Course Review: Jonathan's Landing

 It was the best of nines, it was the worst of nines. (Sorrynotsorry, Charles.)

Jonathan's Landing, in Magnolia, Del., just south of Dover, feels as though somebody took a nine-hole links course and a nine-hole residential parkland course, shoved 'em both in a blender, and, voila! And while the course doesn't play that long (4,871 yards from the forward tees; 6,622 from the tips), there are challenges around every corner that put course management at a premium throughout the entire par-71 layout (five par 3s, four par 5s, the rest par 4s).

The front nine is very much a links course — open, very few trees, but lots of undulation and an expanse of marshland in play on six of the holes. The course opens with two par 5s, and both feature doglegs and forced layups preventing all but the best golfers from reaching the green in two. After that one-two punch is the toughest hole on the course, a dogleg right par 4 with a narrow landing area bounded by the marsh on the right and out of bounds on the left leading to a narrow green flanked by bunkers along both sides. Phew.

Two par 5s, and, bang. The toughest hole on the course. The approach to the green on No. 3 transcends unforgiving, with heavy vegetation left, right, and astern.

Holes 5, 6, 7 and 9 crisscross the marsh, with alternating forced layups into the green and forced carries off the tee requiring strategy. The layout caused a bit of a logjam early on the loop, but pace of play evened out as the round progressed.

After nearly a half-mile trek across the road and around the clubhouse, one enters the considerably shorter back nine, which takes on a decidedly parkland feel through nearby residential area. Holes 10-15 feel like an executive course almost, with Nos. 11, 13 and 15 all par 3s and No. 12 playing as an extremely short par 4. All of these holes feature tight fairways, undulations and sporadic bunkers — a far cry from the links style of the front nine. The residential sojourn ends on the par 5 16th, and after crossing the main parking lot again, a difficult par 5 that bends around a pond and a straightforward par 4 back toward the clubhouse end the loop.

The multi-level clubhouse and pro shop complex await golfers on their return up the 18th fairway. Photos by the author.

For the most part, it was a fine track to walk, save for a couple long stretches between holes — 2 to 3 and 16 to 17 were each probably a furlong or so; 9 to 10 was a good half mile. In all, I hiked a good 6.4 miles — enough to be pleasantly tired on the 18th fairway but not so much I was out-and-out gassed. The course was in great condition — greens were fair and firm (around 12-13 on the Stimp), fairways were in good shape, tee boxes were a little hard but not worn, and signage was suitable for wayfinding and proper yardages (don't trust the scorecard yardages!). On the amenities front, there were two water stations and two portable restrooms on the course, mobile beverage service was available, and the clubhouse features event space and a pub with a small but serviceable menu.

In all, I feel like I got decent value for my $62 (no walking discount, alas) on this Saturday morning. Weekday rates are lower at $52 down to $46 if starting after noon. I'll definitely be making a return trip.

What I like: Emphasis on mental game and course management, mostly walkable layout, fair greens, pleasant service, excellent use of signage

What I'd like to see: More visible distance markers, the two golf balls I lost to the damn marsh back in my bag

The ratings: Playability - B, Condition/Atmosphere - A-, Layout - A-, Pace - B-, Walkability - B, Service - B+, Amenities - B+, Value for money - B. Overall, I give Jonathan's Landing a B+.

Round Summary

Course: Jonathan's Landing, Magnolia, Del.
Tees: Gold (5,151 yards, CR 64.8, SR 104)

Gross Score: 43-42—85 (net +3)

Birdies: 1
Pars: 6
Bogeys: 8
Doubles: 2
Triples: 1

Fairways: 5/13
Greens: 6/18
Net Greens: 12/18

Average Driver: 177 yards

Putts: 35
Strokes Gained Putting: 3.58
Total Holed Putts: 82 feet
Longest Made Putt: 25 feet
Shortest Missed Putt: 6 feet

Match vs. Course Handicap: lost, 2 and 1 (3-8-0)

Differential: 21.9

Pending Handicap Index: 19.2 (no change)

Distance Walked: 6.4 miles (~13,300 steps)
Time: 4 hours, 9 minutes
Maximum Heart Rate: 135 bpm

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