Golf Course Review: Baltimore Country Club (East Course), Lutherville, Maryland


 BALTIMORE COUNTRY CLUB (EAST COURSE)

Lutherville, Maryland

March 27, 2023


OVERVIEW

FACILITY TYPE: Private

YEAR OPENED: 1898

ARCHITECT: A.W. Tillinghast

PAR: 70

LENGTH: 5,174 - 7,181 yards

USGA RATING: 65.3 - 75.1

USGA SLOPE: 119 - 141

TEE OPTIONS: 9

WEBSITE: https://bcc1898.com/

PHONE: (410) 252-6505

 

It’s always an honor to play at Baltimore Country Club. Founded in 1898, the original course in the Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore hosted the 1899 US Open. The course has since been moved to what is known as Five Farms on the outskirts of the City in the rolling woodlands of Lutherville.


A.W. Tillinghast grew up in Philadelphia as a member of The Philadelphia Cricket Club, the oldest club in America where he learned to play golf, and later designed the Wissahickon Course which is usually ranked as one of the best in the country. If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he designed some of the most prestigious courses in America including Winged Foot, Bethpage Black, Baltusrol, Somerset, San Fransisco Golf Club, and of course, Baltimore Country Club.


The course is situated along gentle rolling woodland hills, filled with creeks, deer, fox, and birds. What used to be five farms, were combined to create the land needed to build the course a hundred years ago. What remains there today, is one of the best courses the country has to offer.



COURSE CONDITIONS RATINGS

TEES: 4

FAIRWAYS: 4

GREENS: 4

BUNKERS: 4

SCENERY: 4.5

LAYOUT: 5

–

OVERALL: 4.25


One week into Spring and the course is starting to green up early. The season is still young and the work done to the course will set it up for pristine conditions throughout the year. There’s no doubt that the coming days will lead to some of the best conditions in the entire state.


What makes BCC so much fun is the use of the land. Each hole twists and turns around the property, exploiting the natural hills of the terrain. Each hole is unique and offers a different challenge than the last. There is a good blend of easy holes where you can post a solid score as well as difficult holes like the famed number 13, a brutal 600+ yard par 5, home to one of Tillinghast’s signature design features, hell’s half acre.


Found on many of Tillinghast’s courses, hell’s half acre is a collection of bunkers and tall native grasses located in the middle of a par 5. Its positioning on the hole forces players to hit a good drive in the hopes of clearing the hazard on their approach. During this most recent round, the hole played into the wind and felt like it was over 700 yards long making par a great score.



ACCESSIBILITY

COURSE DIFFICULTY: 4

WALKABILITY: 4.5


The downside to BCC is that it’s private and will unfortunately be inaccessible to many players. With the right connections, however, it’s definitely possible to play. A few options would be as a guest of a member, or if you’re a member at a neighboring club, there may be an opportunity to play against BCC members as part of an interclub event. A third option for professionals would be to keep an eye out on the local section tournament calendar as there is typically an event or two held at the course each year.


If and when you do play, walking is the way to go. I believe walking is the best way to experience a golf course. It’s the way the game was meant to be played. And especially on a course that was built over a hundred years ago, far before golf cars were invented, walking is the way to play. And with one of the best caddie programs in the state, it’s worth having a looper take you around and help you navigate the notoriously slick greens.



AMENITIES

GOLF SHOP: 4.5

PRACTICE FACILITIES: 4

COMFORT STATIONS: 4

FOOD & BEV: 4


When it comes to top-notch amenities, BCC has exactly what you’re looking for. The golf shop is well stocked with amazing luxury goods, all with the BCC logo. From shirts and pants to sweaters, belts, hats, bags, glassware, and more, BCC has it all.


Over the winter, BCC renovated and expanded its dining area. They now have a rooftop area where members and their guests can enjoy amazing food and drinks while overlooking the course. And with the clubhouse situated on top of the hill overlooking the entire property, you know the view is going to be spectacular.



SUMMARY


While it may not be an easy course to get out on, it’s worth the effort. Stay patient and look to grow your network organically. Over time, given the right situations, an opportunity may present itself in which case I highly suggest taking advantage. Not only is the course an amazing layout, but it’s one of historical significance too. You can feel the presence of Tillinghast on each hole. You can almost feel what he was thinking as he walked the land, laying out the holes, capitalizing on the land in front of him. And when you give one of the best architects the game has ever seen a great piece of land and a good budget to work with, you end up with greatness.




MOVE BETTER - PLAY BETTER

COACH BLAINE ⛳🏌️‍♂️


For more, visit www.TourShotGolf.com
Location: 11500 Mays Chapel Rd, Timonium, MD 21093, USA

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