And what’s most important to you, couse conditioning or vibes? We’ve got a wide range. Like @jandywlu said, a lot depends on what your search radius is.
I likely won’t have a car of my own, so it’s probably better described as “rideshare distance.” I’d say probably within a 40-45 minute drive. I’m not looking to play the most manicured course in the world, would prefer something interesting and fun.
For context, on a similar trip to Dallas I played Cedar Crest, an old Tillinghast design that’s basically just a muni these days, but the layout was still super fun.
1 Like
We don’t have any Tilly, but can we interest you in some Ed Ault?
12 Likes
It sounds like East Potomac is in your future (AKA St. Potomac Golf Links). It’s fun, close, and you get to aim at the Washington monument on a few tee shots.
1 Like
That was the one course that was already in my crosshairs! I think it will all be about getting a tee time when they open up for that week. Worth the play though?
1 Like
I’m not the best person to answer that question, since my standards are low and I’m a EPGL-stan. But I love it and if you’re interested in a cool muni setting that features muni conditioning, it would be my choice.
2 Likes
It isn’t anywhere close to the conditioning at Cedar Crest (I played it the week before the big college tourney so I might be overestimating how good Cedar Crest is on a normal week), but it’s an interesting course and worth the visit if you’re in town for the unique setting. Langston is another public option which, like Cedar Crest, has a long and interesting history as a center for Black golf in America. It’s a more interesting course than East Potomac, but the conditioning is generally slightly worse.
You could also head out of the district and play a local favorite like the University of Maryland course or PubLinks host Laurel Hill.
5 Likes
Also did I use the word interesting enough? I need coffee.
5 Likes
You’re a bad guy. You’re supposed to be selling addictive things!
1 Like
once you get outside the DC muni’s, there is not much public golf within rideshare distance. UMD is a really solid option (30ish mins from NE DC), but morning tee times are hard to come by. For convenience, East Potomac and Langston (two of the DC munis) are your two best bets, but just be aware that they are a bit rough around the edges. Great things are in their future with the recent NLT stewardship (and they have made a very good start), but we just aren’t there yet.
3 Likes
In that case I’d recommend East Potomac (Blue Course), Laurel Hill in VA, or heading up to Falls Road in Maryland. Falls Road is my fave course of the three, usually good pace of play in my experience, and great conditioning. Shorter course (about 6700 from the tips I think, and plays shorter). It’s also very reasonable on rates, usually 40-60 bucks depending on day & time. Getting there during rush hour would be a bitch though.
Laurel Hill is a tough test and you should not walk it (incredibly hilly and the holes are very spread out). Your cart is included in your greens fee anyway, along with range balls, so take advantage. Laurel drains well and is conditioned nicely (it hosts a bunch of mid-am and similar events). Possibly an easier Uber ride during morning rush hour since you’d mostly be going against the flow of traffic. However, it might be a $100+ round.
East Po is cheap (~40 to walk) and scenic, but conditioning is tough sometimes (highly weather dependent) and pace can be miserable. Also, the range balls are the worst in the country. If the Blue course is fully booked, or if you’re pressed for time, the White course is a 9-hole executive and arguably the best 9 holes on the property. If you’re here for work, you could rip thru the White at 7am and be on time for meetings and whatnot downtown.
Personally I’m very out on Langston. It has a very cool history and all that, and still has great programs for junior golf that attract a lot of black kids from around DC. It’s still a staple of the African American community. If you wanna go there to experience all that stuff, by all means, please do. But solely as a golf experience, the best part of Langston is the range and practice area. The course is abysmal and my average pace of play there is probably 6.5 hours.
4 Likes
Awesome rundown, thank you for that!
2 Likes
Anyone playing in the Whole Hog III event at East Potomac? Potentially looking for a partner…
Hey Team,
My brother and I (both Boston Tee Party roost members, we come in peace) are headed down to Gainesville for the Solheim Cup in September and are looking to book a few rounds of golf while we are doing there. I have been skimming some of the recs in here but just wanted to see if there was any ideas for September golf in the DC/Baltimore/VA area. I lived in Baltimore for two years so am pretty familiar with the general area but wanted to get some insider info on what courses to look out for. My bro is about a 5 handicap and I’m working off a 12 if that makes any difference. We wouldn’t mind spending a bit more to get a good course under our feet with good conditties but neither of us are afraid to roll up our sleeves and get after it at a good muni or local spot that has good vibes too. Thanks in advance.
4 Likes
If you’re staying near Gainesville you could hit bull run and stonewall, which are both fun tracks.
I’d say your playing options vary significantly based on where you plan to stay.
3 Likes
Bulle Rock in Havre De Grace, MD is a great Dye course near Baltimore. University of Maryland is a fun public track that’s normally good in September, conditions were always mint the two years I was a member there. Would also recommend looking into Whiskey Creek in MD as well.
1 Like
What @DC3Putter said. You’ll probably get better conditions at Stonewall, but you’re on your own for vibes. Can’t vouch for good vibes at any DC area course. Might add Laurel Hill for a good muni track if that is at all convenient to where you are staying.
1 Like
Totally agree with all the recommendations in here but where you’re staying will really determine what your options are. Driving from Gainesville to anything in dc or md will be easily an hour or more.
1 Like
I can imagine Stonewall being closed for the Solheim cup since it is adjacent to RTJ. Blue Ridge Shadows about 40 mins south (don’t have to drive in traffic or deal with Maryland people) is a great course. Bull Run is a great track right next to Gainesville in Haymarket. Unfortunately, that 30-mile radios are full of private courses.
1 Like
Laurel Hill, Twin Lakes (ideally the Lakes Course) and Winchester could be all be good stops just about a half hour or so into northern VA. All public, although Winchester and Laurel might not open tee times until roughly a week out. Probably ~100 a person at either of them, and ~50ish at Twin.
1 Like