Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia have some of the top golf courses on the east coast and there are plenty of options for anyone who wants to spend a day out on the greens. From public courses to private courses that cost over 100K to join, there are plenty of options for the new golfer or the experienced golfer in Washington DC.
Best Golf Courses Near Washington D.C.: Public Courses
If you are making a golf trip to Washington D.C. has some of the best public golf courses on the east coast. This list of public golf courses are organized from the closest to the city to the furthest away. You will need a car to access the courses that are several miles outside of the DC area.
East Potomac Golf Links
East Potomac Golf Links, is a public golf course located on Hains Point in East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.. The golf course has been in operation since 1928 and features three courses. Two 9-hole courses: The White Course – a nine hole, par 34, executive course and the Red Course – a nine hole, par 27. And an 18-hole course, The Blue course, which is a par 72.
The course is known for its scenic views of the Potomac River and the Washington Monument. Hains Point Golf Course also has a driving range, practice holes, a miniature golf course, and a pro shop. The course is open year-round, weather permitting, and tee times can be reserved online or by phone. (source: East Potomac Golf Course)
Rock Creek Golf Course
Rock Creek Golf Course is a public golf course located in Washington, D.C. near the border of Maryland. The course was originally designed by architect Edmund B. Ault and opened in 1956. The course features 18 holes and is a par 65, with a total length of 4,798 yards from the back tees. It is a relatively short course, but the tight fairways and small greens make it a challenging one. The course is surrounded by the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park and features several holes that run alongside the creek itself.
Rock Creek Golf Course is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and tee times can be reserved up to seven days in advance. The course also offers a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for practice, as well as a pro shop and snack bar for golfers to enjoy.
In addition to golfing, Rock Creek Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park is also home to the Rock Creek Trail, a 14-mile paved trail that runs through the park and is popular among runners and cyclists.
Westfields Golf Club – Virginia
The Westfields Golf Club is a public golf course located in Clifton, Virginia, about 25 miles west of Washington, D.C. The course was designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates and opened in 1998. The course features 18 holes and is a par 71, with a total length of 6,926 yards from the back tees.
The layout of the course is challenging, with several water hazards, sand bunkers, and undulating greens that require precise shot-making. The course is known for its natural beauty, with many holes playing through wooded areas and over rolling hills.
The Westfields Golf Club also offers a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for golfers to work on their game. The course has a clubhouse with a pro shop, as well as a restaurant and bar for golfers to enjoy.
Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club – Virginia
Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club is a public golf course located in Front Royal, Virginia, just over an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. The course was designed by Ault, Clark & Associates and opened in 2007.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 72, with a total length of 7,315 yards from the back tees. The course is set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The layout of the course is challenging, with several elevated tee shots and undulating greens that require precise shot-making.
Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club also offers a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for golfers to work on their game. The course is known for its excellent course conditions and friendly staff.
In addition to golfing, the area around Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The town of Front Royal also has several restaurants, shops, and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Blue Mash – Maryland
Blue Mash Golf Course is a public golf course located in Laytonsville, Maryland, which is about 30 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.. The course was designed by Arthur Hills and features 18-hole course, with a mix of links-style, parkland, wooded, and water holes.
The course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Blue Mash Golf Course has been recognized as one of the top-rated courses in the Washington, D.C. area by Golf Advisor and has received positive reviews for its well-maintained greens and fairways.
In addition to golf, the course also offers a practice facility, a pro shop, and a restaurant. The course is open year-round, weather permitting, and tee times can be reserved online or by phone. (source: Blue Mash Golf Course)
Whiskey Creek Golf Club – Maryland
Whiskey Creek Golf Club is a public golf course located in Ijamsville, Maryland, which is about 45 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.. The course was designed by J. Michael Poellot and Ernie Els and opened in 2000. The course features 18 holes and measures just over 7,000 yards from the back tees. The course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Catoctin Mountains.
In addition to golf, Whiskey Creek Golf Club also offers a driving range, practice facilities, and a restaurant. The course is open year round, weather permitting, and tee times can be reserved online or by phone. (source: Whiskey Creek Golf Club)
Little Bennett Golf Course – Maryland
Little Bennett Golf Course is a public golf course located in Clarksburg, Maryland, about 30 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. The course was designed by Lindsay Ervin and opened in 2000. The course features 18 holes and is a par 71, with a total length of 6,700 yards from the back tees. The layout of the course is challenging, with several holes that require precise shot-making and strategic thinking. The course is known for its natural beauty, with many holes playing through wooded areas and over rolling hills.
Little Bennett Golf Course also offers a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for golfers to work on their game. The course has a clubhouse with a pro shop, as well as a snack bar and restaurant for golfers to enjoy.
Bull Run Golf Club – Virginia
Bull Run Golf Club is a public golf course located in Haymarket, Virginia, about an hour’s drive southwest of Washington, D.C. The course was designed by Rick Jacobson and opened in 1998. The course features 18 holes and is a par 72, with a total length of 6,966 yards from the back tees.
The layout of the course is challenging, with several water hazards, sand bunkers, and undulating greens that require precise shot-making. The course is known for its natural beauty, with many holes playing through wooded areas and over rolling hills.
Bull Run Golf Club also offers a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for golfers to work on their game. The course has a clubhouse with a pro shop, as well as a restaurant and bar for golfers to enjoy.
Best Golf Courses Near Washington DC: Private Club
There are also several private golf courses in the D.C. area. Typically you will need to be a member of the club or be invited by a member to play. Some of initiation fees for these country clubs can be as high $150,000.
Avenel Golf Club
Avenel Golf Club is a private golf club located in Potomac, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. The course was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1989.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 72, with a total length of 6,728 yards from the back tees. The layout of the course is challenging, with several water hazards, sand bunkers, and undulating greens that require precision and strategy. The course is known for its immaculate course conditions and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Avenel Golf Club also offers a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for members to work on their game. The club has a clubhouse with several dining options, as well as a pro shop and locker rooms for members to use.
In addition to the Booz Allen Classic, Avenel Golf Club has also hosted several other professional and amateur golf tournaments over the years. The club has a reputation for hosting top-notch events and providing excellent course conditions and amenities for players and spectators alike. While Avenel Golf Club is a private club, some of its tournaments have been open to the public in the past.
Columbia Country Club
Columbia Country Club is a private golf club located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, which is a suburb of Washington, DC. The club was founded in 1898 and features an 18-hole golf course that was designed by Walter Travis and renovated by Arthur Hills. The course is known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. The course has hosted several golf tournaments, including the US Women’s Open in 2017. In addition to golf, this Chevy Chase club also offers tennis, swimming, and dining facilities for its members. The club is private and membership is by invitation only. (source: Columbia Country Club)
Lakewood Country Club
Lakewood Country Club is a private golf club located in Rockville, Maryland, which is about 20 miles northwest of Washington, DC. The club features an 18-hole golf course that was designed by Edmund B. Ault, Al Jamison, and Rees Jones. The course measures just over 7,100 yards and is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The course has hosted several golf tournaments, including the Maryland Open.
In addition to golf, Lakewood Country Club also offers tennis, swimming, and dining facilities for its members. The club is private and membership is by invitation only. The initiation fee to join this club is $25,000. The club also has event spaces you can rent for special occasions.
Congressional Country Club
Congressional Country Club is a private golf club located in Bethesda, Maryland, which is about 10 miles northwest of Washington, DC. The club features two 18-hole golf courses, the Blue Course and the Gold Course. The Blue Course was designed by Devereux Emmet and renovated by Rees Jones, and has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Quicken Loans National.
The Gold Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and renovated by Arthur Hills. The club is known for its challenging courses and beautiful scenery, and has been recognized as one of the top-rated golf clubs in the United States by Golf Digest. In addition to golf, Congressional Country Club also offers tennis, swimming, and dining facilities for its members. The club is private and membership is by invitation only. (source: Congressional Country Club)
The cost to join Congressional Country Club varies depending on the type of membership and the applicant’s family size. According to Club Costs, the initiation fees range from $50,000 to $150,000 and annual dues range from $2,000 to $10,000. However, it is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may not be up to date. Additionally, membership at Congressional Country Club is by invitation only and requires a nomination from a current member.
Congressional is known for its championship golf course. Some of the notable golf tournaments that have been held at Congressional Country Club include:
- U.S. Open: Congressional has hosted the U.S. Open three times, in 1964, 1997, and 2011. The 2011 U.S. Open was won by Rory McIlroy, who set several scoring records during the tournament.
- PGA Championship: The club has hosted the PGA Championship twice, in 1976 and 2022. The 2022 PGA Championship was won by Collin Morikawa.
- Senior PGA Championship: Congressional has also hosted the Senior PGA Championship twice, in 2005 and 2009.
- AT&T National: From 2007 to 2012, Congressional hosted the AT&T National, a PGA Tour event that was hosted by Tiger Woods.
Congressional Country Club has a reputation for being one of the top golf clubs in the United States and for hosting some of the biggest and most prestigious golf events in the world. While the club is primarily a private club, some of its tournaments have been open to the public in the past.
Bethesda Country Club
Bethesda Country Club is a private golf club located in Bethesda, Maryland, which is about 10 miles northwest of Washington, DC. The club features an 18-hole golf course that was originally designed by Ed Ault in 1961 and later renovated by Arthur Hills in 1992. The course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The course has hosted several golf tournaments, including the Kemper Open. In addition to golf, Bethesda Country Club also offers tennis, swimming, and dining facilities for its members. The club is private and membership is by invitation only.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is a private golf club located in Gainesville, Virginia, about 40 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The club was founded in 1991 and was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 72, with a total length of 7,370 yards from the back tees. The layout of the course is challenging, with several water hazards, sand bunkers, and undulating greens that require precise shot-making. The course is known for its natural beauty, with many holes playing through wooded areas and over rolling hills.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club has hosted several professional golf tournaments over the years, including the Presidents Cup in 1994, 1996, 2000, and 2005. The course is also a regular stop on the PGA Tour and has hosted several other professional golf events.
In addition to golfing, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club offers a variety of other amenities for its members, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. The club also has a clubhouse with several dining options, as well as a pro shop and locker rooms for members to use. Overall, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is a prestigious and exclusive golf club
Best Golf Courses Near Washington D.C
Washington DC has some of the best public and private courses. Private golf courses like Congressional and Avenel have hosted major golf tournaments. While they are private clubs, these nationally televised events are often open to public spectators. The public golf courses that are closest to the DC area include East Potomac Golf Links and the golf course at Rock Creek. If you are able to drive into Virginia or Maryland some of the more popular public courses are Blue Mash (Maryland), Whiskey Creek (Maryland), Blue Ridge Shadows (Virginia), and Bull Run Golf Club (Virginia).
