Golf Course Review: Rattlewood Golf Course, Mount Airy, Maryland

 RATTLEWOOD GOLF COURSE

Mount Airy, Maryland

March 4, 2023

OVERVIEW

FACILITY TYPE: Public Municipal (MCG)

YEAR OPENED: 1995

ARCHITECT: Brian Ault, Tom Clark, James Cervone

PAR: 72

LENGTH: 5,093 - 6,501

USGA RATING: 64.7 - 71.4

USGA SLOPE: 109 - 131

TEE OPTIONS: 4

WEBSITE: https://www.mcggolf.com/courses/rattlewood

PHONE: (301) 607-9000

 

Rattlewood is exactly what I think about when I think of local suburban golf with consistently good conditions, and a great layout, at a fair price. It’s located in the heart of central Maryland, and it’s always fun to play. 

Rattlewood is one of nine courses in Montgomery County as part of the MCG Association. Locals can get an MCG membership to get preferred rates and tee times at any of the courses. Rattlewood is one of my favorites to play because of its gently rolling hills, water features, and risk-reward opportunities with plenty of space off the tee. Every hole is unique, and it always offers opportunities to post a good score.

COURSE CONDITIONS RATINGS

TEES: 3

FAIRWAYS: 3

GREENS: 3

BUNKERS: 3.5

SCENERY: 3

LAYOUT: 4

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OVERALL: 3.25

I love playing in the wind. It’s something that cannot be replicated. You must play in the wind to become better at playing in the wind. The wind doesn’t allow you to get away with poor ball striking. And it’s not about how hard you can hit it either.

Playing in the wind is as much an art as any other element in golf. The game was originally played hundreds of years ago across the ancient dunes of the eastern Scottish coastlines. Wind has always been there.

To me, playing in the wind forces me to get creative. It makes me try shots that might feel uncomfortable, but because of the conditions, may be necessary. Learning to take 2, 3, 4 or more clubs because of the conditions is something that cannot be felt in a simulator. It’s a living, changing being. As the day goes on, its mood will change and it’s up to the golfer to take it into consideration and learn how to adapt.

When I coach players, I help them understand their baseline distances. When you can create consistent contact with repeatable distances and control under ideal conditions, you have a baseline. The conditions when you play golf on the course dictate how your baseline will be affected. Uphill, downhill, slide slope, but most importantly, wind.

Overall 2023 has had a very mild winter here in Maryland. And as such, the course was in better condition than normal for this time of year. Like most courses in the area, it was cart path only and a little soft and wet in places but that’s nothing out of the ordinary. The conditions of the course were just as good as Whiskey Creek, a high end daily fee course not too far down the road that charges twice as much for a green fee and is typically regarded as one of the best public tracks in the state. I was definitely impressed that Rattlewood, the local muni, had just as good conditions for half the price.

ACCESSIBILITY

COURSE DIFFICULTY: 4 (due mostly to wind)

WALKABILITY: 4

Rattlewood is perfect for the whole family and all abilities. Whether you’re a junior just starting to get out on the course, or Kyle Berkshire, World Long Drive Champ, the course offers a layout with no two holes that are the same. And that’s because of the land. Central Maryland is made of gently rolling hills and knobs for miles and Rattlewood is a great example of working with the slopes to make a fun and interesting layout that’s accessible to everyone.

During this recent round, I walked and carried my bag. It was a great experience to walk as a single as the sun was going down, just me and my bag on my back, something I haven’t done in a while but used to do often growing up. If you’re not an avid walker, maybe start with nine holes or use a push cart. Especially at Rattlewood where you’ll be navigating slopes and hills. None of which are extremely difficult but all of which will make you question your decision to walk if you’re not conditioned.

AMENITIES

GOLF SHOP: 3

PRACTICE FACILITIES: 3.5

COMFORT STATIONS: 3

Rattlewood is the prime example of Maryland Municipal golf. The golf shop while small and quaint, has everything you’d need from balls and tees, to shoes, apparel, and clubs. The practice facilities include an outdoor driving range with mats and ful flight golf balls. There is a dedicated short game green and practice area, and another dedicated putting green near the first and tenth tees.

Once on the golf course, there are a couple of comfort stations that may lack running water but do provide an opportunity for relief while protecting you from wind and/or rain.

If you’re looking for food, Rattlewood was that too! From hotdogs and burgers to sandwiches and chicken tenders, Rattlewood has all the golf course classics including adult beverages and sports drinks to keep everyone in the family hydrated and having a good time.

SUMMARY

If you’re a Maryland local and you haven’t played Rattlewood yet, my question to you is, what are you waiting for?! If you’re not a local but you’re looking for a great place to play golf without breaking the bank, few courses will offer the value you get from Rattlewood. 

Its 18 hole layout offers fun and challenging yet fair and getable holes that never seem to get old. It’s perfect for all ages, all abilities, walkers, riders, short hitters, and long bombers. The course is open, meaning there’s a lower chance of losing balls, and the rolling hills offer a variety of lies to keep you engaged during the round.

Located in central Maryland, within an half hour of Frederick, and within an hour of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington DC, it’s a great place to tee it up with your friends or family, or even make new friends since everyone I’ve ever met at Rattlewood has been nothing but friendly.

MOVE BETTER - PLAY BETTER

COACH BLAINE ⛳🏌️‍♂️

For more, visit www.TourShotGolf.com