Fairfax's precious gem
By Jason Devaney
Walking through the front door at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton is like entering a high-end private facility.
It has a 9,600-square-foot clubhouse, complete with a well-stocked pro shop, a function room that caters to groups of up to 144 people, a restaurant and a conference room for business meetings.
And when you step outside, the beauty of the golf course is evident. After warming up on the practice range, head over to the massive putting green near the first tee to get a feel for the speed of putts. Or spend a few minutes at the chipping area located a few steps behind the 10th tee.
However you choose to start your day at Laurel Hill, remember this: It will be one of the best golfing experiences you will have in the D.C. metro area. And did we mention the course is owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority?
With five sets of tees ranging from 5,014 to 7,010 yards, Laurel Hill is the gem of the FCPA courses. It opened in fall 2005, and the sprawling clubhouse was completed last June.
Located on the grounds of the old Lorton Prison, the course is in pristine condition and looks like something you might see on television – elevated tees, lush fairways that contrast with creamy-white bunkers, and bent grass greens that run true and quick.
And there are relics from the past, such as a silo off the right side of the par-4, 344-yard (from the white tees) second hole, the actual prison building serving as a backdrop to the par-4, 334-yard 10th and lookout towers guarding a few of the inward nine holes.
Course architect Bill Love designed Laurel Hill not only to be challenging, but also to play at every golfer's skill level. There are multiple tee boxes on each hole, and most of the landing areas are forgiving and fairly flat.
"The course is playable to just about anyone," said Gene Orrico, Laurel Hill's director of golf. "We have anywhere from five to seven to 11 sets of tees. You pick out the right set of tees and it's playable."
The par-5 fifth is one of the best holes on the course. Measuring 486 yards from the white (middle) tees, it is a slight dogleg left. Players must hit their second shots over a small brook running across the fairway, but the third shot is the most demanding of all. Five bunkers guard the front-left portion of the green, and one more short and right will swallow up any wayward approaches. It is menacingly beautiful.
No. 9 is a 502-yard par 5 from the whites. A double dogleg, this hole truly requires three shots to reach the putting surface. But a well-struck wedge with some spin will leave you in prime position to close the front side with a birdie.
The par-3 11th can play anywhere from 119 to 168 yards, while the 14th ranges from 98 to 218 – and it's uphill. The most memorable two holes on the back side are the par-5 15th and the par-3 16th. The former plays 612 yards from the tips but is pretty straight, and was the location of the prison's firing range. Orrico said that 78 tandems of lead was removed where two fairway bunkers lie.
The 16th is simply breathtaking. All downhill and measuring 174 yards from the whites, the green is fronted by a water hazard and surrounded by bunkers on three sides.
No. 18 is a fantastic finishing hole, a par-5 that plays 441 to 562 yards. The green is nestled to the right and protected by water, so a layup, followed by a wedge or 9-iron, is the smart play here.
Greens fees are $89 Friday-Sunday and holidays, while play during week costs $74.
Contact the writer at jdevaney@timespapers.com