Penderbrook Golf Club

We had a great time playing at Penderbrook. “The kitchen magician” Donald is so kind accommodating and his food is GOOOOD!! Pace of play was slow but we didn’t mind because the course is beautiful and the the food/beverage cart made several rounds. The “outpost” at 9 is perfect. Very clean modern restrooms. Carts are clean and accommodating. We will play again!

Attempting to leave a fair review here. In summary, it's not worth the money given the cost of round and horrid pace of play, but the course itself has improved nicely the past few years. I'll start with the positive, they invested a lot to improve the course itself over its previous state and I think they did well in that regards,. Nicer fairways, less obstructing trees, etc. Greens so-so, but not bad. Now for the rest of the story. The operational part needs attention. The biggest knock over the past few years has been the pace of play. It was (somewhat) tolerable when the cost was average, but at their current rates (plus they'll charge you $11.00 extra if you need/want your own cart) it's painful. I usually play as a single, and sometimes get there early and they have ZERO FLEXIBILITY for playing early. I was sitting there grabbing lunch an hour before my scheduled tee time and would not allow to tee off even though it was dormant for some time w/ several chances to join a two-some, or just go during the empty tee box. It appeared they'd rather have several foursomes hold things up vs. putting a single in ahead of their time. That's likely part of their usual problem with course mgmt. Maybe they drive foursomes so they can charge $11 extra for those who want to ride solo. And the main guy there isn't friendly and you get the look of death when asking about anything. For how strict they are about going exactly at your tee time, you'd think the pace would be better. All the complaints above are noted as common complaints about this course. "Decent course, but rarely come back b/c of the hassle, cost, backups and stringent staff". I want to like this course so much, but there are too many options in the area to go there and be frustrated. Maybe I'll try again next year.

The people and amenities surrounding this course are nice. I thought the course however could use a significant upgrade. While the layout is pretty and there are definitely some nice holes, the overall condition was disappointing. For example, no ball washers, greens are rough, lot's of work being done around the greens, no drinkable water on the course, etc... For the price (we paid 79.00 per person), other courses (e.g., Reston National, Brambleton are much nicer for either a little more (Reston is 89) or less (Brambleton is 67).

First and last time I'll play here. The course conditions were terrible - greens, fairways, everything. They say the course is under repair... but I would wait until either much later in the season or next year before playing this.

Also, the staff wasn't friendly either - specifically the cart girl. However, the food following the round at their grill was good.

Hadn't played there in a while, but staff was great and course was in good condition overall. There were aerated greens and various parts being worked on...but once they're done the course will be even better. Will definitely play again soon.

Nice course, partially under repair but still in decent shape. Enjoyed the round.

Course was in great shape, had to wait on a few holes for the group(s) in front of us - overall great time. We accidentally drove in a maintenance area of the fairway (wasn't roped off) to get our ball and our cart was disabled by the staff, had to walk the rest of the way. Not cool.

I have been playing this course for a few years now and play it many times a year.

One consistent problem I’ve noticed is the pace of play with slower groups, and a lack of golf etiquette from other players at times. I have seen groups who can’t hit the ball 20 yards playing from the back tees and slowing up everyone’s round. A marshal should be paying attention to this and suggesting they play tees more appropriate to their skill level. On the carts it has a pace of play time of 4 hours for 18 holes, and in the 20+ times I’ve played this course, I have never been able to get a round done in less than 4:45 due to slow pace of other golfers.

I have asked foursomes before if we could play through when I have been on the course with a group smaller than 4, and typically I’m told no. Golf etiquette would dictate that if a faster group, especially a smaller faster group of more skilled players is playing behind you, you let them play through. Marshals could do a better job at managing the varied skill levels and it’s impact on the pace of the course.

Course is undergoing major renovation and is in terrible playing conditions

Ownership has invested some $$ for major renovations. Once the sections under repair come back to life, the changes will be great. Most of the changes appear to be an attempt to make play easier for the beginner to intermediate golfer. The prime demographic for this course. Many green-side areas have ground under repair, with the addition of many greenside bunkers, or major rehab of existing bunkers. Many trees have been removed along hole #6 (major improvement) and Hole #10 (tee area). #18 also has had major changes along the fairway, making this hole play easier. The greens are in very good shape for so early in the season, tee boxes as well. Also, all new carts !! I play Penderbrook occasionally, because it is close to my house, and even on a weekend, I can get around without major delays. But once word gets out about the changes, I fear it will get a little more crowded.

The course is being repaired but was known from the outset. The course will soon be great once finishing the upgrades. I’ll play again.