The Inside Swing

Baltimore Country Club - Five Farms East

Timonium, Maryland

Private Club · 18 Holes · Par 70 · 6,678 yds · Members Only · 4.7

An A.W. Tillinghast masterpiece in the hunt country north of Baltimore, Five Farms East hosted the 1988 U.S. Women's Open and the 2021 BMW Championship. Tillinghast's dramatic bunkering, bold green contours, and strategic routing through mature parkland make this one of the finest Golden Age courses in the mid-Atlantic.

History & Heritage

Baltimore Country Club\'s Five Farms East was designed by A.W. Tillinghast in the mid-1920s in hunt country north of Baltimore. Has hosted the PGA Championship, U.S. Amateur, Walker Cup, and U.S. Senior Women\'s Open. Keith Foster completed a 2015 restoration. Consistently ranked the top course in Maryland.

96 bunkers and back-to-front pitched greens define the challenge. The par-70 plays 7,181 yards from the tips with a formidable 148 slope. Tillinghast also designed Bethpage Black, Winged Foot, and Baltusrol.

Signature Holes

7
Hole 7 Par 4 · 440 yards

One of the holes showcasing Tillinghast\'s relentless 96-bunker defense. Crowned, undulating greens reject imprecise approaches throughout the Golden Age masterpiece.

What to Expect

Golden Age masterpiece with limited water but relentless bunkering (96 bunkers). Rolling hills, wide fairways funneling to tighter landing areas. Greens reject anything imprecise. Keith Foster\'s 2015 restoration preserved Tillinghast\'s original intent.

Strictly private — Maryland\'s top-ranked course.

Playing Tips

Approaches must land on the correct green tier or face long treacherous putts. Bunker play is essential — you will find sand.

Favor the conservative side of greens.

Highlights

  • 2021 BMW Championship and 1988 U.S. Women's Open host
  • A.W. Tillinghast Golden Age masterpiece
  • One of the finest private clubs in the mid-Atlantic

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bunkers?
96 — Tillinghast\'s relentless bunkering is the primary defense. One of his finest and least-altered works.

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