Best Golf Courses in Maryland

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

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.

Nestled just 35 minutes from Washington D.C., Whiskey Creek Golf Club offers a captivating golfing experience surrounded by dense hardwood forests and the majestic Catoctin Mountains, seamlessly continuing the allure of exceptional golfing getaways in Maryland.

Designed by renowned architect Ernie Els, the emphasis at Whiskey Creek Golf Club is on risk and reward, with a signature hole that features a par five with a split fairway, challenging golfers to make strategic decisions. The course’s varied topography and natural surroundings create a unique and memorable experience. You can expect generous fairways but well-protected greens, making it a second-shot golf course that rewards precision and strategy.

The clubhouse overlooks the scenic golf course, enhancing the overall experience for golfers. Whiskey Creek Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging and visually stunning course.

Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned pro, the captivating landscape and thoughtful design make for an unforgettable round of golf.

 

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.

 

Lodestone Golf Course at Wisp Resort, designed by Hail Irwin, offers an unparalleled golfing experience with its dramatic elevation changes, expansive greens, and stunning views of the rock outcroppings. If you’re seeking a challenging yet rewarding round of golf, this course has it all. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Seasonal Availability: Covered in snow during winter, the golf course springs to life as the snow melts, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy a game during spring, summer, and fall.
2. Renowned Design: Designed by Hail Irwin, this course has garnered recognition, earning the title of the #2 Public Course in Maryland by Golfweek Magazine.
3. Natural Splendor: Prepare to be captivated by the expansive greens, elevated tee shots, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding rock outcroppings.
4. Challenge and Beauty: With its dramatic elevation changes, Lodestone Golf Course presents a stimulating challenge for golfers of all skill levels, while also providing a visually stunning backdrop.

Lodestone Golf Course at Wisp Resort truly stands out as one of the best public golf courses in Maryland, offering an experience that seamlessly combines natural beauty with a challenging round of golf.

Offering stunning vistas of coastal marsh and the bay, Ocean City Golf Club inspires golf enthusiasts. The course demands precision, as water features throughout pose a constant threat. While not the longest course, it requires accuracy off the tee. Afternoon winds play a significant role in gameplay, adding an extra layer of challenge.

If you’re planning a visit, consider taking advantage of the stay-and-play packages available for visitors. Ocean City Golf Club is known for its narrow fairways and hardwood forests, making every shot a test of skill. It’s a perfect destination for golfers looking to improve their precision and accuracy.

If you’re enjoying the golfing scene in Maryland, other notable courses to consider include Maryland National and Swan Point. When planning your golfing adventures, securing a tee time at Ocean City Golf Club should be at the top of your list for a challenging and rewarding golfing experience.

As you explore the diverse golfing scene in Maryland, your next stop from the captivating challenges of Ocean City Golf Club is the renowned Waverly Woods Golf Course, designed by Arthur Hills and nestled amidst hardwood forests, offering a distinct golfing experience that combines wide fairways with well-protected greens.

1. Designed by Arthur Hills, Waverly Woods Golf Course is known for its wide fairways and natural hazards, providing a classic inland Mid-Atlantic golf experience.
2. The greens at Waverly Woods Golf Course are famous for being fast and true, demanding precision to avoid three-putts.
3. The course is designed to be challenging, with generous fairways but well-protected greens, making it a second-shot golf course.
4. The clubhouse overlooks the golf course, offering a scenic and relaxing setting for golfers to unwind after a round.

Waverly Woods Golf Course is a unique and memorable golfing experience, attracting golf enthusiasts seeking the best golfing encounters in Maryland. With its extensive renovation, it continues to be a top choice, attracting top golf instructors and those seeking to improve their game.

For those looking to enhance their golfing experience, Waverly Woods Golf Course provides an excellent environment to practice and master the art of golf.

 

Perched on the rolling hills and stunning vistas of the Mid-Atlantic region, Bulle Rock Golf Course stands as a popular and challenging destination for golf enthusiasts, boasting a modern layout designed by Pete Dye.

This course, which has hosted the LPGA Championship, is among the best in Maryland. Its unique design with rolling hills and old stone ruins offers a new and exciting golfing experience. The stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and the wetlands make it a scenic and enjoyable place to play.

Visitors to Bulle Rock can expect a memorable and challenging round of golf in a beautiful natural setting. The club has received positive feedback and reviews from those who’ve played here.

If you’re seeking a course that offers both beauty and challenge, Bulle Rock Golf Course should be at the top of your list when considering the best golf courses in Maryland.

 

Eagles Landing Golf Course, known for its challenging play and stunning coastal setting, offers a memorable golfing experience amidst ocean winds and vivid marsh views in Maryland.

Here’s what you need to know about this renowned golf course:

1. Unique Setting: Eagles Landing Golf Course provides a distinct coastal feel, creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers.
2. Scenic Views: The course’s picturesque marsh views and ocean winds add to the allure of the golfing experience, making it a visual treat for visitors.
3. Well-maintained Grounds: Renovations and upkeep have ensured that the course remains in top condition, receiving positive feedback from visitors.
4. Challenging Play: With its well-kept grounds and stunning natural surroundings, Eagles Landing Golf Course offers an unforgettable golfing experience amidst Maryland’s coastal beauty.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast seeking a unique golfing adventure or a visitor looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland, Eagles Landing Golf Course promises an exhilarating experience filled with challenging holes, beautiful landscapes, and the refreshing coastal breeze.

 

If you’re seeking another exceptional golfing experience that offers stunning views and well-maintained grounds, Swan Point Yacht and Country Club, located along the Potomac River about 45 minutes south of Washington, D.C., is a prime destination to consider.

This resort in Maryland offers golfers a unique experience with its challenging yet enjoyable 18-hole course. The club is renowned for its well-maintained greens and fairways, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Swan Point Yacht and Country Club provides a serene setting, allowing visitors to play golf while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Potomac River. The club has undergone recent renovations, ensuring that its facilities and courses are top-notch. Additionally, Swan Point Yacht and Country Club welcomes feedback from visitors, constantly striving to enhance the overall golfing experience.

The scenic course offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a perfect retreat for golfers. Even during winter, when Maryland might see some snow, Swan Point Yacht and Country Club remains an inviting destination for golfers, offering an unforgettable golfing experience with stunning river views.

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.