River Marsh GC

Cambridge, MD  (1/2 way between OCMD/Salisbury and Wash DC, on the eastern edge of the Chesapeake Bay, 90 minutes from Philly)

http://chesapeakebay.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/activities/golf/index.jsp

2002, Keith Foster
6801, 126

'03 Fees: $50-$125

Golf Magazine Review: A blend of lowcounty, links, and parkland styles. River Marsh's breezy, wide rolling fairways are often flanked by ponds or wetlands. 2 risk/reward par-5's tempt you to go for it over water-- a risky proposition on a windy day. After a mild start, architect Keith Foster--a classicist who updated Southern Hills for the '01 U.S. Open--serves up the 3rd, a dangerous 493-yard par 5 with water indenting the fairway. The par-3 17th is a 190-yard carry, 203-total over water into the wind. The finishing hole is reminiscent of the 18th at Pebble, a par-5 embraced by a bird sanctuary where ospreys and eagles nest, and a brilliant 567-yarder flanked by the ominously named Choplank River. It favors a tee ball to the riqht and a short iron approach to the elevated green at river's edge.

Best Bar Nearby: The Eagle's Nest Bar & Grille is River Marsh's 19th hole, but you may prefer the environs directly behind the 18th green in a glass-walled lounge called Michener's Library, named for novelist James Michener.

Where To Grub: The on-site Blue Point Provision Company does lump crab cakes with avacado relish which are worth the trip all by themselves. Or, Water's Edge Grill at the hotel is a more casual, family-oriented waterfront restaurant, featuring steak, chops, duck, tuna, and shrimp.

Where To Stay: The on-site Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina (www.hyatt.com , golf packages from $250-$330/night) is a 400-room, nautical-themed full service luxury resort, the first in the Tidewater region per Golf Magazine.

Situated on the banks of the Choptank River, it's anchored by Wintergarden, a glass-enclosed climate-controlled pool complex and fitness center.

What To Read Before You Go: James Michener's Chesapeake.