The Wetlands GC
Aberdeen, MD (halfway between Baltimore and the DE border)
1995, H.C. Smedley
Black 6702, 72.6, 133, 70
Blue 6364, 70.9, 131, 70
Directions: I-95 S to Exit 85, then take Route 22 going W for 1/2 mile to Gilbert Rd, drive N for 1 mile to the club, which is located on the left.
Fees: ~$33 plus cart Wknd?? (See note below)
Golfcourse.com Review: The course is very scenic, with wetlands coming into play on 8 holes. The design also includes gently sloping fairways, with many Scottish-style dunes sprinkled throughout, and numerous trees lining the course. There are large greens with sloping terrain, creating some challenging putts.
From Travelgolf.com article: By keeping the total construction costs significantly lower than most new upscale facilities, the Wetlands Golf Club is committed to keep costs low so that the next generation of golfers have an affordable place to play. The Wetlands is one of the few remaining upscale golf facilities in America where a family of four can play 18 holes of golf for under $100 during the week or just over $100 if you prefer riding in a cart.
When you play the Wetlands, its like playing two different 9 hole courses. The front nine is long, a 3,593 yard par 36 that is relatively open with long narrow greens. The front nine has ample room between holes, links-like at times, yet trees do come into play off the tee or on your approach shot into greens.
On the other hand, the back nine is more condensed, tighter with larger greens, somewhat congested on a few holes and contains most of the wetlands on the course. Fortunately, the back is only 3,109 from the tips or else the average player would donate several golf balls to the wetlands each round. Since the Wetlands Golf Club does own several acres adjacent to this nine, there is a chance in the future to either add some practice holes or make minor adjustments to elevate the congestion between holes 12-15.
For example, the first hole, a 435 yard par 4 uphill with a tee shot over a natural wetlands is pleasing to your eyes. The 423 yard par 4 2nd hole has three different tees from three different angles, two of which require tee shots over hazards filled with feathery fescue grass.
The 386 yard, par 4 4th hole looks like it was built in Scotland. A partially blind tee shot, moguls and tall fescue decorate one of the best designed holes at the Wetlands. The 432 yard, par 4 6th looks like a bowling alley from the tee, yet opens up to scenic country side for your approach shot to the green.
At 602 yards from the tips, most players will chose the front tees on the par 5 8th to avoid hitting over a valley filled with water and native grasses. Meanwhile, the par 4 9th hole can play as long as 453 yards or as short as 360 yards. A 90 degree dogleg, a large mound in the middle of the fairway and trees down the right hand side make this a fun, but challenging hole to play.
Where To Grub: AAA magazine recommends Gabler's Shore Restaurant (2200 Perryman Rd., Aberdeen, 410-272-0626, www.bluecrab.com), only open through Sept?). On the shore of the Bush River, named Best Crabs by Baltimore Magazine 2000, '97, '95, '93, '92, '89. Summer vacation feel & amazing crabs. Reservations recommended. OR, Mike C. recommends the Italian food at Olive Tree, try the fettucinni in wine sauce.