Today I’m releasing Gunpowder Golf (v1) — a small, scrappy Maryland muni that means more to me than almost any other course I’ve ever stepped onto.
I grew up here. I learned the game here. I have so very many stories here, many with my Dad. I also hit more than my share of snap-hooks into these trees.
Gunpowder was never a fancy track. It was the local muni. Affordable (I believe it was $8 for me as a junior, and $12 to play all day), walkable, often a little rough around the edges… but it had personality. It had locals. It had memories. And for me, it had foundation. A place where golf became part of my DNA.
So for this build, I didn’t try to turn it into something it isn’t. Gunpowder shouldn’t look pristine. It shouldn’t have broadcast-polished fairways. It should feel like your old home course on a Saturday morning — a little worn, a little quirky, and very playable.
I tried to bring that forward in v1:
A lightly grungy, lived-in aesthetic
Simple, wide-open scoring opportunities
Trees that shape the lines without suffocating them
A few shots that bring back that classic muni tension
There’s still plenty of room to add more detail and charm in future updates, but this version captures the spirit of what Gunpowder has always been for me: fun, honest golf.
Since it is Thanksgiving weekend, I want to say this clearly:
I’m incredibly grateful for this community.
You all have given me the chance to build, create, experiment, and pour my heart into something I genuinely love. This Patreon has grown into something far bigger than I imagined, and as we close out 2025, I’m thankful for every single person who supports, votes, plays, and pushes these courses forward with me.
None of this happens without you.
These were the courses with the most activity in the idea threads. All of these will make great sim courses. Can't go wrong really, you know I'll put my heart and soul into the choice.
Enjoy Gunpowder this weekend — and thank you again for being part of this journey. It means more to me than you know.
– Brent (“Tekbud”)
Brent Wells
Course designer · tekbud.com