Hidden Creek CC - Reston VA

[jwellefson1]

Anybody have opinions on Hidden Creek in Reston VA? They're running some insane membership specials, and it looks like I would actually save money by joining there. Wanted to see if anyone had any specifics or opinions about the course before I play it this weekend?

[davep043]

It seems like a pretty "standard" northern Virginia course, I think its an Ed Ault design, and he did just about all of them around here for a few decades. Its actually a pretty course, runs largely through some valleys, so the surrounding development isn't excessively intrusive. The course is long enough to challenge most players. They have a nice clubhouse facility. The practice range isn't much, kind of wedged into some previously-unused space a half-mile from the clubhouse, and I think they may use restricted-flight balls.

I couldn't tell you about the financial situation. They always seem to be advertising for more members. There have been rumors that the course will be sold and developed, but that's not easily accomplished considering the original zoning deals made, and the activism of most Reston residents. I can't comment on pace of play or availability of tee times, my visits have always been as a member of a visiting inter-club league team.

[jwellefson1]

Thanks Dave, my guess is they’re hurting for cash, but with the no initiation right now it’s not like I’d lose much of an investment even if they did go under. Glad the course is at least somewhat challenging, that’ll be good for sure. Thanks!

[DrDon]

Please note that in Virginia, privately-owned golf clubs can advertise for members. Member-owned clubs, on the other hand, are prohibited from advertising in order to maintain their tax status. I'm not sure if the private ownership at Hidden Creek would share the club's financial data with you or not.

I'd recommend getting as much information as possible about the financial picture of any club that you are considering. There have been some "big name" clubs here in Northern Virginia that have levied numerous assessments on their membership in order to pay their debt load.

Try and talk to as many members at Hidden Creek as possible, so that you get many different perspectives and opinions.

[Breiman]

Its a nice course, used to play it in the 90s when I knew some members. Its a very nice layout and kept in good shape.

[dcmidnight]

I have played a couple of B team matches there and did not like the layout. There seemed to be a lot of blind tee and approach shots - "aim at the light tower" - sort of shots. Maybe you would get used to it if you were a member. Personally I did not like it. The range is also very small. Its over a half mile from the clubhouse which is a long drive in a cart. But you're not going there to practice either, the range is less than 200 yards long, I think the last time I was there it was 180 yards to the very pointy end of the range.

Take the financial advice mentioned here very seriously. If they are advertising a lot on TV - which I have seen as well - its not because they have a waiting list or are near their membership cap. Ask a lot of questions, find out when the last assessment was and how much it was for. Find out how often they have had assessments in the last 5 or 10 years.

Also remember that "deals" like no initiation fee sound great to join but from the other side - it means that much less revenue coming in to the club.

[jwellefson1]

I'm actually a big fan of blind tee shots, my home course at college had loads of them and it grew on me. The financial aspect is somewhat worrisome, but since there's no initiation if they fold I'm not losing much of an investment. Overall I'm just looking to find a course that I can play and enjoy until life settles down a bit, but I've heard all the rumors of houses being built up as well. Thanks for your insight!

[davep043]

I wonder if we've played against each other in a B-Team match at some point. I've been playing for Stoneleigh ever since we got into the league back in around 1995 or so, and was the captain for 5 years.

 

[jwellefson1]

So for anyone who comes across this post in the future looking for opinions, I played it yesterday and I overall enjoyed the course. Condition was decent, although they had just aerated. I played the middle tees. The front nine was significantly longer than the back nine (3400 vs 3000). To echo other comments, there were plenty of blind tee shots, especially on the front, so I recommend downloading the app or looking on google maps for the shape of some holes. The holes were, for the most part, very good. I liked it more than any other Ed Ault design I've played. The stretch of 4-5-6 was a tough one for sure. Starts with a 467 yard par 4, then a 543 yard par 5, and then a 458 yard par 4 with a creek running through at about 260. 6 was the only hole that I really disliked on the course, because driver off the tee is too risky and you still have a long shot in no matter what. The back nine has significantly less land, only has two holes that are over 400 yards and they are 10 and 11. 11 was likely my favorite hole on the course, it was a 460 yard Par 5, with a creek in front of the green so you've got to carry it if you want to go for it. Dave was right when he said that the houses don't come in to play unless you have a grotesque slice or something along those lines. Overall, I think I'm going to join. It seems like a good course and I really enjoyed playing there. It definitely will take a few rounds to fully understand the best way to play certain holes, but I prefer it that way.