Top 20 Golf Courses in Maryland: The Ultimate Maryland Sports Blog Guide to the Old Line State’s Finest Fairways
Top 20 Golf Courses in Maryland: The Ultimate Maryland Sports Blog Guide to the Old Line State’s Finest Fairways
By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog
Maryland has long been known as one of the nation’s premier golf destinations, even if it often flies under the radar behind golf-heavy states like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Within a few hours’ drive, golfers can experience championship layouts that have hosted U.S. Opens, PGA Tour events, LPGA majors, Ryder Cups, and elite amateur championships, while also finding some of the best public golf in the Mid-Atlantic.
From the rolling hills of Western Maryland to the marsh-lined fairways of the Eastern Shore and the prestigious private clubs surrounding Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Maryland offers an incredible variety of golfing experiences. Legendary architects such as A.W. Tillinghast, William Flynn, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, C.H. Alison, Arthur Hills, Joe Lee, and Andrew Green have all left their mark on the state’s golf landscape.
Whether you’re chasing bucket-list private clubs, planning a weekend golf trip, or simply searching for the best public course within driving distance, Maryland Sports Blog ranks the state’s 20 best golf courses.
1. Congressional Country Club (Blue Course) — Bethesda
There isn’t another golf course in Maryland that combines history, prestige, architecture, and championship pedigree quite like Congressional’s Blue Course.
Originally opened in 1924, the Blue has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history, but Andrew Green’s dramatic redesign transformed it into one of the finest championship courses in America.
Gone are many of the tree-lined corridors that once defined Congressional. In their place are expansive fairways, strategic bunkering, bold green complexes, and multiple playing angles that reward creative shot-making.
The Blue Course has hosted:
- Three U.S. Opens
- PGA Championship
- U.S. Senior Open
- BMW Championship
- Presidents Cup
- Future PGA Championship and Ryder Cup events
Every hole presents a decision. Players can choose conservative routes or attack risky angles in search of birdies.
MSB Take: This isn’t simply Maryland’s best golf course—it’s one of the best in the entire United States.
2. Baltimore Country Club (East Course/Five Farms) — Lutherville-Timonium
The East Course is one of legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast’s greatest creations.
Keith Foster’s restoration returned much of Tillinghast’s original intent by removing excess trees, restoring bunker edges, expanding greens, and reintroducing strategic shot values.
The course is famous for:
- Outstanding collection of par-3s
- Natural rolling terrain
- Exceptional green complexes
- Strategic bunkering
No two holes feel alike.
Accuracy is rewarded far more than power.
3. Caves Valley Golf Club — Owings Mills
Tom Fazio built Caves Valley to test the world’s best players while remaining enjoyable for members.
Following updates in preparation for the BMW Championship, the course now stretches over 7,500 yards and demands elite ball striking.
Highlights include:
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Deep fairway bunkers
- Risk-reward par 5s
- Fast bentgrass greens
Professional golfers consistently praise its conditioning as among the finest on Tour.
4. Burning Tree Club — Bethesda
Burning Tree remains one of America’s most exclusive clubs.
Designed by C.H. Alison and recently refined by Gil Hanse, it emphasizes strategy over brute force.
The routing moves naturally across rolling terrain, with subtle greens and beautifully positioned bunkers challenging players throughout the round.
Its membership has included presidents, cabinet officials, ambassadors, and business leaders for decades.
5. Woodmont Country Club (North Course) — Rockville
The North Course has quietly become one of Maryland’s strongest traditional layouts.
Known for immaculate conditioning and strategic design, Woodmont rewards players who think their way around the golf course rather than simply overpowering it.
Excellent par-4s and demanding greens highlight every round.
6. Chevy Chase Club — Chevy Chase
Following Andrew Green’s restoration, Chevy Chase Club has become one of Maryland’s fastest-rising courses.
The renovation restored much of C.H. Alison’s Golden Age philosophy by:
- Expanding greens
- Opening playing corridors
- Rebuilding bunkers
- Improving strategic options
The result is a classic design that feels both historic and modern.
7. Congressional Country Club (Gold Course) — Bethesda
Overshadowed by the Blue, the Gold Course would be the premier course at nearly every other club in Maryland.
Players enjoy:
- Championship conditioning
- Wide fairways
- Beautiful routing
- Excellent variety
It’s slightly more forgiving than the Blue but remains a stern test.
8. Columbia Country Club — Chevy Chase
Founded in 1898, Columbia Country Club combines history with exceptional architecture.
The course features tree-lined fairways, subtle green complexes, and outstanding conditioning throughout the season.
It’s a classic members’ course where smart course management consistently beats raw distance.
9. Bulle Rock Golf Course — Havre de Grace
Maryland’s Best Public Golf Course
If you’re searching for the best public golf experience in Maryland, Bulle Rock belongs at the top of the list.
Pete Dye created a masterpiece on former thoroughbred horse farm property overlooking the Chesapeake region.
Golfers will encounter:
- Railroad ties
- Massive bunkers
- Water hazards
- Native grasses
- Dramatic elevation
The course previously hosted multiple LPGA Championship tournaments and remains one of the most challenging public courses in the Mid-Atlantic.
MSB Public Course Rating: A+
10. Woodmont Country Club (South Course) — Rockville
The South Course recently received an ambitious redesign inspired by Australia’s famed Melbourne Sandbelt courses.
Large waste areas, native grasses, creative bunkering, and firm playing conditions give the course a completely different personality than its northern counterpart.
It’s one of Maryland’s most unique modern designs.
11. Four Streams — Beallsville
Steve Smyers and Nick Price teamed up to create one of Maryland’s hidden private gems.
Wide corridors encourage aggressive play, but enormous bunkers and challenging greens punish poor execution.
Every hole offers multiple strategic options depending on a player’s confidence.
12. TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm — Potomac
TPC Potomac has enjoyed a remarkable revival over the past decade.
Following Gil Hanse’s renovation, the course regained its place on the PGA Tour schedule.
The layout rewards:
- Precision iron play
- Smart positioning
- Excellent putting
This is one of the state’s strongest tournament venues.
13. U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club — Annapolis
One of Maryland’s biggest architectural success stories.
Andrew Green’s renovation restored William Flynn’s original vision while modernizing the course for today’s game.
Golfers enjoy:
- Chesapeake Bay breezes
- Restored bunkers
- Expanded greens
- Improved drainage
- Strategic variety
The renovation elevated Navy into one of the country’s finest collegiate golf facilities.
14. Links at Perry Cabin — St. Michaels
Pete Dye’s final Maryland masterpiece offers breathtaking Eastern Shore scenery.
The routing combines links golf with traditional American parkland architecture.
Highlights include:
- Waterfront views
- Signature Biarritz green
- Strong finishing stretch
- Outstanding conditioning
Guests staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin have access to one of Maryland’s premier resort golf experiences.
15. Whiskey Creek Golf Club — Ijamsville
Nestled among the foothills west of Baltimore, Whiskey Creek delivers dramatic elevation and spectacular mountain views.
The Ernie Els influence is evident throughout the design.
Golfers remember:
- Beautiful stone farmhouse
- Challenging par 5s
- Fast greens
- Scenic overlooks
Few courses in Maryland are as visually stunning.
16. Lighthouse Sound — Bishopville
Located just minutes from Ocean City, Lighthouse Sound consistently ranks among Maryland’s most scenic golf courses.
Arthur Hills designed a layout that embraces the surrounding marshland and bay.
Nearly every hole provides postcard-worthy views.
The signature bridges, marsh carries, and coastal winds create a memorable challenge.
17. Musket Ridge Golf Club — Myersville
Joe Lee’s final design remains one of Maryland’s favorite public courses.
Golfers love:
- Mountain vistas
- Excellent pace of play
- Fair but demanding layout
- Outstanding conditioning
Musket Ridge has become a staple for charity tournaments and destination golf weekends.
18. Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links — Berlin
Rum Pointe delivers true coastal golf without requiring a trip to Scotland.
Designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, the course hugs Sinepuxent Bay and offers incredible sunsets over the water.
Generous fairways make it playable, while the wind creates ever-changing conditions.
19. Worthington Manor Golf Club — Urbana
Worthington Manor continues to host U.S. Open local qualifiers for good reason.
The Arthur Hills/Ault, Clark design demands precision from start to finish.
Golfers face:
- Elevated tee shots
- Deep bunkers
- Rolling greens
- One of Maryland’s toughest closing stretches
Better players especially appreciate its strategic design.
20. Eagle’s Landing Golf Club — Berlin
Closing out the list is Eagle’s Landing, another Eastern Shore favorite.
Michael Hurdzan created an environmentally friendly Audubon-certified course that winds through protected wetlands.
Risk-reward golf dominates the experience, particularly on the back nine.
The course rewards patience, accuracy, and thoughtful decision-making.
Honorable Mentions
Several outstanding courses narrowly missed the Top 20:
- Lake Presidential Golf Club
- Queenstown Harbor Golf Links
- Maryland National Golf Club
- Lodestone Golf Club at Wisp Resort
- Renditions Golf Course
- Hobbits Glen
- Hog Neck Golf Course
- Compass Pointe Golf Courses
Each offers excellent value and deserves consideration during any Maryland golf trip.
Maryland’s Best Public Golf Courses
For golfers without private club access, these are MSB’s favorites:
- Bulle Rock
- Lighthouse Sound
- Rum Pointe
- Whiskey Creek
- Worthington Manor
- Musket Ridge
- Queenstown Harbor
- Maryland National
- Renditions
- Lodestone
Final Thoughts
Maryland may not receive the same national attention as golf destinations like Florida, Arizona, or the Carolinas, but course for course, the Old Line State can compete with anyone. The combination of historic Golden Age clubs, modern championship venues, mountain golf, and spectacular coastal layouts creates one of the most diverse golf experiences anywhere in America.
Whether you’re fortunate enough to tee it up at Congressional or Caves Valley, planning a buddy trip to Bulle Rock and Worthington Manor, or enjoying a weekend on the Eastern Shore at Rum Pointe and Lighthouse Sound, Maryland offers unforgettable golf at every level.
For Maryland golfers, these 20 courses represent the very best the state has to offer—and every one belongs on your bucket list.
