Introducing: Broad Run Golf and Practice Facility

Location: Bristow

Par: 35 (nine holes)

Length: 3,070 yards (from back tees); 2,831 (from mens tees); 2,524 (senior tees); 2,221 (ladies tees).

Year opened: Fall of 1998

Cost: Weekdays: $15 (nine holes); $22.50 (18 holes). Weekends & holidays: $20, $27.50. Cart fee: $7.50.

Professional: Rick Zarlengo

Grass type: Bent

Top handicap hole: No. 5, par-4

Low handicap hole: No. 4, par-3

Toughest hole: No. 5. A slight dogleg left, this hole requires an accurate drive to avoid a lake running virtually the entire length of the hole on the left side. The hole plays 422 yards from the back tees and 396 yards from the mens tees so a long drive would help tremendously. A long and accurate drive still leaves a somewhat lengthy approach shot over the creek, which snakes in front of the green at the 150-yard mark.

Easiest hole: No. 4. This par-3 presents little challenge. This straight-as-an -arrow hole is just 131 yards from the back and 111 yards from the mens tees. Errant shots will find bunkers on the left and right sides of the green. However, the green is relatively large and the hole is short so avoiding the sand shouldnt be too much of an issue.

Most unique hole: No. 9. Why? This 380-yard par-4 requires an accurate shot from a long iron or fairway wood. A long drive too far to the right will put you into a marshy crossing. From the fairway, the hole turns almost 90 degrees to the right over the stream and up onto a green some 120 yards away. This deep green bends back to the left and has two bunkers guarding the left front side. If the pin is tucked in the back left corner, a conservative approach shot to the right or middle could be your best bet.

Best course feature: Well-maintained fairways and scenic shots abound.

Why go there? The motto for Broad Run is “Were All About Your Better Golf” and I believe it. You can practice a variety of shots at the facilitys short-game area, hit off grass or plastic tees at the driving range, take lessons from professional Rick Zarlengo, get your club repaired or hit the links for a cheap and challenging round of golf.

“Its covenient and comprehensive,” Zarlengo said. “You can practice anything here.”

Directions: Located at 10201 Golf Academy Drive just a mile from the Manassas city limits. From I-66, take exit 44 to Rte. 234 Bypass to Rte. 28 South. Follow 28 to Golf Academy Drive, turn left into Broad Run Golf Academy. From I-95, take exit 152 (Rte. 234 North) toward Manassas. Turn left on Rte. 28 South. Follow to Golf Academy Drive, turn left into Broad Run Golf Academy.

Phone number: (703) 365-2443

Web site: www.broadrungolfpractice.com

Kipp Hanley