The Club at Patriot's Glen

Elkton, MD

2001, Jeff Matthai (Mountain Branch)
6730, 72.0, 133 from the tips
White 6405, 72 
Gold 6035, 72
'06 Fees: $65 ride
Twilight $45
Super Twilight 16:00 $30
$51 Wkdy Ride
Tee times 10 days in advance

Directions:  35 miles, 60 mins from home
162 to 82 S to Rt 1 S to 896 S
Cross I-95, R @ 1st light onto Old Baltimore Pk. Continue for 2.5 mi, cross MD border, club is on right

Fat Guy Review:  Brand new in '02 and was still maturing last time I played it in early '04, but a very solid and interesting layout.  Barely over the DE/MD border.  Classic parkland style, cut out of the trees with rolling elevation changes.  Water or wetlands in play on 6 holes.  Plenty long enough from the Whites, and just tight enough off the tee to make you think about it, without taking the driver out of your hands.  Short par 3's make it sound shorter than it plays.  Strategically placed bunkers were in perfect shape.  The real challenge of this course is the tricked up, super-hard greens.  I'd recommend clubbing up one and extra loft on approach shots, as pin-high approaches will likely run right off the back.  A few greens drop away from large banks in front, making approach angle a key.  The greens are fast on chips and medium fast on putts, with subtle breaks as well as some tiers, and tough to read.  Overall it's in outstanding shape for being a young course.  There's some construction noise with surrounding housing development going in, and some annoying stunt plane noise from the nearby airport on the first few holes.  Also Amtrak trains run next to the course regularly, but not a huge distraction.  Overall, a very solid layout and a good value @ $55 Weekend ride.  Rating: 8.5.

Where To Grub & Booze:  The Elktowne Tavern on-premisis serves breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, beer and liquor.  The acoustics can get loud with 10 or so guys drinking beer in the high-ceilinged room with 2 TV's.  OR, head back up 896 N, cross over 95, and you'll find some restaurant choices including Colby's (formerly Ground Round).  Not sure what to tell you about Colby's.  Despite some exterior remodeling going on from the name change from Ground Round, our visit started out promising enough.  The hostess was a perfect-bodied 18-year-old, wearing the tightest pants I've seen since the Reagan administration.  The bar area has multiple large screen TV's, perfect for sports-watching.  However, it was mostly downhill from there.  Our waiter didn't write anything down, had to come back to double check orders 3 times, then they were out of Michelob Light and the Prime Rib, and to top it all off he mixed up two of our steak orders so that one had to be sent back.  The wings were actually hot, but they were out of celery.  To be safe, I'd recommend T.G.I. Friday's @ 896 & 4 instead serving some of the better major chain wings out there, although Colby's might be worth the risk just for the hostess.  Weasel's buddy Mike recommends Howard House in Elkton for a great crab joint. OR, for a college-style partae, continue N on 896 to Newark, home of the University of DE campus.  Best Of Delaware Wings and #9 on Travel Channel's Top 10 Places To Pig Out, at Cluck U Wings, Newark.  Sign a waiver and eat 6 of their "911" wings in 5 minutes with no drink, and get a t-shirt and your picture on the wall.   Don't wanna involve your lawyer?  No problem, they have 26 other tasty flavors of wings, including mild.  OR, Breakers Pool Hall, 776 S Baltimore Pk, Newark.

From the website:
Patriot Glen History:  In 1777 an invasion force of 265 ships containing 17,000 British soldiers landed minutes from Elkton, while Generals Washington, Lafayette and Greene stood on the very ground where Patriots Glen is now situated. In its design, hallowed history is forever preserved and is embodied in the essence of Patriots Glen.

Golfcourse.com Review:  The north end of the DelMarVa peninsula is an area replete with Revolutionary War history. It is no coincidence then that the aptly named Club at Patriots Glen opened there for play 10/01.  18 holes of affordable golf, designed by Jeff Matthai. Gently rolling, tree-lined fairways and challenging, but fair greens. Water in play on 4 holes.  Part of a residential community.