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Home , Miniature golf, Pitch and putt

local pros discuss their passion for the game and offer tips to Great improve yours

Golf By Rachelina Bonacci

Golfers – from beginner to pro – will find plenty to love at Howard County’s sce- nic and challenging courses. QThe Waverly Woods is an outstanding course designed by Arthur Hills, and upscale Hobbits Glen, three-time host for the Champions Tour, has recently undergone a complete overhaul. Q Howard County also has such neighborhood golf courses as Timbers of Troy, Willow Springs and Fairway Hills. Q The lush Turf Valley offers 36 holes of championship golf and a full-service European spa for relaxing after a long day on the . Q Those who prefer their golf on a smaller scale will appreciate the three putt-putt offerings, where they can practice indoors and out. Q We talked with local pros for advice on how to enjoy an hour, an afternoon, or an entire season on the greens.

18 Howard County official visitors Guide | 2012 Q&A basis and was fortunate enough to When and how did you start play- turn pro in just two years. ing golf? Golf is a family sport in my fam- What can both beginners and pros appreciate about The Timbers at ily. At any given time, there are three Troy? generations playing the game. What The Timbers is set up for all skill better place to see the character and levels; we have five sets of mark- personality of your grandfather than ers, which ensure a fair test of golf. on the course? The game creates a We are open to the public and have great connection between the gen- a full-service clubhouse with grille erations. Golf has remained a com- room, as well as both driving and mon language at the dinner table. practice ranges. You can also take What can both beginners and pros lessons at our course to sharpen appreciate about Waverly Woods? your game. Waverly Woods is a champion- Can you offer a tip about the most ship course that golfers of all abili- difficult hole on the course? ties can appreciate. We offer expan- Number 12 is by far our toughest sive areas for driving, and ways to hole. A good tee shot will carry the test better players as they get closer wetlands and travel far enough to to the hole. Skilled players will need set up an easy lay-up for your second to think their way around the course. shot over another wetland. The best As the greens get faster, they get approach is to an elevated green tougher. guarded by bunkers on the left. Can you offer a tip about the most How would you inspire non-golf- difficult hole on the course? ers to strive to be the next Chi Chi Don’t let the course dictate Rodriguez or Michelle Wie? how you will play the hole. Play to Golf is a game for everyone, no your strengths and you’ll score bet- matter your age or skill level. It’s a ter. For instance, on number 18, a game that’s enjoyed by kids, adults long par 4 for the 2012 season, play and senior citizens. It’s a game that your tee shot well left to avoid the you can play with your mom, dad huge fairway bunkers on the right and even your grandparents. It’s and allow for a better angle to the truly a game for life. green. There’s nothing wrong with a par here; going for Are there any on-going promo- broke may very well result in a high tions and pricing that our readers number. Turf Valley should know about? The Timbers “Player Club Card” How would you inspire non-golf-

Kenneth Losurdo, JR. is an annual player program that ers to strive to be the next Chi Chi comes with a free round of golf at Rodriguez or Michelle Wie? the time of purchase – along with We have a great championship a USGA service and dis- and a practice facility to counts on greens fees and match, with four instructors ready merchandise for an entire year. to work on anything the golfer may Kevin Smith need. Come out and enjoy a cold General Manager 6100 Marshalee , Elkridge drink on the patio overlooking the The Timbers at Troy 410-313-4653 9th green. It’s a beautiful view, and www.timbersgolf.aitrk.com you’ll be inspired to learn more Jack Nicklaus said, “A kid grows about what Waverly Woods can offer. up a lot faster on the golf course. Golf teaches you how to behave.” Are there any on-going promo- When and how did you start play- Craig R. Shaffer tions and pricing that our readers ing golf? should know about? General Manager I started playing golf with friends In 2012, we’ll have a “fast-play when I was 25. I had just gotten out Waverly Woods thank-you.” It’s an incentive to play of the military and was looking for a Golf Course weekend morning rounds in under hobby. A friend turned me on to golf, four hours and 20 minutes. When and I was instantly hooked. I started Jack Nicklaus said, “A kid grows you do, we’ll reimburse a portion of playing and practicing on a daily up a lot faster on the golf course. your greens fee as a thank-you. Golf teaches you how to behave.”

VisitHowardCounty.com 19 And over the winter, our “can’t miss” offer was our tempera- ture pricing. From December 1 to February 29, golfers pay either our winter rates or the temperature at the time they tee off – whichever is lowest. It’s been a hugely popular promotion. 2100 Warwick Way, Marriottsville 410-313-9182 www.waverlywoods.com

Jeff Sprague PGA Professional Willow Springs Golf Course

Jack Nicklaus said, “A kid grows up a lot faster on the golf course. Golf teaches you how to behave.” y w ood s When and how did you start play- v e rl

ing golf? a I grew up in upstate and began playing golf when I was Waverly Woods 12. We started playing in April if the

snow had melted and if the course c ou rt e s y of w wasn’t too wet. I learned from my dad, then attended junior clinics the back tee. Right off the bat your Card lets you pre-pay for ten baskets and took a few lessons from our club tee shot has to avoid a large pond of balls and receive three baskets pro. In the summers, a few of us ju- guarding the entire right side of the free. niors would walk 18-36 holes almost hole. Even after a good tee shot you every day. can’t relax – since the second shot 12980 Livestock Road, Sykesville has to cross a creek to an elevated 410-489-7700 What can both beginners and pros www.willowspringsgolfcourse.com appreciate about Willow Springs? green behind two large sand bun- It’s a mid-length, par 62, links- kers. Once you hit the green, putting style course that is friendly for rec- is straightforward – but you have to get there first. reational players while challenging Nick Spinnato for more experienced golfers. We How would you inspire non-golf- PGA Director of Golf have a lighted , with ers to strive to be the next Chi Chi multiple target greens, that’s long Rodriguez or Michelle Wie? Turf Valley enough to hit any club in your bag. Golf has been called the game for a lifetime. It’s a game for all Jack Nicklaus said, “A kid grows Can you offer a tip about the most ages, with as much or as little chal- up a lot faster on the golf course. difficult hole on the course? lenge as you desire. You return to Golf teaches you how to behave.” Our first hole is a dog-leg right When and how did you start play- the game over and over – because par four about 400 yards long from ing golf? of that one great shot, or to redeem My father taught me the game – yourself from that one awful shot. not only how to play, but to honor Are there any on-going promo- the game. It’s a competition against tions and pricing that our readers the course and the elements, not o w S pri ng s should know about? as much against a fellow golfer. We have an ongoing special Integrity, courtesy, and strength where juniors pay half price when are the cornerstones of the game: accompanied by a playing adult. The I learned it all from my father, who Willow Springs senior rates begin at age 50 and are plays and serves on the board at an c ou rt e s y of W ill available seven days a week. And for area club. those who enjoy practicing, a Range

20 Howard County official visitors Guide | 2012 What can both beginners and pros I took lessons when I was 14 years appreciate about Turf Valley? old from a social studies teacher Turf Valley has everything for ev- who was a PGA Golf Professional at ery level of player. We have two full a New York resort during the sum- championship courses. One is long mer. I had a group of friends that and wide open; the other is shorter played together most of the time at and tighter. We also have excel- Salisbury (now Eisenhower) State lent practice facilities, including Park and Bethpage State Park. a Learning Center, and a 150-yard What can both beginners and pros short game. appreciate about Fairway Hills? Can you offer a tip about the most Our staff offers great service to ev- difficult hole on the course? ery customer whether a newcomer In my opinion, Par 4 number 4 on or regular at Fairway Hills. The driv- the Hialeah Course is our most dif- ing range has good hitting mats and ficult hole. It’s a long uphill tee shot new clean golf balls, a sand trap and that flattens out to a dogleg right. A putting green. The course offers a hint: minimize the big number and challenge to all golfers. It’s an ideal play it smart. Because of its length, course for outings with several risk/ Mini players rarely reach the hole in two. reward holes and reachable par 5s. Give yourself a chance to chip up Can you offer a tip about the most Madness and make 4, or at worst 5. difficult hole on the course? How would you inspire non-golf- The most difficult hole on the Putt-putt golf is a great way to ers to strive to be the next Chi Chi course is number 2, “Battle Brook.” practice – or just have fun Rodriguez or Michelle Wie? The hole plays over the river three Golf is a great game with some- times with environmental areas at thing for everyone. The challenge each crossing. Play the tee shot of the game – and the satisfaction over the middle of the hill in the of executing a shot – bring people first fairway. Too short and you roll back. Some just enjoy the exercise, in the . Too long and it’s out Rocky Gorge some enjoy the beauty of the course of bounds. Depending upon the tee Driving Range and environment, some enjoy being used, a player can hit anything from Golf Practice Range, Mini-Golf with their family on the course. It a 7 to driver. Make sure you hit Course and Baseball Batting Cage. brings people together, or gives you the center of the second landing the chance to walk alone. area with your second shot. The ap- 8445 Old Columbia Road, Laurel 301-725-0888 Are there any on-going promo- proach to the green is elevated. The www.rockygorgegolf.com tions and pricing that our readers wind will be in your face. The green should know about? is undulating, sloping from left to ------Turf Valley is a private golf club, right, so stay below the hole. and we are offering a special on ini- How would you inspire non-golf- The Columbia tiation fees at this time. Guests of ers to strive to be the next Chi Chi Sports Park the hotel, guests of members and Rodriguez or Michelle Wie? Includes skating ramps, batting golfers participating in charity tour- Fairway Hills is the home of the cages and . naments are always welcome. First Tee of Howard County. Each year we have over 700 youngsters 5453 Harper’s Farm Road, Columbia 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City from 5 to 17 years old participate in 410-715-3054 410-465-1500 this junior golf program that teach- www.columbiaassociation.com www.turfvalley.com es life skills and character develop------ment. We also have clinics and a summer league for juniors. Monster Mini-Golf Don Van Deusen For adults we have a progression 11,000+ sq feet of indoor 18 hole of lessons called Play Golf Columbia Monster themed Glow-in-the-Dark Assistant General Manager with three levels of instruction, from Mini Golf. Fairway Hills Golf Club the basics to playing the course. Columbia East Marketplace We also have leagues: The Men’s 7351 Assateague Drive, Jessup Jack Nicklaus said, “A kid grows Senior 18 Hole league, Ladies 9-Hole 410- 579-GOLF (4653) up a lot faster on the golf course. league, and Men’s and Ladies Golf teaches you how to behave.” www.monsterminigolf.com Twilight league. When and how did you start play- ing golf?

VisitHowardCounty.com 21 Are there any on-going promo- tions and pricing that our readers should know about? During the summer we have a Monday-Wednesday-Friday special that includes golf, cart, hot dog and drink at reduced rates. And in the

fall we have a Saturday-Sunday af- t tr oy ternoon special.

5100 Columbia Road, Columbia 410-730-1112 www.fairwayhillsgolfclub.com The Timbers at Troy c ou rt e s y of th tim be rs a Joan Lovelace Head Pro and General Manager time I get an opportunity for teach- approach shot can be tricky. If you ing me this great game. miss the green right, a lucky shot Hobbits Glen and would be in the bunker. Everything Fairway Hills What can both beginners and pros appreciate about Hobbits Glen? else will hit the hill and bounce into the hazard. The green can be a Jack Nicklaus said, “A kid grows We have been voted Best Golf challenge when there is a front pin. up a lot faster on the golf course. Club in Howard County by Columbia Golf teaches you how to behave.” magazine nine years in a row, be- Players who stay below the hole find When and how did you start play- ginning in 2002. The course was the bottom of the cup easily. ing golf? built for the tour player as well as How would you inspire non-golf- Both of my parents played golf the player just beginning to love the ers to strive to be the next Chi Chi and I learned to play at the age of game. Hobbits is fair to the players, Rodriguez or Michelle Wie? 12. I played once or twice a week but with each hole clearly laid out. And If you’ve ever considered playing only with my parents because it was our driving range, which is open to in the “fundraiser scramble” with all too intimidating to play with anyone the public, is an incredible place to your friends at work, then “Get Golf else. There were no other girls to practice your game. With 25 hitting Ready” is for you. The program is de- play with. As a freshman at Howard stations and a huge putting green, signed to teach everything you need High School, I was recruited to play you could get lost here for hours. to know to step onto a golf course on the golf team by Coach Frank in five short lessons. It’s taught by Can you offer a tip about the trained PGA and LPGA profession- Lupe, and became the first female to most difficult hole on the course? play a men’s varsity sport in Howard Number 13 is one of the toughest als who make sure you have fun County. I played all four years as the par 4s on the course. The tee shot each step of the way. number one or number two seed. is critical: too far right and you are Personally, I love to teach. There After college, I wanted to teach in the hazard; too far left on the fair- is nothing better than helping a golf, so began working at Hobbits. way, and you’re blocked out by the student who is struggling with an Now I’m a member of the Club Pro trees. Split the fairway and you’re in aspect of their game. Sometimes and Teaching Division of the LPGA good shape to hit to the green. The changing one small part of the and PGA. I thank my parents every swing can create better contact and a smile. Are there any on-going Hobbits Glen promotions and pricing that our readers should know about? Hobbits Glen offers spe- cials throughout the year. If you are a member or just want to come try out the course before you join there are specials for you.

11130 Willow Bottom Drive, Columbia 410-730-5980 www.hobbitsglengolf.com

22 Howard County official visitors Guide | 2012 c ou rt e s y of Hobb its Gl en