If attempts to concentrate and develop/concoct a feel for one's putting stroke are ever interrupted by "Friend's in Low Places", you may want to vacate the course which you are preparing to play. While Westfields Golf Club does not abide all the characteristics that equate to a good golf course (PA system, installed sound system on the putting green, I was ready for Al Czervik to come strutting out of the clubhouse) don't let the minor drawbacks detract too heavily from what is a fine test of golf.
I enjoy WGC because it is difficult. The rough is thick, margin for error is miniscule, and the holes are long.
WGC is enjoyable because it is not unfair. Fairways (in impeccable shape, matching the conditions of the entire course) provide generous landing areas, and difficult holes that require accurate shots offer encompassing views of the options and consequences. Some holes require perfect shots to tucked pins, but offer the option of playing to the center of the green at a lower risk.
The front nine at WGC offers what I consider to be one of the finest tests of golf in the DC area, which can be summed as "par is a reward". At over 3500 yards (par 35), it is 200 yards longer than the back (3300 - 36). The opening hole requires dual shots of promise (418) to reach an ample green perched at the end of a gently rising fairway. Woods frame the hole on both sides, but come into play only on shots deserving of penalty.
After a right-bending par-4, the 3rd (223 yds.) is an epic par-3. Fronted on the left by a rock-framed pond, the hole offers a large bunker running along the right edge of the green as a safe area to avoid the hazard. From the bunker, the green is expansive and allows for a shot to be played with a full swing, or pitched on the green to maximize roll.
Consider the 3rd at WGC a preparatory course for holes 5-8, three par-4s measuring 440-460 yds, intertwined with an 180 yd. par-3.
The 5th hole, while stretching to 458 yds. is downhill and offers a large landing area and a clear view of the green and the woods outlining the hole. Hole length is soothed by a green receptive to longer approach shots with collection areas that make for sensible pin placements.
The 6th hole (464) again required a distanced tee shot to an open fairway, but pinces @ 130 yards from the green, approach shots from the right require a fade to access the right 40% of the green, which is placed atop a perch of deep bunkers that are critical to carry.
TBC.......
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