Best Public Golf Courses in Baltimore MD

My fondest memory of time spent in Baltimore was watching Cal Ripken Jr. play his final game in what was the longest streak of games played consecutively of all time.  The stadium palpitated with energy that I still struggle to describe to this day (and I’m a writer).  Certainly, something I’ll remember as long as I live.

I’ve been back to Baltimore a few times since, but it’s largely been for work.  I’ve played a little golf, but most definitely can’t speak to the golf scene in this fair city.

However, our readers had plenty to say when I reached out and asked them for their thoughts.  Have a look below.

Waverly was designed by Arthur Hills.  If that name sounds familiar, it’s with good reason.  He’s one of the most recognized and forward-thinking designers of the modern era.

On any given Saturday during the fall, Waverly Woods is dotted with golfers dressed in purple and gold.  It’s the official home course of the Ravens NFL team.

A modern parkland design, this course asks for your very best from tee to green.  While the fairways and landing areas are well-defined, trouble lurks if you hit it crooked.

Once you get to the greens, be ready for some undulating putts.  Taking careful note of hole locations is paramount if you want realistic birdie looks.

Rivaling some of the area’s best private clubs, everyone is a fan of Waverly Woods.

 

Mountain Branch is set on a sprawling 264 acres of hardwood forests and native wetlands. 

Holes are distinctly framed leaving no question where to hit it. 

The greens are vast and undulating.  If you play here in the summer when they’re firm and fast, do your best to stay below the hole.  Putts and chips from the top side can be treacherous.

After you’ve finished your round, the Grille and Pub are the perfect place to recount the day’s events and sample exquisite locally inspired fare.

A complete experience at a fair price, don’t say no to a chance to play Mountain Branch.

The Preserve at Eisenhower recently underwent an extensive renovation, and the reviews have been nothing short of spectacular. 

Blending neatly with the natural surroundings, you’ll feel like you’re anywhere but the city when you play here.

What makes this course especially unique is that there aren’t any bunkers.  That’s right, nothing but green grass from wall to wall.  This feature allows players to be creative and hit a variety of shots.  Locals say that using the slopes to your advantage is the key to scoring well. 

A fun, yet fair test, expect a memorable round when you book a tee time here.

The facility proper at Compass Pointe encompasses more than 800 acres.  Most of it is native woodland with a smattering of wetlands.

The Northeast course is said to be one of the tougher tests in the area.  Measuring more than 7,100 yards, length certainly helps.  However, there are six sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all abilities.

This is target golf in every sense.  From the tee, landing areas are well defined and it’s clear how every hole is meant to be played.

That said, there are some chances to play aggressively if you choose.

Both challenging and enjoyable, don’t overlook the Northeast Course at Compass Pointe.

Lindsay Ervin was the brains behind the Southwest Course at Compass Pointe.  And what a tremendous job he did.

Compared to the Northwest Course, this track is narrow and demands accuracy both from the tee and into the green. 

You don’t have to hit it a mile to play here though.  While there are some long holes, most can be managed if you play the right set of tees. 

Golfers especially like the variety in the par threes here.  They range from 137 yards to 214 yards, and each presents its own challenge.  Whatever club you hit, expect to hit a quality shot if you want a look at birdie.

This track is the perfect complement to the Northeast Course and shouldn’t be missed.

I’ve played a lot of golf, but the truth is that I’ll never play all the courses the game’s best players play.  We’re talking about places like Augusta, Shinnecock, and Muirfield.  You get the idea.

Fortunately, Renditions Golf Course gives anyone the chance to play replicas of some of the most famous holes in the world. 

I had the chance to play here last time I was in Maryland.  It was an absolute blast, despite the fact I rinsed a couple on the island green 13^th which resembles the island green 17^th at TPC Sawgrass. 

An experience unlike any other, I highly recommend playing Renditions.

One of the most underrated tracks in the Baltimore area is Bay Hills Golf Club. 

Located in the community of Arnold, Bay Hills is quintessential American golf.  The fairways are lined by mature trees and the greens are protected by hazards and penal bunkers. 

While Bay Hills isn’t the most challenging course, it’s fun to play.  The short holes can be had, but you’d best execute from tee to green. Finishing strong here can be difficult.  The 18^th hole is a par three that measures 231 yards from the back tee.  Make par here and that post-round beer will taste extra satisfying.

Even though this place sounds like a private club, it isn’t.  Everyone is welcome to come experience all that Walden Country Club has to offer. 

Another classic American design, rolling hills, tree lined fairways, and well protected greens are this track’s hallmarks.

Expect to hit every club in your bag around here.  The short holes demand precision and accuracy, while a few holes allow you to play more aggressively. 

The greens are the real story, however.  They’re small and undulating.  Being on the short side of the hole is where you run into problems. 

For a private club experience at a public price, Walden Country Club is hard to beat.

One of the best values in the greater Baltimore area is River Downs. 

Nestled in the hills just outside Finksburg, this Arthur Hills design is both a challenge for good players, and approachable for beginners and higher handicaps.

While there are some forced carries from the back tees, most greens allow you to run the ball up.

Golfers also note the exceptional service they receive from the staff at River Downs.  No detail is overlooked, and it’s apparent everyone genuinely cares about your experience.

A welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the city, set aside a day for a round at River Downs while you’re in town.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, golf courses don’t have to be 8,000 yards to be challenging and fun. 

That’s exactly the case at Willow Springs. 

Playing to a par of 62, this track is conveniently located just off Interstate 70 in West Friendship. 

The layout resembles Scottish links with lots of mounding and deep grass bunkers.  Expect some awkward lies if you miss your target. 

While you won’t hit too many drivers, Willow Springs is the perfect place to work on your short clubs and get creative.

Conclusion

Even though Baltimore is notable for a lot more than golf, there’s plenty of the latter to be found. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick round on a short course, or want to test your skills on a premier track, it can be done in this great city.

As always, I want to extend my warmest thanks to everyone that contributed their thoughts and made this article possible. 

Feel free to leave us your own thoughts down below in the comments.