fairways are generally fair-sized, but some have significant slope, so ball placement is an issue.
Played here most recently on 4-7-10, a Wednesday, and two of us walked on at 0930 and got right out with another walk-up twosome. Played essentially alone for the whole round, which was done in just under four hours. Conditions today were good: only negative is that greens had been punched about a week ago, and were still in the healing process. Course is not walkable, in my opinion, due to verticality and serious distances between holes. Clubhouse is nice, and staff is cordial. Excellent practice facilities, too.
Now, if only we could get some of those houses out of there...