Where to play in D.C.?

[dporto]

Going down to D.C. March 16th - 18th and want to try to get a round or two in... Would prefer in the $60.00 w/cart range but would probably go a little more if something is highly recommended. An invite (for 2) to Congressional would be much appreciated of course :jester: ...

[stimpmeterp]

Our weather will be hit or miss, but there are options in that price range within 20-30 minutes of downtown D.C.

1) Blue Mash - closest thing you'll get to a links style course 3 hours inland. Nothing easy about the layout and you'll likely hit every club in the bag. http://bluemash.com/rates/spring-rates-2012

2) Falls Road - this is the muni on the Maryland side of the Potomac; designed by Ault/Clark and always a fun play. The condition these past 3-4 years has been outstanding. Weekend rounds could take 4.5 hours plus. http://www.montgomerycountygolf.com/course_fr.php?page_id=1572

3) Hampshire Greens - another county owned course, but more modern than Falls Road and the newest offering by Montgomery County. Does play through a neighborhood, if there's a knock, it's the houses. Otherwise a good play. http://www.montgomerycountygolf.com/course_hg.php?page_id=1633

4) Reston National - this is Northern VA's version of Falls Road, it happens to be a nice layout and presents plenty challenge. The knock is there are tons of golfers in this region and come a nice day in mid-March, they'll all be out to play. http://www.restonnationalgc.com/Reston-Virginia-Rates.html

----------------------

Up your $ fees just a bit and your willingness to drive an extra 10-15 minutes, and your opportunities broaden. Google these:

1) Whiskey Creek (MD)
2) Raspberry Falls (VA)
3) Maryland National (MD)
4) Musket Ridge (MD)
5) P.B. Dye (MD)
6) Stonewall (VA)

Good luck; let me know if you have any questions.

[bobgeorge]

A few other courses within 30 mins of DC that are in the $70-$80 range:

Lake Presidential - Upper Marlboro, MD
Laurel Hills - Lorton, VA
1757 - Dullis, VA
South Riding - near Dullis, VA

All are very nice!

Enjoy!

[mizuno player]

+2 on lake Presidential.

[hwatsky]

Falls Road is garbage. +1 for Whiskey Creek and P.B. Dye, but they're kind of a trek from DC. Your best bet for a MEMORABLE round is going to be Lake Presidential. It should have the best greens, too, as they keep it pretty kept year round.

[dcmidnight]

Other than munis $60 wont get you a round in this area. Sad as this may sound but I cant really highly recommend any coures that would be $50-60, unless it was some kind of golfnow deal. Going up to $75-100 is more realistic.

First off, where exactly will you be? People tell me they are "coming to DC" but that can mean anything from flying into/staying near Dulles all the way up to near Baltimore. Definitely will affect what courses to suggest as there are dozens of top shelf courses in that price range.

[dporto]

Ok guys thanks for the suggestions so far. The person I'm visiting is actually in Bethesda, so I figured "DC" would be close enough...I suppose I should have said "DC area". I had a feeling the $50 - $60 range was a little light, but I figured I'd just weed out the real high end stuff right away!!! $75-$100 is doable since we're only going to play a round or two (maybe a cheap re-play?). In any case, so far it looks like Lake Presidential is the front runner with 3 or 4 rec's...I'll check it out online. Thx

[dcmidnight]

In Bethesda? Well there are a few decent options within 45 minutes or so.

Lake Presidential is nice but IMO is slightly overrated for the price. I played in a tournament there last year and it was nice but just IMO there are courses as nice if not nicer in the area.

The University of MD course is quite close to where you'll be and where they have a Nationwide event. If the course is in good shape it is a real nice track and will not leave you too much driving - keep in mind driving in this area on the Beltway or on 270 is a complete zoo.

North on 270 I'd recommend Whiskey Creek or Worthington Manor. Both are real nice tracks and will fall right in that price range.

If you want a cheaper option, I've played Needwood a few times, its close by. Definitely more of a muni but also will be inexpensive.

[theD1]

From Bethesda, Lake Presidential would be a pretty good option (I happen to love the course), but also be sure and check out Blue Mash, Whiskey Creek, and Waverly Woods. Whiskey Creek is the most expensive of the bunch. Blue Mash and Waverly are owned by the same group, and offer good online specials. Lake Presidential has some good weekday deals on Golfnow.com, but weekends there can be both expensive and slow.

Many of the local courses have started to use Groupon and Living Social, which has been nice. Definitely worth spending some time online, lots of deals to be had in the area.

[stimpmeterp]

[quote name='theD1' timestamp='1329107765' post='4273027']
From Bethesda, Lake Presidential would be a pretty good option (I happen to love the course), but also be sure and check out Blue Mash, Whiskey Creek, and Waverly Woods. Whiskey Creek is the most expensive of the bunch. Blue Mash and Waverly are owned by the same group, and offer good online specials. Lake Presidential has some good weekday deals on Golfnow.com, but weekends there can be both expensive and slow.

Many of the local courses have started to use Groupon and Living Social, which has been nice. Definitely worth spending some time online, lots of deals to be had in the area.
[/quote]

+ 1

[kevinho]

+1 for Lake Presidential as option 1.

Though the most expensive of the MD courses mentioned, I would highly recommend Whiskey Creek if you're getting in a second round.

[ChipDriver]

[quote name='dporto' timestamp='1328800094' post='4244545']
Going down to D.C. March 16th - 18th and want to try to get a round or two in... Would prefer in the $60.00 w/cart range but would probably go a little more if something is highly recommended. An invite (for 2) to Congressional would be much appreciated of course ...
[/quote]

Agree with DC Midnight - for your price point it will be difficult to find a "nice" place. But if "fun" is important I think the world is your oyster around here. Bethesda is close to several options - but consider the following: Average high temperature will still be mid 50s or lower. Morning temps are cool and frost delays are still possible/probable. Although daylight savings time starts, it may not be enough for a replay. TRAFFIC is a consideration all the time.


Good suggestions so far - here are some others within your price point:


RedGate Golf Course - in Rockville - about 15 minutes from Bethesda
Falls Road - in Potomac - about 15 minutes away too.
Both are in your price point - but they are a little boring...the premium will be on having fun with your buddy, not necessarily "challenging golf". They are not easy and they are not dog tracks, but they are also not like a country club.
Blue Mash - not a fan. It is a slow course and slower if you're cart path only.

Up I-270 you have 4 courses - about 45 minutes from Bethesda:.
****Little Bennett Golf Course - I think for the money this is the best deal/course in the Maryland area. It is a muni that is challenging and fun...it used to hold local qualifiers for the Booz Allen/Tiger's ATT National and US Open - no slouch of a course at all - surprised many have not mentioned it. But it's older and not as much polish I suppose. For what you want - I'd consider this course...I doubt you'll be disappointed. Super all-grass range.
Worthington Manor - this is a challenging an nice course. Decent condition, generally good greens and priced nicely. However they have 2 holes that seemingly repeat itself...you stand there and say "hey...didn't I already play this one? ).

I have heard nice things about Lake Presidential - except that it's in Marlboro - and for all intents and purposes it will be more than an hour to get there if you have a morning tee time due to traffic...and be prepared to repeat it coming back...traffic starts to jam up around 3:30 here.

If you have a pro or a private club in your area - have him call any of the local clubs - Bethesda, Congressional or TPC are all within spitting distance - he may be able to get you on as a courtesy.

Have fun and good luck. :-)

[dporto]

Ok guys great info. thanks so much for all the responses! I'll let you know how it goes...

[generalbolg]

+1 on Little Bennet. Without a doubt the best kept secret in MD public golf. Like the other guy said, it doesn't exactly have amenities, but the beer is cold, and its a great layout in a very, very scenic area. Because its a bit out of the way, it doesn't get that much traffic. Also, great driving range.

Also up that way is P.B. Dye. IMO its a very gimmicky golf course, and is only fun to play once you've had a few rounds there under your belt. That said its pretty and in good condition.

A bit closer in is Blue Mash. This is probably your best bet for quality golf in the area. Its a tough track, but always in good shape. Blue Mash gets popular, and because of its difficulty, play can be slow. Best public practice area near Bethesda.

Falls Road is a decent muni. I've played this course so many times and I love it. Its 15 minutes from Bethesda. Back 9 is great, and considering how many rounds get played there, the condition inst terrible. Its a bit pricey for what it is, and whoever said 4.5 hour rounds is out of the mind unless they are talking about getting out before 9am. Block off at least 5 hours to play on a weekend, you will see at least 3 groups on every hole.

[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1329144881' post='4274757']
[quote name='dporto' timestamp='1328800094' post='4244545']
Going down to D.C. March 16th - 18th and want to try to get a round or two in... Would prefer in the $60.00 w/cart range but would probably go a little more if something is highly recommended. An invite (for 2) to Congressional would be much appreciated of course ...
[/quote]

Agree with DC Midnight - for your price point it will be difficult to find a "nice" place. But if "fun" is important I think the world is your oyster around here. Bethesda is close to several options - but consider the following: Average high temperature will still be mid 50s or lower. Morning temps are cool and frost delays are still possible/probable. Although daylight savings time starts, it may not be enough for a replay. TRAFFIC is a consideration all the time.


Good suggestions so far - here are some others within your price point:


RedGate Golf Course - in Rockville - about 15 minutes from Bethesda
Falls Road - in Potomac - about 15 minutes away too.
Both are in your price point - but they are a little boring...the premium will be on having fun with your buddy, not necessarily "challenging golf". They are not easy and they are not dog tracks, but they are also not like a country club.
Blue Mash - not a fan. It is a slow course and slower if you're cart path only.

Up I-270 you have 4 courses - about 45 minutes from Bethesda:.
****Little Bennett Golf Course - I think for the money this is the best deal/course in the Maryland area. It is a muni that is challenging and fun...it used to hold local qualifiers for the Booz Allen/Tiger's ATT National and US Open - no slouch of a course at all - surprised many have not mentioned it. But it's older and not as much polish I suppose. For what you want - I'd consider this course...I doubt you'll be disappointed. Super all-grass range.
Worthington Manor - this is a challenging an nice course. Decent condition, generally good greens and priced nicely. However they have 2 holes that seemingly repeat itself...you stand there and say "hey...didn't I already play this one? ).

I have heard nice things about Lake Presidential - except that it's in Marlboro - and for all intents and purposes it will be more than an hour to get there if you have a morning tee time due to traffic...and be prepared to repeat it coming back...traffic starts to jam up around 3:30 here.

If you have a pro or a private club in your area - have him call any of the local clubs - Bethesda, Congressional or TPC are all within spitting distance - he may be able to get you on as a courtesy.

Have fun and good luck. :-)
[/quote]

[aiyyer]

As other have mentioned, the 270 corridor is close to Bethesda and has the best courses in the area.
Little Bennett- Best value
Worthington Manor - tough
PB Dye
Whiskey Creek
Maryland National

With winter rates all these courses should be within the price range you mentioned. Little Bennett,as other have mentioned, is the area's best secret. If you really want to drive another 40 minutes, the Links At Gettsyburg is great for the price.
Will be playing little bennet this weekend

[aiyyer]

[quote name='aiyyer' timestamp='1329276086' post='4288361']
As other have mentioned, the 270 corridor is close to Bethesda and has the best courses in the area.
Little Bennett- Best value
Worthington Manor - tough
PB Dye
Whiskey Creek
Maryland National

With winter rates all these courses should be within the price range you mentioned. Little Bennett,as other have mentioned, is the area's best secret. If you really want to drive another 40 minutes, the Links At Gettsyburg is great for the price.
Will be playing little bennet this weekend
[/quote]

For the golfers in this area, please support Hope Valley Golf course in Mt Airy. A great short course for a quick 2 hr round and with some nice scenic holes

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1329144881' post='4274757']
[quote name='dporto' timestamp='1328800094' post='4244545']
Going down to D.C. March 16th - 18th and want to try to get a round or two in... Would prefer in the $60.00 w/cart range but would probably go a little more if something is highly recommended. An invite (for 2) to Congressional would be much appreciated of course ...
[/quote]

Agree with DC Midnight - for your price point it will be difficult to find a "nice" place. But if "fun" is important I think the world is your oyster around here. Bethesda is close to several options - but consider the following: Average high temperature will still be mid 50s or lower. Morning temps are cool and frost delays are still possible/probable. Although daylight savings time starts, it may not be enough for a replay. TRAFFIC is a consideration all the time.


Good suggestions so far - here are some others within your price point:


RedGate Golf Course - in Rockville - about 15 minutes from Bethesda
Falls Road - in Potomac - about 15 minutes away too.
Both are in your price point - but they are a little boring...the premium will be on having fun with your buddy, not necessarily "challenging golf". They are not easy and they are not dog tracks, but they are also not like a country club.
Blue Mash - not a fan. It is a slow course and slower if you're cart path only.

Up I-270 you have 4 courses - about 45 minutes from Bethesda:.
****Little Bennett Golf Course - I think for the money this is the best deal/course in the Maryland area. It is a muni that is challenging and fun...it used to hold local qualifiers for the Booz Allen/Tiger's ATT National and US Open - no slouch of a course at all - surprised many have not mentioned it. But it's older and not as much polish I suppose. For what you want - I'd consider this course...I doubt you'll be disappointed. Super all-grass range.
Worthington Manor - this is a challenging an nice course. Decent condition, generally good greens and priced nicely. However they have 2 holes that seemingly repeat itself...you stand there and say "hey...didn't I already play this one? ).

I have heard nice things about Lake Presidential - except that it's in Marlboro - and for all intents and purposes it will be more than an hour to get there if you have a morning tee time due to traffic...and be prepared to repeat it coming back...traffic starts to jam up around 3:30 here.

If you have a pro or a private club in your area - have him call any of the local clubs - Bethesda, Congressional or TPC are all within spitting distance - he may be able to get you on as a courtesy.

Have fun and good luck. :-)
[/quote]

What Chip said!!

He pretty much sums it up. You can't overestimate the chance of cold weather in the AM. During that time of year, I rarely schedule a time before 10:30 or 11:00 as he said frost delays are common and just plain too cold to play is also possible.

On the positve side DST will have been kicked in by then, so you can count on daylight till at least about 7:30 or so, although again it will cool off once the sun goes down.

If based in Bethesda, I'd concentrate on the I-270 corridor courses mentioned. Whiskey Creek, Worthington Manor, Little Bennet or PB Dye. Also Blue Mash.

I'd avoid Lake Presidential at all cost. Nice course, but not worth the price or drive from where you are. The others are much better choices and much closer.

[dporto]

So, we're booked at Blue Mash on the 16th @ 12:00 noon (driving down from L.I. NY) and we're going to play Saturday "by ear" so to speak - Friday night might get a little out of hand so I'm aprehensive about booking too early a tee time on Saturday... It looks like Whiskey Creek and Lake Presidential are the two favorites. Any problems getting out around noon on those two on a Saturday without a reservation?

[ChipDriver]

[quote name='dporto' timestamp='1331153502' post='4456923']
So, we're booked at Blue Mash on the 16th @ 12:00 noon (driving down from L.I. NY) and we're going to play Saturday "by ear" so to speak - Friday night might get a little out of hand so I'm aprehensive about booking too early a tee time on Saturday... It looks like Whiskey Creek and Lake Presidential are the two favorites. Any problems getting out around noon on those two on a Saturday without a reservation?
[/quote]

Probably.....would suggest Whiskey Creek and it will give you 2 bites of the apple....particularly if you're playing it by ear. If WC says no - then go 10 minutes to Worthington Manor which is off the same exit (go left for Whiskey Creek for 3 miles; or go right for 2 miles to Worthington). If they are tough then try Little Bennett or PB Dye - they are one exit on the highway closer to Bethesda. You'll get on one of those 4 courses - and will have a good time.

FYI - it got "unplayable dark" around 6:20 tonight....and it's daylight savings time this weekend. So you will likely have daylight until about 7pm. Weather tomorrow is about 70 but then gets cooler.

Should be great - have a good time!

[dporto]

Well that pretty much covers it then! Thanks Chip...

[Goldenhawk]

Go with Laurel Hill, Raspberry Falls or 1757. Little Bennett is also nice, but watch out for some serious elevation changes.

[n3putts]

The only course to play in the D.C. area is Renditions! Trust me with Amen Corner, the 17th at Sawgrass, and the potbunkers from Carnoustie it's well worth the money.
http://www.renditionsgolf.com

[Carolina Golfer 2]

Well it looks like you're going to hit the lottery weather wise

The 10 day forecast today shows a string of 70 plus degrees everyday and sunshine, the lows are only going to be around 50 or high 40's during the night. So no frost delays, and proably very playable early morning weather. This mornign for example at 8:00 I could have played in a light windshirt and by noon I could have played in a polo. I'm sure by this weekend when a few days show a high of 78 shorts won't be out of the question!!

This is going to be really unseaonably warm for this area this time of year. The only down side is expect an influx of people to come out of hibernation this weekend, and the courses will probably be packed and play slowed to a crawl by everone's rusty swings. So I'd avise to call ahead for some tee times if you haven't already.

[ChipDriver]

[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1331576804' post='4491105']
Well it looks like you're going to hit the lottery weather wise

The 10 day forecast today shows a string of 70 plus degrees everyday and sunshine, the lows are only going to be around 50 or high 40's during the night. So no frost delays, and proably very playable early morning weather. This mornign for example at 8:00 I could have played in a light windshirt and by noon I could have played in a polo. I'm sure by this weekend when a few days show a high of 78 shorts won't be out of the question!!

This is going to be really unseaonably warm for this area this time of year. The only down side is expect an influx of people to come out of hibernation this weekend, and the courses will probably be packed and play slowed to a crawl by everone's rusty swings. So I'd avise to call ahead for some tee times if you haven't already.
[/quote]

I'm still thinking we might get snow....but I'm slowing thinking that we got lucky this "winter".

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1331587888' post='4492769']
[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1331576804' post='4491105']
Well it looks like you're going to hit the lottery weather wise

The 10 day forecast today shows a string of 70 plus degrees everyday and sunshine, the lows are only going to be around 50 or high 40's during the night. So no frost delays, and proably very playable early morning weather. This mornign for example at 8:00 I could have played in a light windshirt and by noon I could have played in a polo. I'm sure by this weekend when a few days show a high of 78 shorts won't be out of the question!!

This is going to be really unseaonably warm for this area this time of year. The only down side is expect an influx of people to come out of hibernation this weekend, and the courses will probably be packed and play slowed to a crawl by everone's rusty swings. So I'd avise to call ahead for some tee times if you haven't already.
[/quote]

I'm still thinking we might get snow....but I'm slowing thinking that we got lucky this "winter".
[/quote]

LOL!! I know what you mean. I remember one year I think it was 1993 or 94 we got snow on Easter Weekend about 12 inches. I had a flight out on Saturday Morning to go to Florida and I got out of town and I heard about noon it started coming down and didn't stop all day.

But it warmed up prettty quick and by the time I was back the next Friday, it was all gone and back to like 60 degrees. So you're right it could happen, but I think we skated by on this one as well!

[dporto]

[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1331587888' post='4492769']
[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1331576804' post='4491105']
Well it looks like you're going to hit the lottery weather wise

The 10 day forecast today shows a string of 70 plus degrees everyday and sunshine, the lows are only going to be around 50 or high 40's during the night. So no frost delays, and proably very playable early morning weather. This mornign for example at 8:00 I could have played in a light windshirt and by noon I could have played in a polo. I'm sure by this weekend when a few days show a high of 78 shorts won't be out of the question!!

This is going to be really unseaonably warm for this area this time of year. The only down side is expect an influx of people to come out of hibernation this weekend, and the courses will probably be packed and play slowed to a crawl by everone's rusty swings. So I'd avise to call ahead for some tee times if you haven't already.
[/quote]

I'm still thinking we might get snow....but I'm slowing thinking that we got lucky this "winter".
[/quote]

Hey! Easy there Chip...you trying to jinx me or sumpum? I'm keepin my fingers crossed!

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='dporto' timestamp='1331655347' post='4499173']
[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1331587888' post='4492769']
[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1331576804' post='4491105']
Well it looks like you're going to hit the lottery weather wise

The 10 day forecast today shows a string of 70 plus degrees everyday and sunshine, the lows are only going to be around 50 or high 40's during the night. So no frost delays, and proably very playable early morning weather. This mornign for example at 8:00 I could have played in a light windshirt and by noon I could have played in a polo. I'm sure by this weekend when a few days show a high of 78 shorts won't be out of the question!!

This is going to be really unseaonably warm for this area this time of year. The only down side is expect an influx of people to come out of hibernation this weekend, and the courses will probably be packed and play slowed to a crawl by everone's rusty swings. So I'd avise to call ahead for some tee times if you haven't already.
[/quote]

I'm still thinking we might get snow....but I'm slowing thinking that we got lucky this "winter".
[/quote]

Hey! Easy there Chip...you trying to jinx me or sumpum? I'm keepin my fingers crossed!
[/quote]
You can uncross them and relax. It's just beautiful right now, I just checked the Friday/Saturday forecast Friday high of 82 and a 30% chance of scattered shower. Saturday76 sunny and 10% chance Sunday 74 sunny and 10% chance.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

So how did it go? The weather was beautiful on Saturday after some early morning clouds.

[dporto]

hey guys...It went well! Got to Blue Mash with plenty of time to spare (left New York at 5:00 am. got to the course at 10:30) - hit a small bucket of balls and hit the putting green for 15 min. or so. Tee'd off early at 11:20. We played the course at 6500 yds (I don't remember which tees - blue or black I think...). The course was fairly wide open except for a few slow groups that were letting faster groups through. The course ranger was on top of it and kept things moving well. We finished our round in 3:45 (twosome). While I liked the course (I really like Links style courses) I wasn't overly impressed with the overall conditioning. 3.5 out of 5 stars... As per our plan, we partied a little bit on Friday night so we left Saturday flexible. As it turns out there is a course called "Falls Rd GC" about 5 minutes from my buddies house so I called them Saturday morning and were able to get a 10:30 tee time. Now, according to my friend (who is not a golfer) Falls Rd is sort of a pedestrian/generic layout - sort of a "local guys" course. Given the number of courses in the area along with many of their pedigrees, generally speaking I'd have to agree. However, I've got to say I really enjoyed it. While the couse is VERY SHORT (6100 from the tips!?!????), it was in great condition and is gorgeous overall - nice elevation changes and just very nice and interesting holes, not to mention beautiful trees in bloom. The only real caveat was that the greens had been aerated fairly recently and hadn't totally grown in yet - bummer! Thanks to all who contributed and hopefully I'll get back down there to try out some of the other recommended courses.

[cleveland21]

Good to hear that about Falls Rd. I grew up playing over there but haven't played there in a few years. May have to get back over there.