DC Course Recommendations

[gimpolean]

Small Corporate Outing

Hey guys,

I've been asked to organize a small tournament (25-35 people) for a professional society who is having their annual meeting in Washington D.C. in April 2012. I've never played golf up there but I know a lot of the clubs in the immediate vicinity of D.C. are very private. Most of the courses that were contacted were requiring that a member be present in each foursome, which we cannot do.

Can anyone provide me with any course recommendations that might be ideal to host an event like this? Cost is not an issue and these guys are really just looking to have a good time since I know most of them aren't the best players.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[wfrogg]

It has been a while since I have been down there but Worthington Manor was always kept in nice shape. it about 30 minutes northwest of DC non rush hour.

[bartlettsj]

Sugguest Laurel Hill in Lorton, VA or Westfields in Clifton, VA which are about 30 miles southwest of DC. Lake Presidential or Renditions which are both northeast of DC in PG County.

[Pit_Man]

Give creighton farms a call. Its private, but membership is very small so they may be open to a small outing (particularly if $ isn't an issue as you said).
Its an outstanding place and well worth a try. If you are a member elsewhere, that may help.

[pilotdeviation]

[quote name='gimpolean' timestamp='1323102183' post='3894455']
Hey guys,

I've been asked to organize a small tournament (25-35 people) for a professional society who is having their annual meeting in Washington D.C. in April 2012. I've never played golf up there but I know a lot of the clubs in the immediate vicinity of D.C. are very private. Most of the courses that were contacted were requiring that a member be present in each foursome, which we cannot do.

Can anyone provide me with any course recommendations that might be ideal to host an event like this? Cost is not an issue and these guys are really just looking to have a good time since I know most of them aren't the best players.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
[/quote]

Woodmore Country Club hosts outside groups without a member being present and is one of the top 10 courses in Maryland. If you have to go the public route I'd look at Old Hickory in Virginia and Lake Presidential in Maryland.

[naws-golfer]

I really liked Whiskey creek, i think its in MD, but a nice place.

[AndersonGT]

[quote name='gimpolean' timestamp='1323102183' post='3894455']
Hey guys,

I've been asked to organize a small tournament (25-35 people) for a professional society who is having their annual meeting in Washington D.C. in April 2012. I've never played golf up there but I know a lot of the clubs in the immediate vicinity of D.C. are very private. Most of the courses that were contacted were requiring that a member be present in each foursome, which we cannot do.

Can anyone provide me with any course recommendations that might be ideal to host an event like this? Cost is not an issue and these guys are really just looking to have a good time since I know most of them aren't the best players.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
[/quote]

I have lived in DC Metro all my life and have played just about every PUBLIC course in the area. The best public course is hands down Whiskey Creek however it is about 45 mins. drive northwest of DC in Maryland. For Virginia I would say Rasberry Falls or Landsdowne, both are at least a 30 min. drive. Laurel Hill, VA; Univ. Of Maryland, and Falls Road,MD will be the closest descent courses. I would suggest Blue Mash as that is only 25 or 30 mins. and is a great mix of links style golf. The location of the hotel/conference will be crucial to picking a course. Do you know what hotel/where everyone will be staying?

[LBWAHOO]

It's been a year since i played it but i really like Lake Presidential in Upper Marlboro, MD. Beautiful course and it was in excellent shape.

[OSU]

I have played tons of courses in the DC area...and will 2nd the opinion that it all depends on where your group is staying. Some courses are easier to get to than others with the traffic. [b]Lake Presidential would be my #1[/b] suggestion, its not difficult to get to and they would love your business and its a great course. There are a bunch of great courses to the NE of DC near Frederick, MD (I-270/70 area)..whiskey creek, MD National, Musket Ridge, PB Dye. The best of the bunch up there in my opinion is a county run course, [b]Little Bennett[/b]..(Host of a Nationwide Tour Monday qualifier event a few years back) . In Virginia, Westfields is great and Raspberry Falls is also pretty sweet...but I have played the Falls three times (Fall, Spring, Summer) and I always remember the bugs!...no see um's all in your eyes, ears, nose..every hole, all the time no matter what time of year...It's weird.

Lake Presidential....lock it up!

[SHIVAN]

If the meeting is in DC, Raspberry Falls and some of the others are going to be a bit of a haul.

Laurel Hill in Lorton, VA is so easy to get to, 18.4 miles from the Pentagon. and it's close and generally going against traffic in the AM.

Should be about $90 for each player, maybe a little less do to the offseason.

Whiskey Creek is nice, but it's pretty far north of and West of DC. 45.9 miles from the Pentagon, according to Google Maps.

Raspberry Falls is also a haul at 42.1 miles from the Pentagon.


Old Hickory, part of the Raspberry Trail could probably accomodate your outing and is just a little further south than Laurel Hills @ 27.3 miles from the Pentagon.



My recommendation would be Laurel Hills. It is host to the 2013 Publinks Qualifier, and already hosted several other key tournaments. It has several tees to choose from and a good test of golf for everyone.

[viridis]

I would second Blue Mash and Worthington Manor. These course are usually in good shape during any time of the year. The courses up 270 (whiskey creek, worthington manor, pb dye) are nice and the drive is not that bad if not done during rush hour.
I think pb dye is always a little beat up though

good luck

[SHIVAN]

[quote name='viridis' timestamp='1323728464' post='3929687']
...and the drive is not that bad if not done during rush hour. [/quote]

I think that is relative. If the people are from LA or NYC it will be cake. If the people are from Youngstown, OH forty+ miles in Metro DC traffic will feel like torture in an Iron Maiden or Steel Bull.

Blue Mash is probably worth it though, some pretty discerning people I know, LOVE it. I know Whiskey Creek is sweet, but man it's a haul. Coming back south on 270 at rush hour? Good luck with that.....

[AndersonGT]

[quote name='OSU' timestamp='1323709586' post='3928155']
I have played tons of courses in the DC area...and will 2nd the opinion that it all depends on where your group is staying. Some courses are easier to get to than others with the traffic. [b]Lake Presidential would be my #1[/b] suggestion, its not difficult to get to and they would love your business and its a great course. There are a bunch of great courses to the NE of DC near Frederick, MD (I-270/70 area)..whiskey creek, MD National, Musket Ridge, PB Dye. The best of the bunch up there in my opinion is a county run course, [b]Little Bennett[/b]..(Host of a Nationwide Tour Monday qualifier event a few years back) . In Virginia, Westfields is great and Raspberry Falls is also pretty sweet...but I have played the Falls three times (Fall, Spring, Summer) and I always remember the bugs!...no see um's all in your eyes, ears, nose..every hole, all the time no matter what time of year...It's weird.

Lake Presidential....lock it up!
[/quote]

Very unfortunate as I used to really enjoy Little Bennett but the past two years it has really gone to sh--. It's a real shame.

[Doc Mcstuffins]

If you are interested I would be happy to see if I can put you on my home course for that date. It's a private facility that hosts professional tournaments and pretty much as close as you can get to downtown DC. If they aren't the best golfers as you had mentioned, it might make for a long day, however the conditions are flawless. Shoot me a PM if interested and I will see what I can do for you.

Joe

[Greenie]

[quote name='AndersonGT' timestamp='1323904746' post='3940381']
[quote name='OSU' timestamp='1323709586' post='3928155']
I have played tons of courses in the DC area...and will 2nd the opinion that it all depends on where your group is staying. Some courses are easier to get to than others with the traffic. [b]Lake Presidential would be my #1[/b] suggestion, its not difficult to get to and they would love your business and its a great course. There are a bunch of great courses to the NE of DC near Frederick, MD (I-270/70 area)..whiskey creek, MD National, Musket Ridge, PB Dye. The best of the bunch up there in my opinion is a county run course, [b]Little Bennett[/b]..(Host of a Nationwide Tour Monday qualifier event a few years back) . In Virginia, Westfields is great and Raspberry Falls is also pretty sweet...but I have played the Falls three times (Fall, Spring, Summer) and I always remember the bugs!...no see um's all in your eyes, ears, nose..every hole, all the time no matter what time of year...It's weird.

Lake Presidential....lock it up!
[/quote]

Very unfortunate as I used to really enjoy Little Bennett but the past two years it has really gone to sh--. It's a real shame.
[/quote]

Everyone is intitled to their opinion. Even though Little Bennett is or was a favorite on mine it isn't in the same class as the other courses you mention. I agree with the other comment. Little Bennett has gone to crap in recent years.

[gimpolean]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the recommendations. I think I am leaning towards Westfields since I have read nothing but good reviews and it is within 30 miles of the hotel. Plus their events coordinator has been super helpful so far. Joeclothing can you shoot me a PM if you get a chance? I'd be interested in your offer if you can manage to get back to me soon.

[Doc Mcstuffins]

Just wanted to update the OP. I sent you a PM, but in case you don't get it, I think I have you set up at a VERY sweet course.
Cheers,
Joe

[stimpmeterp]

[quote name='AndersonGT' timestamp='1323205290' post='3900957']
[quote name='gimpolean' timestamp='1323102183' post='3894455']
Hey guys,

I've been asked to organize a small tournament (25-35 people) for a professional society who is having their annual meeting in Washington D.C. in April 2012. I've never played golf up there but I know a lot of the clubs in the immediate vicinity of D.C. are very private. Most of the courses that were contacted were requiring that a member be present in each foursome, which we cannot do.

Can anyone provide me with any course recommendations that might be ideal to host an event like this? Cost is not an issue and these guys are really just looking to have a good time since I know most of them aren't the best players.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
[/quote]

I have lived in DC Metro all my life and have played just about every PUBLIC course in the area. The best public course is hands down Whiskey Creek however it is about 45 mins. drive northwest of DC in Maryland. For Virginia I would say Rasberry Falls or Landsdowne, both are at least a 30 min. drive. Laurel Hill, VA; Univ. Of Maryland, and Falls Road,MD will be the closest descent courses. I would suggest Blue Mash as that is only 25 or 30 mins. and is a great mix of links style golf. The location of the hotel/conference will be crucial to picking a course. Do you know what hotel/where everyone will be staying?
[/quote]

+ 1 been here in metro DC forever and Anderson's got it covered. Note that TPC Potomac at Avenel Farms may host you all.