Field Notes: Broad Run

Lots of golfers I know have pretty dim views of nine-hole golf courses. But it depends on the course. They're not all par-3s, they're not all mid-tracks like Paint Branch over in College Park, Md. and by the way those are great places to practice and have fun. Meanwhile Broad Run in Bristow, Va., is a serious 9-hole golf course with some beautiful scenery and a slope of 135 from the back tees.

I used to have this place practically to myself when it first opened, since all you can see from the highway is the driving range, a short-game practice field with bunkers and a miniature golf course. No more. Perhaps because of its role in golf instruction--there's a resident pro on-site--Broad Run seems to attract more than its share of beginners but despite conventional wisdom this does not reduce the pace of play. In my experience it does produce some of the more pock-marked fairways around here, especially later in the season, because if anyone's telling some of these golfers to replace their divots they sure aren't listening.

No matter. Broad Run is varied and a worthy test. Yes, there are two short par 4-s, But they're not gimmes. The 322-yard first is a bit narrow for your fresh wailing drive and pinches with a mound from the left, right around your landing zone (I said your landing zone. Mine is safely behind yours). The third hole is 323 yards, but over a pond that requires a carry of about 156 yards at the left and 196 yards at the far, slicing right, at least according to my Sky Caddie.  All the rest are no-excuse holes.

The photo isn't the most scenic I could offer, but I'm trying to show the length and pressure of the par-5 second, 537 yards from the back with a narrow fairway that slopes gently from right to left in the landing zone. The photo, looking back toward the distant tee, doesn't do justice to the green, which is elevated and protected by bunkers on the right. Two holes have dramatically elevated tees--the 422-yard par-4 5th, and the 548-yard par-5 seventh. Throw in one 226-yard par 3 and you've got plenty of golf course on your hands. That par-4 5th is rated the toughest, with a gulch towards the last section of the fairway that'll force many of you to consider an ignominious layup.

If you're in the area, have your clubs in the trunk and a little time on your hands, you can take advantage of another Broad Run advantage: Just zip into the parking lot and peek onto the first tee. You'll know right away if there's much of a traffic jam. Personally I find it pretty hard to resist if there isn't.