WISP RESORT
🇺🇸 McHenry, MD, USA
Designed by Hale Irwin Signature Design, Todd Schoeder
Lodestone at Wisp Resort, carved into the mountainous landscape of McHenry, Maryland, presents a formidable challenge where errant shots are swallowed by the surrounding wilderness. Designed by Hale Irwin, the course emerged in the late 2000s, a modern take on mountain golf where elevation changes dictate club selection as much as distance.
The terrain is the defining characteristic. Fairways tilt and dive, often demanding blind shots to receptive landing areas. Length is a definite asset, with several par-4s and par-5s stretching to considerable yardages. However, power without prudence is quickly penalized; controlled fades are often preferable to aggressive draws on many holes that hug the natural contours of the Allegheny Mountains.
Though not a regular stop for elite competition, Lodestone offers a compelling test for those who seek it out. This mountain course has become a fixture for local and regional golf enthusiasts. The nineteenth hole, known for its hearty post-round fare featuring locally sourced smoked meats, has become a celebrated tradition.
Reviews
Note: this review is of the course back when I last played in 2023. Currently the course has taken a step back by all accounts. Lodestone is an example of how to properly do a mountain course. Extreme elevation changes, large green sites, and heavily tree lined. At times you feel like you hitting off a cliff, one hole later it can feel like you’re in a jungle. The routing is a blast and the green are massive and undulating. Due to the severe contouring on these greens they run a tick or two slower than many expect. While slower greens are hated by some they are the perfect speed on the course to prevent the extreme nature of these greens from being unfair. The practice facilities are great and the course is distinctive and fun. This is a resort course and they charge resort prices. By no means is this a great value and should be played as a vacation splurge round or a once a summer visit. I once paid $17 for a water and hot dog…
Overrated course as of the beginning Summer 25’. Used to be a gem, now a joke for $160. Someone at the end of 24’ said this course is a perfect recreation from no man’s land in the First World War. Harsh, but quite accurate.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Lodestone at Wisp Resort has a Course Vaults score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 9 explicit golfer ratings.
Lodestone was designed by Hale Irwin Signature Design and Todd Schoeder.
Yes. Lodestone at Wisp Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Lodestone is 72.
Lodestone plays 7,475 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Lodestone is 142.
