River Marsh Golf Club Featured in Clubhouse Golf Guide Online



March 2, 2005 -- Clubhouse Golf Guide Online (www.clubhousegolfguide.net) features the new River Marsh Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, MD, on the cover of its premier issue.

This beautiful course overlooking the historic Choptank River has added a decidedly happier atmosphere to the grounds of what was once a mental hospital. This was one of the last undeveloped spots along the Choptank, with stands of virgin forest, open fields and untouched riverfront with views of almost a mile to the opposite shore.

The 6,801-yard layout was designed by Keith Foster, who worked with renowned course architect Arthur Hills for a number of years. Foster's design incorporates just about every hazard imaginable, with some holes appearing to simply merge into and around protected environmental areas.

The location for River Marsh is much different than Foster's last work for Hyatt in the Southwest. Here, the property has a coastal, almost Low County feel, similar to South Carolina, with marshy areas carved through 90-foot-tall majestic hardwoods. The site was essentially flat and any excavation was done to carefully maintain the feeling.

"River Marsh presented a wonderful design opportunity," Foster said. "The site embraces a traditional Mid-Atlantic ambiance. Vegetation is extra-lush, with a strong variety of oaks and marsh grasses edging the playable areas. Most notable is a lagoon system that winds through the entire course.

"The Chesapeake Bay region and its surrounds are blessed with a number of excellent courses. I'm confident that River Marsh will provide a memorable and worthy addition to this fine roster."

River Marsh is a traditional-style course. Fairways are generous 35-45 yards wide. Pockets of sand already there have been left as a native feature and additional 4 to 5-foot-deep, lacy-edged bunkers have been incorporated into the holes and around the greens. Naturally contoured putting surfaces range from 4,800-7,000 square feet. Everything is covered with bent grass.

The marsh has naturally set off groupings of holes that are accessible across long bridges. Of the holes, the par 3s stand out as a strong mix. Number 15 hits over water to a peninsula green. And the No. 17 calls for another carry over Shoal Creek. Bail out the right if you must. Then take a 450-foot bridge ride through the towering trees to the best hole on the course.

The finishing hole at River Marsh allows golfers to feel as if they are playing Pebble Beach. Reminiscent of the famous California course's 18th hole, this 567-yard par 5 hugs the Choptank River shoreline. The resort's 400-room hotel serves as the backdrop behind the green as golfers complete their round.

"When golfers play here, they are going to be very happy," said Eric Claxton, PGA, the director of golf at River Marsh. "It is a resort-friendly golf course. For every hole that is short and sweet, we've got one that is going to jump up and bite you. I think every range of golfer is going to have a great experience out here."





River Marsh Golf Club Featured in Clubhouse Golf Guide Online