5 best public golf courses in the DC area
The DC metro area is quite large, covering portions of both Maryland and Virginia. The area is filled with golf courses, but many of them private. There are great public courses too if you know where to look, so here are the 5 best public golf courses in the DC area.
Northwest Golf Course: One of the most difficult 18 holes in the DMV, along with a short and simple practice course called “the inside 9” make up Northwest’s 27 holes of golf. Located in Sliver Spring, MD, the course is in a great location for anyone living in the DC, Bethesda, Silver Spring, or Rockville areas. The course also offers heavily discounted rates during non-peak hours, so is actually one of the more affordable courses in the area. It’s also a member of Montgomery County Golf, which has eight other courses to enjoy.
Blue Mash: The always impeccably preserved Blue Mash Golf Course, located in Laytonsville, MD, presents one of the most beautiful public golf courses in the DC area. The course is a longer trip from city center, but for good reason as it tracks through a ton of acreage. With a good mix of links style holes and tree lined fairways, no hole here feels the same. Blue Mash is a great test of golf and an awesome place for public golfers to play.
Looking to meet other golfers in the DC area? Check out the DC City Tour which hosts weekend, team tournaments throughout the summer. You can sign-up as a free agent or start your own golf team.
East Potomac Golf Course: One of 3 courses located within the actual boundaries of the District of Columbia, East Potomac presents spectacular views of the City. The Washington Monument is often the aiming point on tee shots, as it towers above the trees around the course. If your looking for a challenging course or a spectacular design and layout, this is probably not the course for you. If you’re looking for something nearby that provides breathtaking surroundings, tee it up at East Potomac.
Potomac Shores Golf Club: The undulating fairways and uniquely designed holes of Potomac Shores provide one of the best golfing experiences in the state of Virginia. Managed by Troon Golf and located in Potomac Shores, VA, this course plays to a rating and slope of 74.7/144, making it one of the most difficult tracks around. If you are a single digit handicap looking for a tough challenge on a gorgeous course, Potomac Shores is the place for you. This is certainly one of the best public golf courses in the DC area, but also one of the most difficult.
University of Maryland Golf Course: Home to the Terrapins, the University of Maryland’s golf course is perhaps one of the best in the entire state. Located just off campus in College Park, The club hosts tons of outside events and often has public tee times available. It’s also a local favorite, and tee times here should be booked far in advance.