Potomac Shores

Jack Nicklaus wears his patriotic pride on his sleeve; perhaps the only thing he’s ever done that could potentially harm his homeland was ceding a putt to Tony Jacklin. Regardless, the Washington D.C. area is a place well-suited for hosting a Nicklaus design open to the masses.

Potomac Shores sits on the south side of the metropolitan area, with the title river at its back. The course heads out in a true out and back loop, with no return to the clubhouse after the first half. The majority of holes travel through woodland corridors, with no other holes in view, occasionally with long travels in between them.

At one point, the forest intercedes in the middle of a hole, as well: The long par five at No. 10 will offer players a choice of routes, but not until the second shot. They can choose to go left or right around a centerline grove of trees. The rightward path will offer the better angle, but it also requires a forced carry over a sand hazard.

Lion’s Mouth-style bunkers are a theme, as both the aforementioned hole and the par four at No. 14 feature a sandy maw ready to eat short approach shots.