Mash: Nothing sour about it
--- Jamie Amato

Gazette Newspapers

A project that was nearly 10 years in the making finally reached its completion last week, giving Montgomery County golfers of all skill levels the chance to compete on a world-class course without having to shell out large sums of money to do so.

Blue Mash Golf Club, a privately owned public course, officially opened last Wednesday and with its central location, intricate design and affordable prices, it’s likely to become a popular spot for the county’s golfers. Designed by renowned architect Artur Hills, who did the re-design work at Bethesda, Congressional, Chevy Chase and Woodmont country clubs, Blue Mash features a fine mixture of wide-open, long fairways as well as tighter landing areas in which accuracy is rewarded more than distance.

Located in Laytonsville just west of Olney, Blue Mash is the second course erected by Tom Healy and Joe Hills, Arthur’s son. After experiencing success with their initial project, Waverly Woods Golf Club in Howard County, the two decided to test the waters of Montgomery County.

“Almost all the reviews we got from Waverly said we were the best bargain for the buck and we’re trying to do the same thing here,” said Healy, referring to Waverly’s Top 100 public course ranking by Maximum Golf Magazine. “One of the great things about this being in Montgomery County is that all the other work Hills has done around the county has been a prestigious clubs. This gives people a chance to play a course that normally only people with cash get to play.”

Healy, who hails from Chicago, met Joe Hills while the two were in college at Notre Dame. After throwing around several business ideas, they decided to open a golf course and serve as owners and managers. The two applied for permits to build the course in 1992 and, though they received their zoning permit, the project was delayed several times by complications with the county. Though the clubhouse, driving range and practice greens are still under construction, the course opened just in time to catch the final months of summer and the fall season.

With very little untamed vegetation, no wet lands and no forced carries, the course is ideal for advanced players as well as those just learning the game. Although the front nine is more challenging than the back, each hole has wide tee boxes and four sets of tees that allow golfers to adjust to their respective games. And with reasonable rates ($45 for 18 holes Monday through Thursday, $58 Friday through Sunday and holidays), Blue Mash is as affordable as it is playable.

With three long par-4 holes at the start, the course is peppered with risk/reward holes that tempt players to be aggressive. The last four holes in the front nine are nestled against the woods, meaning players must be cautious with their drives and approaches. Four holes abut a pond on the back nine, presenting the biggest water hazards on the course. After a long par-3 at 17, the course finishes with a somewhat difficult par-5.

“Montgomery County residents have been traveling great distances to play golf in recent years and we hope this will alleviate that,” Healy said. “The county has served the golfing public that’s looking for municipal courses, but it’s always been lacking a high-end conditioning and design course and that’s what we provide. I want people to say this is a great course, it’s a fun place to play, and it’s well worth the money.”

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you. (301) 670-1966 • Please email us @ comment@bluemash.com © 2002 Blue Mash Golf Course