What's in a name? At Twin Shields Golf Club, the answer is a lot of history.
Twin Shields is an 18-hole, par-70 course located just over the county line in Calvert County. It's so close that "you could spit on it (from Anne Arundel County)," said John Dodson, Twin Shields' affable head pro for the past 31 years.
In an age of high-priced, upscale golf courses often managed by corporate, bottom-line types, Twin Shields is a throwback.
Located just off Route 4 in Dunkirk, Twin Shields got its name from its creators - identical twins Ray and Roy Shields. In 1958, Ray and Roy purchased Glenn Dale Golf Club in Glenn Dale. The course was in terrible condition and needed major renovation work. The brothers began transforming the course and facilities into an attractive club that still stands today.
Ten years later, after selling what is now Annapolis Golf Club, the twins decided to build their own course. After acquiring nearly 300 acres of tobacco farmland in Calvert County, Ray got busy designing the layout with several bulldozers. There were no architectural plans for the course - it was built by sight only. Thanks to assistance from a third brother, Bob, the course was open and playable in 15 months.
Ray Shields passed away in 1980. His three children continue to run Glenn Dale.
Roy died in 1998. His daughters, Karen and Diane, oversee operations at Twin Shields, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in May.
"We're proud of what we have here," said Diane Shields Allen, an Annapolis resident. "Dad and Ray came to Maryland from Ohio without much money. What they did and how they did it is remarkable."
Referred to as a "little corner of heaven," Twin Shields attracts golfers from the Washington, D.C., area (the course is 20 minutes from the Beltway) as well as neighboring Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties. Ms. Shields Allen said she can leave her home in Riva Trace and be at the course in 30 minutes.
"I think people just assume that we're really far away (from Annapolis)," she said. "I'm just not sure a lot of people are aware exactly where we are."
Twin Shields is a player-friendly course, stretching 6,527 yards over typical Southern Maryland rolling terrain with large, undulating greens. It also has a down-home, friendly atmosphere. Karen Shields Keen, Diane's sister, runs the day-to-day operations and resides on golf course property. Mr. Dodson lives in a house located just off the 10th green.
Twin Shields' rates are very reasonable; the weekday rate for walking 18 holes is $27 ($42 with a cart). Membership is kept to about 125, and pace of play is usually swift, making a four-hour round very possible.
Source: The Capital (Annapolis, Md.)