Blue Mash is Ready to Make its Debut, Finally.
--- Jim Curtis

Clubhouse Magazine (Maryland Edition)

That is the sentiment of both golfers and the developers of the long-awaited Blue Mash GC, located just outside Olney on Rt. 108 in the heart of Montgomery County. After 10 years in development, the creators of the critically-acclaimed Waverly Woods GC in Ellicott City are bringing to the area a wonderfully designed, strategic, and thoroughly enjoyable golf course.

With Blue Mash, Joe Hills and Tom Healy have officially become seasoned developers, with a story on the development of the project that would make any big-time developer cringe. Hills, however, is not forthcoming with details. “I can’t tell you the story because it is all going in my book, which may be made into one of the greatest horror films of all time.”

With Hills not talking, we had to do a little “digging.” It turns out the name Blue Mash resulted from an archeological investigation of a 19th-century slave settlement on parts of the property. Originally coined Blue Marsh by its inhabitants for the swamp-like property the slaves were given by local slave owners, the colloquial pronunciation of Marsh gave the area its present name.

“The history of this land actually helped maintain a sense of perspective on our difficulties in getting this course off the ground,” said Hills. As dire as things got sometimes, it could never compare to what they (the African-American slaves) had to go through, and thinking about that made it seem downright silly to fret about a little old golf course.”

The truth be told, however, this is not just any old golf course. Hills and Healy have created a golf course that is truly unique to Montgomery County, and knowing that is what helped keep them going during the long struggle. You see, Blue Mash is the county’s one and only privately-owned, upscale, daily-fee golf course. The developers obtained special zoning approval in 1992, the last golf course to approved under a special exception ordinance that has since been repealed. Between 1992 and today, they had to deal with seemingly endless bureaucratic nightmare, including a two-year archeological investigation, numerous county plan approval processes and exorbitant permit fees, mind-boggling storm water management and sediment control requirements, wetland permitting, and a land assemblage lawyers called the most complicated they had ever seen involving seven property owners. “The obstacles that have been overcome are almost too many to believe,” says Hills with a weary smile. “But all that is over now and it is time to enjoy.”

Well, enjoy might not fully capture your experience. This golf course is designed by Arthur Hills, so you know you are going to think. You know you are going to have to hit some shots. And starting of with three par 4s of 440, 445, and 470 yards, followed by a 210-yard par 3 and a 565-yard par 5, you’d better be prepared to load the cannon, as well.

This golf course has it all. Length, yet no forced carries over water or wetlands. Open holes, wooded holes, water holes, elevation changes, flat holes – even power lines.

“The course is so awesome, most people see them once (power lines) and never think about it again,” says Hills. “Personally, I think the landscape against the steel tower creates a striking dichotomy, making the golf course appear even more impressive."

As if the course needs something to make it more impressive. A five-acre lake on the back nine is a fabulous centerpiece, creating strategy, beauty and some sweaty palms on holes 10, 11, 12 and 17. Number 12 is an especially striking par 5 with an elevated tee and the lake running the entire length of the hole. On the card, No. 11, at 220 yards along the water, may seem like the monster of the par 3s, but the 196-yard No. 17 is a much dicier shot, as the water is practically lapping up to the putting surface on this hole.

In all, it is a great, well-balanced course. Holes 1-5 are out in the open, sometimes flat, sometimes with elevation changes, highlighted by a vista of the entire property from the elevated tees at No. 2. Numbers 6, 7, and 8 are shorter holes back in the woods, and No. 9 is a great par 5. On the back, there are four holes with water, three in the woods, and two stand-alone gems. Best of all, the course is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Unique for today’s golf courses, it does not have one forced carry over a wetland, allowing the weak hitters to manage every hole. Yet, from the back it is plenty long, and the lateral hazards and the famous Arthur Hills’ green complexes demand powerful, precise shotmaking.

The course is expected to open this summer, and the developers, who also own and operate Waverly Woods, are offering an exceptional membership deal which allow golfers to play for free the next 10 years for a heavily-discounted, one-time fee. Call (301) 670-1966 for details.

In the meantime, be patient. It took 10 years to get this far. A couple more months won’t kill you.

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