[djc9299]

Heading to DC in a week and a half and I'm looking for two of the best courses possible. I'd prefer not to drive more than 45 minutes to the course and I'm staying in Georgetown in DC. From some of the topics I've read I've come up with some courses. I'm from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and would like to play a course that has a natural feel to it without the houses, buildings, etc... Of course looking for a course in good condition. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

1. Whiskey Creek
2. Strawberry Fields
3. Laurel Hill
4. Westfields

[TrufflePig]

In the Fredrick MD area I would play Worthington Manor over Whiskey Creek. I personally think its a more natural layout. Whiskey Creek has a reputation more because Els has his name on it but it does have some amazing views (very hilly). If you want a real challenge you can play PB Dye in the same general area. Ranked in the top 25-50 toughest courses in the US by GD sometime back. Personally I think its a bit gimicky and pretentious but it depends on what you're looking for.

I also would recommend Blue Mash in Olney MD. Its a little closer and its an Arthur Hills course. Can't help you with N. VA, the beltway prevents me from venturing that direction too often.

[Supersteel]

I played Whiskey Creek last summer and it was in good shape. I wasn't thrilled by the course layout, and it still hasn't really grown in, but it's a good, solid round for its price.

[1t2golf]

Is that 45 minutes with or without traffic? Your travel time will vary greatly depending on the time of day. Another choice would be Old Hickory. Where's Strawberry Fields? Never heard of it.

[tbowles411]

1t2golf, on Jun 17 2009, 10:43 PM, said:

Is that 45 minutes with or without traffic? Your travel time will vary greatly depending on the time of day. Another choice would be Old Hickory. Where's Strawberry Fields? Never heard of it.

Do you mean Raspberry Falls? I believe Strawberry Fields was a Beatles song...

[longbal30]

Definately hit up Lake Presidential, by far puts the courses you listed to shame. I play in a local handicap tour and we play all of the courses in maryland, virginia and pennsylvania.

Another great course is Bulle Rock, play alot of pro tourneys there. Its public. There is also Greystone and Queenstown River. The river is pricey, but may be one of the best in the state for public courses. Its extremely hard.

Like I said, all of the courses I listed make the ones you had look like pitch and putts.

[djc9299]

Haha! Yes Raspberry Falls. The more I look into the courses the more confused I get on which ones to play. What would be your preference on any 2 courses, regardless of price, within an hour of DC?

[tbowles411]

Lake Presidential is an outstanding course, but Westfields is a nice course as well. As is Stonewall in Lake Manassas, near RTJ. A friend of mine plays Raspberry a lot and he loves it. It really depends on your time and pain tolerance for a greens fee...

[ggammell]

If you're playing in the AM, 45 minutes is definitely doable for those courses.

You're not going to be disappointed with any of these courses at all. I've played them all several times. The one thing DC is blessed with is dozens of 4+ Star courses.

PB Dye GC has some of the toughest greens you'll play. Some greens have 6 foot slopes to them. Worthington Manor has fast, hard tricky greens. Whiskey Creek has a really nice layout. I really don't know what ALL the hype about Raspberry Falls is. I think it's the $80+ weekday greens fee that adds some mystique to it. Its a great course but a lot of people treat it like hallowed ground. I don't know why. Stonewall is the same. Nice scenery on many holes but several others play through a neighborhood.

A little further south you get Augustine and Cannon Ridge. Augustine is a shot makers course. Cannon Ridge will be your best bet for a non crowded great course.

If you're playing 3 or more times, checkout the Tee Times Golf Pass. It's $55 but after three rounds it pays for it self.

[DH48]

Another vote for Lake Presidential here. One of my favorite courses.

DH

[NWParkGolfer]

Musket Ridge
Maryland National
Whiskey Creek
PB Dye
Worthington Manor (US Open Qualifying Site)

Can't go wrong with any of these and they're all within 1/2 hour of Germantown

[djc9299]

Thanks guys. All of your opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Gibber]

I was down for work and played Stonewall and Lake Presidential. Both good courses but the service, layout, and conditions at LP were great last year. Back down again in a couple of days and booked another round at LP.

Don't want to hijack this thread but are there any courses with cheaper fees...muni's or lower $$$ close to the Gaylord National. Might want to try to get a round in the day I land. Thanks --

[DH48]

Henson Creek is a little nine holer that is really close.

East Potomac in DC is a cheap muni with nice views and not too far. Not sure if Gaylord has the water taxi running to DC yet but might be a nice way to do it.

DH

[Gibber]

Thanks DH...will give East Potomac a try!

[Supersteel]

Gibber, on Jun 24 2009, 12:04 PM, said:

Thanks DH...will give East Potomac a try!

East Potomac is an extremely boring and easy course. If you can go elsewhere -- VA or MD -- I would recommend it. The course is in fine condition, but it's just extremely underwhelming.

[Gibber]

thanks supersteel...any other suggestions. will be trying to get out as a single on saturday morning...sometime around 10:30. i am staying at the gaylord national and don't want to have to drive more than 30-40 minutes. the closer the better and i am playing LP on sunday morning. let me know your suggestions...the hotel mentions a place called tantalon (sp?)

[bartlettsj]

Lots of input for courses north of DC.

Laurel Hill would be the best bet just south of DC. If you want to travel a little further check out Old Hickory in Woodbridge (some houses) and Canon Ridge just north of Fredricksburg (no houses). Canon Ridge is in absolutely great shape.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

Gibber, on Jun 24 2009, 12:04 PM, said:

Thanks DH...will give East Potomac a try!

I've never played East Potomac so take this for what it's worth. But I've never heard of ANYONE who has played it. yes it has a great historical reputation and from what I know is in passable shape, but the area of DC it is in, is ranked as one of the highest crime areas in the country. And unless you know where you're going and know DC very well, you could easily get lost and end up in an even worst area.

that's just my .02 worth. See my next posts about the other upscales.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

NWParkGolfer, on Jun 18 2009, 12:41 PM, said:

Musket Ridge
Maryland National
Whiskey Creek
PB Dye
Worthington Manor (US Open Qualifying Site)

Can't go wrong with any of these and they're all within 1/2 hour of Germantown

I believe he is staying GEORGETOWN not Germantown. Howver, any of the above courses would definitlely be worth the approx 1 hour maybe a bit less from DC. And I agree with putting Musket Ridge on top. It's the best of all those, in my opinion.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

Gibber, on Jun 25 2009, 07:33 AM, said:

thanks supersteel...any other suggestions. will be trying to get out as a single on saturday morning...sometime around 10:30. i am staying at the gaylord national and don't want to have to drive more than 30-40 minutes. the closer the better and i am playing LP on sunday morning. let me know your suggestions...the hotel mentions a place called tantalon (sp?)

Gaylord National is very nice a big new 200 room conference resort.

Lake Presidential is about 20 to 30 minutes max from there. Also only about 6 or 7 miles from LP is Renditions Golf Club. It is a replica course and has Amen Corner, #17 Sawgrass, and several holes from British and US Opens. it is in phenominal shape right now and would be something you would remember.

Tantallion is private but does accept some outside play. However, it's not anything special even though it's about 10 minutes at most from your hotel. A little bit farther maybe another 10 minutes south on Route 210 past Tantallion is Potomac Ridge, 27 holes not on the level of a LP, Renditions or any of the others that have been mentioned but nice than Tantallon.


But in rereading your post, I would make Renditions my 2nd course, it will be pretty much the same route you will take on Sunday to LP, so that will help and it will be a great experience.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

djc9299, on Jun 17 2009, 09:11 PM, said:

Heading to DC in a week and a half and I'm looking for two of the best courses possible. I'd prefer not to drive more than 45 minutes to the course and I'm staying in Georgetown in DC. From some of the topics I've read I've come up with some courses. I'm from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and would like to play a course that has a natural feel to it without the houses, buildings, etc... Of course looking for a course in good condition. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

1. Whiskey Creek
2. Strawberry Fields
3. Laurel Hill
4. Westfields

Ok, by now you're head's probably spinning from all the suggestions. As you may know by now. You will have to drive about 45 minutes to an hour max in any direction from Georgetown to get to any of the good courses mentioned.

Traffic is going to be bad pretty much anytime of the day, so plan ahead. Here's my suggestions.

• Westfields-about 35 to 45 minutes west of DC on I-66 then about 15 minutes off I-66. Probably one of the best 2 or 3 overall golf experiences in the DC/VA/MD area. No houses, great condition, every hole is kind of set to itself and very challenging. Great clubhouse and proshop
  
• Laurel Hills-Straight down I95 south maybe 30 minutes or so from DC, then about 5 minutes once off 95. Again no houses, great conditions, variety of layout. Maybe one of the toughest public courses in the area. Every hole seems to play uphill or have a long carry.
  
• Toss a coin between Whiskey Creek, Worthington Manor and Musket Ridge. They are all about 45 minutes to an hour north of DC near Frederick MD. They all meet the no house requirement and all have great conditions. Beyond that you will hear a lot of personal preferenes on each one. But you won't complain about any of the 3 if you play them. My personal favorite of the three is Worthington Manor folllowed very very closely by Musket Ridge.

For all the above and any of the upscale courses in the area expect to pay $100 or above for the weekend. Also if at all possible allow more than an hour for your drive. At any given time you can run into a disaster on the Beltway or Interstate. All the courses have good practice facilities and nice clubhouses where you can kill time if you get there too early.

Enjoy the trip and let us know where you ended up and how it went.

[DH48]

I agree all those places are better than East Potomac I only mentioned it because he wanted a something close and cheap it fits both bills.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

DH48, on Jun 25 2009, 02:37 PM, said:

I agree all those places are better than East Potomac I only mentioned it because he wanted a something close and cheap it fits both bills.

You're right. MY bad, i think I got the two posters confused. The OP who wanted something really nice and didn't mind driving. Then the other poster who asked for muni's close and cheap.

Another option for him might be is it Greendale or Glendale. To the 2nd poster. It is in Alexandria, a total of less than 10 miles from Gaylord. You would go across the bridge into Alexandria, and then take the Telegraph road exit off the Interstate and go south for about 5 to 6 miles on your right.

It pretty much fits the definition of muni, no driving range, cheap green fees (relatively speaking) run by the county and fair conditions. I personally only play it when one of my beginner buddies wants to go out and sometimes they suggest it as they are comfortable there.

[DH48]

Carolina Golfer 2, on Jun 25 2009, 03:00 PM, said:

DH48, on Jun 25 2009, 02:37 PM, said:

I agree all those places are better than East Potomac I only mentioned it because he wanted a something close and cheap it fits both bills.

You're right. MY bad, i think I got the two posters confused. The OP who wanted something really nice and didn't mind driving. Then the other poster who asked for muni's close and cheap.

Another option for him might be is it Greendale or Glendale. To the 2nd poster. It is in Alexandria, a total of less than 10 miles from Gaylord. You would go across the bridge into Alexandria, and then take the Telegraph road exit off the Interstate and go south for about 5 to 6 miles on your right.

It pretty much fits the definition of muni, no driving range, cheap green fees (relatively speaking) run by the county and fair conditions. I personally only play it when one of my beginner buddies wants to go out and sometimes they suggest it as they are comfortable there.

Greendale is pretty close to my house and I've never found it that cheap. East Potomac is a better bargain. I'll sometime hit their range in the winter on the way home because it is lighted and heated and my club isn't.

DH

[Supersteel]

Gibber, on Jun 25 2009, 07:33 AM, said:

thanks supersteel...any other suggestions. will be trying to get out as a single on saturday morning...sometime around 10:30. i am staying at the gaylord national and don't want to have to drive more than 30-40 minutes. the closer the better and i am playing LP on sunday morning. let me know your suggestions...the hotel mentions a place called tantalon (sp?)

I can't really recommend anything else, as I've only played a few courses in the area. The only course I played within 45 minutes of the city was East Potomac, and honestly I would have rather gone to a museum or done something else instead of playing golf that day -- the course is just that boring. I did play Whiskey Creek in MD, which was a fine course.

EDIT: Although, I now see that you were looking for a cheap course -- cheap and DC golf don't always go together -- so East Potomac might be your best bet.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

Gibber, on Jun 25 2009, 07:33 AM, said:

thanks supersteel...any other suggestions. will be trying to get out as a single on saturday morning...sometime around 10:30. i am staying at the gaylord national and don't want to have to drive more than 30-40 minutes. the closer the better and i am playing LP on sunday morning. let me know your suggestions...the hotel mentions a place called tantalon (sp?)

Gibber, if you by chance are Military or DOD. A great option would be the course at Andrews Air Force Base only about 5 miles or so from Gaylord. They have a couple courses there and I think it is the South course that is considered the better of tthe two. But you can't get on unless you have military or DOD ID, from what I know.

[djc9299]

Well I've decided and it looks like I'm going to be playing Lake Presidential and Westfields, from what I've read they sound like very nice courses. It's so helpful talking to people who know and love golf and who will give you their honest opinion. I've been all over the internet and the information that I have been given on this post is far and away better than anything else I have read. If anyone comes down to South Florida I'd be happy to give you my suggestions.

[Greenie]

Carolina Golfer 2, on Jun 25 2009, 09:18 AM, said:

NWParkGolfer, on Jun 18 2009, 12:41 PM, said:

Musket Ridge
Maryland National
Whiskey Creek
PB Dye
Worthington Manor (US Open Qualifying Site)

Can't go wrong with any of these and they're all within 1/2 hour of Germantown

I believe he is staying GEORGETOWN not Germantown. Howver, any of the above courses would definitlely be worth the approx 1 hour maybe a bit less from DC. And I agree with putting Musket Ridge on top. It's the best of all those, in my opinion.

You can get to all of these within an hr of DC and imo the area where you have the best grouping of quality courses.I live here in Frederick and the general opinion is Md National,Whiskey Creek,Worthington Manor,Musket Ridge and PB Dye.I would rate Musket Ridge the best in my opinion too then Whiskey Creek.Md National in a way is similiar to Musket Ridge and beside Musket Ridge so I would do one or the other.PB Dye is the tuffest imo. Blue Mash on the way from DC I didn't really care for as much as any of these other courses.I also like Little Bennett across from PB Dye and Hollow Creek another decent course here is running alot of specials right now.Hollow Creek is the buzz right now due to their specials.I am playing there July 4 for my first time.

[TerpGOLF]

Carolina Golfer 2, on Jun 25 2009, 09:16 AM, said:

Gibber, on Jun 24 2009, 12:04 PM, said:

Thanks DH...will give East Potomac a try!

I've never played East Potomac so take this for what it's worth. But I've never heard of ANYONE who has played it. yes it has a great historical reputation and from what I know is in passable shape, but the area of DC it is in, is ranked as one of the highest crime areas in the country. And unless you know where you're going and know DC very well, you could easily get lost and end up in an even worst area.

that's just my .02 worth. See my next posts about the other upscales.

I live in DC and you are totally wrong about it being in a bad part of the city. It is right in the middle of the tourist district really close to the mall and the monuments. It is part of a big park where people picnic, bike rollerblade, jog, fish and all kinds of recreational things. It is actually kind of a unique since it is surrounded by so much history.

I don't play there because it is usually in crappy condition (though I haven't played there in several years) and is extremely crowded with hackers. If you are going to try to walk on at 10:30 on a Saturday you will have a lot of company so be prepared to wait. But it has a really good practice facility and putting greens so I am there fairly often.

To the OP: I second some of the other suggestions such as Glen Dale (NOT Greendale which is not that good). One I didn't see mentioned was Little Bennett which is in Montgomery County, MD and is a few miles off of 270 (Near Whiskey Creek and PB Dye). It is municipal but you wouldn't know it by the condition and layout of the course and practice facilities. Have a good trip DC is a great town.

[xodus82]

Have to agree with folks above
Grew up in that area and went back a few months ago visiting family
Got to play Lake Presidential - Great Track!
Blue Mash - 3 of the toughest starting holes ive played lol (just because they're 460+) but also a nice obscure one - little more deeper in Olney from the Beltway/270.
Westfields - Couples course
Rasperry Falls - think this was Player's
Worthington Manor - lots of undulations and fast greens on front 9
- from memory Augustine was one of the first Upscale courses in that area to come up and believe it still one of the best but its lil further down south. Bulle Rock - LPGA mcdonalds championship held there. Whiskey Creek ( as others have stated I prefer Worthington), Maryland National - also lil further away. So many great tracks around that area - good luck and have fun!

[1t2golf]

djc9299, on Jun 26 2009, 06:09 PM, said:

Well I've decided and it looks like I'm going to be playing Lake Presidential and Westfields, from what I've read they sound like very nice courses. It's so helpful talking to people who know and love golf and who will give you their honest opinion. I've been all over the internet and the information that I have been given on this post is far and away better than anything else I have read. If anyone comes down to South Florida I'd be happy to give you my suggestions.

Great choices. I'm sure you will enjoy both courses.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

djc9299, on Jun 26 2009, 06:09 PM, said:

Well I've decided and it looks like I'm going to be playing Lake Presidential and Westfields, from what I've read they sound like very nice courses. It's so helpful talking to people who know and love golf and who will give you their honest opinion. I've been all over the internet and the information that I have been given on this post is far and away better than anything else I have read. If anyone comes down to South Florida I'd be happy to give you my suggestions.

Two Great Choices!!! You WILL NOT be disapointed. As a matter of fact I bet a lot of DC/MD/VA members on here are very envous of you. Because of the location of the courses, I doubt many who live here have played both in the same weekend. You're staying convienent to get to both, but they are actually about 60 to 70 miles from each other. You'll get one of the top 10 courses in the state of VA and one of the Top 5 probably in the state of MD in the same weekend. WEll PLAYED.

I'd love to hear how they go for you.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

TerpGOLF, on Jun 26 2009, 07:26 PM, said:

Carolina Golfer 2, on Jun 25 2009, 09:16 AM, said:

Gibber, on Jun 24 2009, 12:04 PM, said:

Thanks DH...will give East Potomac a try!

I've never played East Potomac so take this for what it's worth. But I've never heard of ANYONE who has played it. yes it has a great historical reputation and from what I know is in passable shape, but the area of DC it is in, is ranked as one of the highest crime areas in the country. And unless you know where you're going and know DC very well, you could easily get lost and end up in an even worst area.

that's just my .02 worth. See my next posts about the other upscales.

I live in DC and you are totally wrong about it being in a bad part of the city. It is right in the middle of the tourist district really close to the mall and the monuments. It is part of a big park where people picnic, bike rollerblade, jog, fish and all kinds of recreational things. It is actually kind of a unique since it is surrounded by so much history.

I don't play there because it is usually in crappy condition (though I haven't played there in several years) and is extremely crowded with hackers. If you are going to try to walk on at 10:30 on a Saturday you will have a lot of company so be prepared to wait. But it has a really good practice facility and putting greens so I am there fairly often.

To the OP: I second some of the other suggestions such as Glen Dale (NOT Greendale which is not that good). One I didn't see mentioned was Little Bennett which is in Montgomery County, MD and is a few miles off of 270 (Near Whiskey Creek and PB Dye). It is municipal but you wouldn't know it by the condition and layout of the course and practice facilities. Have a good trip DC is a great town.

Terp....Boy did I blow that big time, thanks for correcting me. I was actually thinking of Langston Golf Course. Don't even ask me how I could have gotten those confused. Just a complete and utter brain fart on my part. To quote Phil "I'm such an Idiot" My apologies to the East Potomac, and you are right about the conditions there.

Also a big 2nd to Little Bennet. One of the hidden gems in the area, great conditions, great range and very nice layout.

[longbal30]

East potomac is a dirt track, very cheap, but you get what you pay for in this instance. Its even so bad to the point that if you have some nice gear, you have to cover it up if you leave it unattended. It make grow legs. There are some prominent people who play there on a regular basis, and a skins game pretty much every day at 12. But still, its absolutely no challenge.

[Freak2]

East Potomac is a total waste of time. I'd do Worthington Manor, Whiskey Creek, PB Dye, then Hollow Creek...in that order. I'm playing Hollow Creek tomm, i'll report back on the conditions.

[VA_Astra]

I would for sure play Musket Ridge and PB Dye of the four you play.

Another great one that wasnt mentioned is Renditions. The fourth I would play is Westfields as it is a great course!

[Carolina Golfer 2]

VA_Astra, on Jun 29 2009, 09:55 PM, said:

I would for sure play Musket Ridge and PB Dye of the four you play.

Another great one that wasnt mentioned is Renditions. The fourth I would play is Westfields as it is a great course!

Can you Imagine a weekend that consisted of 36 each day, PB Dye and Musket one day and Renditions and Westfields the next. It wouldn't get any better than that (for public courses). Although that would be putting ALOT of miles on the car, but it'd be worth it.

FTR, I think he did choose Westfields for one of the rounds, and I did actually suggest Renditions as well, especially since it was so close to Lake Presidential where one of the posters was playing. It got a bit confusing because I think there were actually two different people asking different types of advice on where to play. But I echo your thoughts on Musket Ridge. We just played a 54 hole tournament there in one day a couple weeks ago. It was in fantastic shape.

[VA_Astra]

Musket is in amazing shape!! I was just up there a couple of weeks ago where we worked a tourney and had a blast! Hoping to get out there again this weekend.

[djc9299]

We played at lake presidential today and it was a great time. Course was in good shape overall. I would say the greens were a little slow but I think it has to do with all the rain they have had. The rough was tough, thick and as long as 6" in some areas. I believe this is due to the rain aswell. The layout was really terrific. Lots of undulation and movement in the holes. A few holes had lateral water hazards which kept you from hitting it further than you would like. Overall it was a great experience that I would highly suggest.