The Links At Challedon, Mount Airy, MD

Bare spots where there should not be this time of year. More yardage markers are needed. The greens had been aerated recently but not noted on their Web site.

While I do like this course and recommend it often, I don't see how anyone could think this is a 4 or 5 star course. Positives: There are a few great holes that are very well designed, the place has good amenities, usually in decent shape, and the practice facilities are pretty good. Negatives: The course is pinched between many houses (which makes OB sneak into play where it really shouldn't), it's sometimes overpriced, and i've noticed its usually more crowded than nearby courses which can make for a slow round.

When all is said and done, Challedon is definitely a place you want to play in the area, but there's really no hurry. I'm met with a challenge here playing to a 6 handicap, and friends who are around 20 hdcps said they liked the place. They did complain about the egregious amount of Out of Bounds on seemingly every hole, but at least you can find your ball because it's usually in someone's yard.

I'm only left with one question: why did they called it the "Links" at Challedon? Ok, so, Challedon was a racing horse that trained on the property way back when, then the land was sold for this golf course. The property is this pasture/woodland/parkland type setting, and the course design doesn't even come close to hinting at Links golf. Just sayin'...