Eisenhower Golf Course has been a local, municipal golf course in Anne Arundel County for nearly 50 years. Over the years, the well loved course fell into disrepair. The greens became tired and riddled by draining issues and the infrastructure was in need of a major overhaul. The historic course was also the only course in the county that afforded African Americans and other minorities to learn to play the game of golf. So renovating while preserving its history and heritage played an important part in the redesign. Eisenhower has a storied past, but it was time for a facelift.
The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course is the newest municipal course in the county.
Image courtesy of Annapolis Discovered.
Thankfully, after 2 1/2 years of extensive renovations, the newly redesigned golf course is officially open as The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course. The course was designed by Andrew Green but was a collaborative effort between Damien Cosby, Director of Golf at Eisenhower and Karen Jennings, Senior Engineer, Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration at the Department of Public Works (DPW). Green is a superstar in golf architecture who took on the Eisenhower renovation with a vision to blend the natural landscape and terrain of the old course with 'greener' practices focused on conservation and ecology.
New fairways, greens and tee boxes at The Preserve.
Image courtesy of Annapolis Discovered.
For starters, the course moved to Bermuda grass which is a much more ecological choice given Maryland's finicky weather. During the renovation the course also received all new greens, tee boxes, fairways, 18 boardwalks and new bunkers. One noticeable difference in the redesign was the elimination of sand traps. That's right- no sand traps. Pick your jaw up off the floor- if you are not familiar with this design feature, trust us when we say it works! Not only does it tie into the landscape seamlessly, but it also adds a degree of difficulty to the game while being extremely cost effective. According to experts, 'a square foot of bunkering can cost as much as a square foot of green space'1
Sand pits were removed and replaced by hummocks as a greener alternative.
Image courtesy of Annapolis Discovered.
The true purpose, though; of The Preserve is to provide everyone the opportunity to play the game. Golf has long been a game played behind the gates of a private club, relegated to the elite and privileged few. However, quality municipal courses are on the rise and are, in our opinion, essential to the growth of the game. Municipal courses allow golf to attract a wider audience while providing accessibility to underserved communities. To this end The Preserve plans to add junior programs and camps to their summer schedule beginning in June.
Book a tee time through their website or app, the course is open 7 days a week.
Image courtesy of Annapolis Discovered.
The Preserve is open to the public 7 days a week and tee times can be booked via their website or through their app. The course is run and maintained by Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks and county residents do indeed get a discount. Consider it a 'Thank You' to county residents for their patience during the renovation. Visit their website for a full list of FAQs and fees, we think you will be pleasantly pleased at the new course and its offerings. In addition to junior camps they also provide league play, golf instruction, women's clinics and more. Lastly, be on the lookout for expanded programs through the county that cater to new and younger golfers. Shorter courses and looping games are a perfect way to introduce the game to the whole family while enjoying time in nature. The goal is to bring Golf to anyone with the desire to learn and Eisenhower, along with the County, is on the right track!
Whatever your skill level, put The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course at the top of your list. We'll see you on the links.
1 The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course website.
