If you need an excuse to visit Cecil County, allow The Club at Patriots Glen to be it. In fact, Patriots Glen in Elkton would make a delightful leg of a long golf weekend in Maryland's northeastern-most county. Along with Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in North East and Rising Sun, Patriots Glen would round out a dream golf getaway.
Patriots Glen is a beautifully wooded course that is nestled into a housing community. At the time of play there was a lot of construction going on, but it did not interfere with play. The fairways and greens were in excellent shape despite this summer's prolonged drought.
What I liked most about the course is that, while wooded, the fairways are not tricky. On several of the holes course management, rather than raw power, was the smart way to go, especially around tree-lined doglegs.
The 1st tee is a Par 4, slight dogleg left. At 385 yards from the whites, it sounds easier than it plays. The undulating green can be a nightmare. None of our foursome was able to score a par.
The Par 4, 8th hole is a scenic beauty, with a short carry over a pond. A straight tee shot avoids the tree-lined fairway. The approach shot, however, has to clear an elevated, bulk-headed green, so plan on an extra club for carry.
The Par 5, 17th hole is another scenic gem, with a carry over a pond on the right that runs alongside the entire fairway and follows the dogleg right. The green is also protected by two bunkers. Course management players will want to take it easy on their tee and second shots. Then, lay the ball on the green with an easy wedge.
On the day we played, carts were not allowed on the fairways, except to cross over perpendicular to the fairway on shots to the far side. This held up play considerably.
Since Patriots Glen is a housing community, the course criss-crosses streets on several holes. The course also borders a busy train track on four of the holes. On the 16th tee my nerves were jangled by the whistle of an Amtrak train.
Patriots Glen is very well maintained. The course was immaculately groomed and the clubhouse clean and well equipped. The greens fees are very reasonable especially with the high level of service the club provides.