By Jeffrey A. Rendall, Photos By Jeffrey A. Rendall (with Bob Kubler)
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GAINESVILLE, VA - It's no exaggeration to say the world's come to Lake Manassas on three occasions, and gone away impressed every time. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club (on Lake Manassas) hosted the President's Cup in 1994, 1996 and 2000, and the world's best players (sans Europe) are returning again in 2005 to battle for the Cup a fourth time. For those who've walked the pristine fairways at 'RTJ' (as spectators or otherwise), there's no mystery why everyone's hankering to get back there.

At the same time, those three days of competition will present the only chance non-members will get to personally witness this special piece of golfing real estate in one of Virginia's most beautiful settings. RTJ is exclusively private, and it's very difficult to gain access to the golf course -- such is life for the public golfer. Lucky for most of us, we won't have to look long as there's one of the Washington, DC region's best public access courses right next door to RTJ. Stonewall Golf Club opened in 2001, providing similar spectacular glimpses of the lake as its famous neighbor, and you won't even have to take out a second mortgage to see them.

Simply put, Stonewall GC is sited on a near perfect plot of ground, complete with the tremendous rolling topographical variety of Northern Virginia, and adds stunning scenic watery vistas gained from eight holes alongside Lake Manassas.

Because of its proximity to the world famous layout, the well-educated DC golfing public will certainly attach a set of lofty expectations to the relative newcomer. That's okay, though, they're up for the challenge. Stonewall's Director of Golf, Rob Ford, says the club won't shy away from those expectations, either: "Working for Western Golf Properties (which manages the course and golf facilities), we're familiar with what it takes to run successful high-end properties. Being next to RTJ and bordering Lake Manassas, we'll definitely get a fair amount of critical attention - so there's some pressure to produce."

Ford continues, "But I look upon comparisons and expectations as positive motivating factors, because we're going to live up to the billing - and that'll lead to a satisfied and loyal clientele."

Aiding in this effort are Stonewall's impressive facilities - a 13,000 square foot clubhouse with casual and gourmet dining restaurants; a large practice range with two grass tees and five target greens; a short-game practice area with practice bunkers; complimentary valet parking for guests, and unmatched on-course accommodations, including 'delivery service' if you suddenly get the urge for a cheeseburger on the sixth hole. Here are some of the sights you'll see:

Stonewall Golf Club's par three 4th hole is magazine cover scenic. And at 213 yards from the back tees, it's not bad in the golf category, either.

You'll need to fly this ravine on the par four 15th hole. At 420 yards, there's challenge on both the tee and approach shots. The carry isn't as far as it looks, but it's still intimidating, nonetheless.

Every hole at Stonewall GC has a name. The 169 yard, par three 7th hole is named 'Little Sorrel,' which was Stonewall Jackson's horse. Bring your trivia skills to the club along with your golf clubs...

The 178 yard, par three 12th hole is one of those that's more difficult than it looks. It plays slightly uphill, and on the day we played, into the wind.

The 395 yard, par four 5th hole is named 'Sharpshooter.' You'll need to be just that accurate off the tee here, and it's a tough second shot into this smallish green, too.

From the putting surface of the par four 14th hole, you'll see RTJ's 18th green, just across a narrow finger of the lake - and as beautiful as it is, you certainly won't need to feel envious.

Stonewall GC's #1 handicap hole, the 558 yard, par five 6th hole, lies adjacent to a historic passageway, known as 'Rogues Road.' This road was extensively used during the Civil War.

The par five 13th hole is well bunkered, to say the least. 555 yards in length, if you've got some draw on your tee shot, the putting surface might be reachable in two.