Best Golf Courses in Maryland

Maryland isn’t a big state.  But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in diversity and character.  That’s especially true when it comes to the state’s golf courses.  At least that’s what the research I’ve done seems to indicate and what our readers appear to think as well. 

The truth is, I’ve personally never spent any time in Maryland.  I’ve heard nothing but good things though.  As has become customary, I reached out to our readers and they were all too eager to respond with their thoughts on the state’s best courses anyone can play.

I couldn’t help but put this course at the top of the list.  Why?  Because of the feedback I received and because I’m such a sucker for tracks with the state in which they reside in their name.

Designed by widely acclaimed architect Arthur Hills, Maryland National takes full advantage of varied topography and natural wetland surroundings.

The fairways are generous for the most part, but the greens are well protected.  The consensus is that this is a second shot golf course. 

After you’re done with your round, grab a pint at Schroyer’s Tavern.  The view from the clubhouse overlooking the golf course is stupendous.

 

Located just a short 35-minute drive from Washington D.C., Whiskey Creek gives you the feeling that you’re a long way away from the big city. 

Set in an open meadow with a pristine creek flowing freely, this course is surrounded by dense hardwood forests.  The Catoctin Mountains are visible from nearly every hole.

The design places an emphasis on risk and reward.  There’s a chance for both on nearly every hole. 

The 18^th might be the best of them all.  A par five, the tee shot plays to a split fairway around the ruins of an old farmhouse.  If you choose to play down the left fairway, you can get home in two.  Even though a tee shot to the right fairway is safer, it takes a potential eagle putt out of the equation. 

This course looks cool and lives up to its name by all accounts.

 

At the time of this writing, Lodestone Golf Course is covered in snow and visitors to the resort are there to ski. 

In the spring, summer, and fall however, the lush fairways of Lodestone are a golfer’s paradise. 

Designed by Hail Irwin, this course embodies everything that is mountain golf.

Ranked “#2 Public Course in Maryland” by Golfweek Magazine, this track features expansive greens, stunning views, and plenty of rock outcroppings that come into play.

Dramatic elevation changes make for some shots and interesting club choices.  The many elevated tee shots will make you feel like you’re king of the world.

Since 1959 golfers have enjoyed the links at Ocean City Golf Club. 

All 18 holes afford stunning vistas of coastal marsh and the bay.  That means watery graves abound for errant shots. 

This course isn’t the longest in the world, but you’d best be precise from tee to green.  Coastal target golf at it’s finest.

The afternoon winds are constant meaning both shot and club selection are paramount if you’re going to keep it in play.

If you want to stay for a few days and check out the area’s many other attractions, look into the stay and play packages.

Another iconic Arthur Hills design, Waverly Woods is a local’s favorite. 

Even though the fairways are wide, hardwood forests and natural hazards are all around, so you’ll need to hit it straight.

The greens are known for being exceptionally fast and true.  Pay close attention to hole locations.  If you get around here without a three-putt, you’ve accomplished something.

Classic, inland Mid-Atlantic golf, don’t miss out on Waverly Woods.

 

“Designed by a legend, named for a thoroughbred.”  That’s the motto at Bulle Rock Golf Club.  The legend is Pete Dye, one of my all-time favorite architects.  The thoroughbred of course, is Bulle Rock.

The locals say you might need to be a thoroughbred yourself if you’re going to tackle this track from all the way back. 

Bulle Rock has played host to an astounding five LPGA Championships and it’s not hard to see why. 

In typical Dye fashion, the course features plenty of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. 

The good news is there are plenty of different tee options for players of all abilities.

Considered one of the best courses in Maryland, and one of the best values, I’m putting Bulle Rock on my list.

 

The very best of seaside golf.  That’s what awaits at Eagle’s Landing.  The course has received more accolades than we can list in a single review.

The mixture of holes is what makes this course such a pleasure to play.  Water comes into play on a healthy number, bunkers are prominent elsewhere, and views of Sinepuxent Bay abound. 

If you get the chance to play this course, locals say morning is the best time.  Not only is the sunrise a heavenly sight, the wind is usually down as well.

Not a course you’ll want to miss

 

Sounds like a swanky place reserved for your grandad, right?  Well, it is, and it isn’t.  Swanky, yes.  Exclusive, not at all.

Swan Point is a quaint Bob Cupp design that dates back to the 1980’s.  Water and marsh come into play on 12 holes.  Some players swear they’re in one of the Carolinas when they play here. 

Set on the banks of the Potomac River, Swan Point will keep you on your toes throughout the entire round.

Not overly long, precision is more important than accuracy.

A hidden gem that you won’t want to miss.

Golfers call Glade Valley Golf Club one of the best kept courses in Maryland.  There’s no such thing as a bad lie in the fairways and the greens roll as true as anything you’ll ever play.

Built on rolling terrain, Glade Valley has a unique mix of holes that meander through open marshlands and wooded forests. 

This is the premier public facility that’s a must play if you’re in the Fredericksburg area.

Renditions Golf Course is tribute to the game’s greatest holes.  Whether it’s the 12^th at Augusta, or the Road Hole at St. Andrews, you’ll find it all in one place at Renditions. 

Other courses around the country have attempted to design golf’s most iconic holes in one round but, no one does it quite like Renditions. 

The course is always in great shape and the staff are eager to please.

A fun round of golf you won’t soon forget, put Renditions on your list.

Conclusion

Maryland jam packed with things to see and do.  From Chesapeake Bay, to the Catoctin Mountains, there’s something for everyone. 

That means there’s no shortage of great courses either.  I haven’t had the chance to play golf in Maryland, but you can bet it’s a place I can’t wait to get to soon.

Thanks to all of you who made this article possible.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.