Private golf in the Baltimore area

[jshel]

Guys,

 

I'm talking with a company in Baltimore about relocating for a job. Not sure if it will happen, but there's a possibility. Before I get too far down the line, I'd love to get a sense on private golf.

 

What's attainable? What are initiation fees like? What is possible?

 

Job would be downtown. No idea where I would live (might depend on where I join to be honest).

 

A bit about me: Early 40s, no kids, handicap ranges from 3-5. I'm a member at a private club in Minneapolis. I like classic golf courses. I like to walk and carry my bag. I like playing in the evening. I want good conditions, a decent group of people. I don't care about tennis, pool, formal dining, etc. Not opposed to having them as an option, but this is a golf decision. I know a guy a little bit who is a member at BCC, but haven't talked to him about this (and won't until it gets serious).

 

Where are the decent players? Where do they have a good membership? Any ideas on initiation fees?

 

Any help would be appreciated.

[GooseHook]

Tons of old-style private layouts in the area. Within the metro area, the ones I can think of are:

Caves Valley
BCC
Hillendale
Hayfields
Elkridge Club
CC of MD (Towson)
Towson Golf & CC (aka Eagle's Nest)
Rolling Rd
Sparrows Point (my club)

To me it sounds like BCC would be extreme overkill for what you're looking, given the cost and likely lengthy membership process. The rest (outside of caves** and maybe Elkridge**) are highly golf oriented and all walkable courses. I personally joined SPCC because they've got 27 holes and a show up-and-play policy for times during the week.

Can't really speak to much else, because your [i]actual[/i] work and living location will play a much more important role in choosing a course. While these are in a metro area circle, traffic varies along the beltway and access becomes a pain.

Not to mention we have a real great bunch of public tracks in this area, some of which put the private facilities to shame.


**old or somewhat exclusive

[altemus13]

My family was members at SPCC for years and years. Just got out. Loved the layout every time I played it. Outer 18 and Inside 9 are both great.

#13 is a bear especially in the wind. #18 is fun too.

[TitleistKid]

You can add Greenspring Valley cc to the list. I work next door, it appears to have a killer short game/wedge practice area. Given the community it's in, I would assume it's on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

[Benzo]

Possibly moving there with wife's job. Very interested as been playing private golf for 3+ years and don't wanna go back to public :(

[justin10784]

Greenspring is the opposite of the cheap end of the spectrum (for Baltimore). Also it's an oldBaltimore crowd so it's a process to get in, you can't just cut a check.

[Benzo]

What's the ballpark price for green spring?

[JM24]

Check out Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air (30 mins from Baltimore). #2 golf course rating in the state behind Bulle Rock (75.8/147 from the tips). Always in perfect shape and at roughy $575/month for full family membership, the best deal going. I play 2-3 times/week in the evening and get anywhere from 12-18 holes in when teeing off at 4:30-5:00.

[oneputter]

I have been a member at Hillendale CC for 16 years if you are interested in checking it out. Old style course that has never been in better shape. Fun group of guys, easy to get a game together.

[Benzo]

Thank you both!

 

So the Baltimore thing is happening!

 

[Fairway Robbery]

Congrats Ben good luck with the move! We'll have to catch up when the weather turns

[Benzo]

Thanks Andrew! Your new bag is looking awesome