6 Amazing Golf Courses in the D.C. Metro Area

The D.C. metro area is full of shopping locales, dining destinations, and other amenities fit for a luxury lifestyle. It’s also home to several incredible golf courses. Whether you’re a professional unwinding from the pressures of DC or a retiree in Arlington enjoying a day out, check out these six amazing golf courses in the D.C. metro area.

For some of Arlington's most renowned and best golfing, visit the Washington Golf and Country Club, also known as “the Club of the Presidents.” This club was a frequent haunt of U.S. leaders Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, and Calvin Coolidge. As the oldest country club in the state, the golf course has evolved considerably since its original 1894 design. This private club is open to members and guests intrigued by the club’s course and other amenities.

Expert golfers will appreciate this course’s challenging topography and design, which was most recently renovated by Renaissance Golf Design. The course itself uses its 6,300 yards to its fullest potential through tricky configurations. Players are faced with the challenges of Arlington’s hills as they are forced to track through rising and falling elevations to precisely angle a shot. Those who reserve a time can count on a long and rewarding game.

The Army Navy Country Club is another private community boasting award-winning facilities for its guests and members. The 500 acres of this club are split over Arlington and Fairfax’s rolling hills and wooded environment. This club is staffed by highly trained and acclaimed professionals, ensuring all players can access the help they need. Visitors can spend all day playing in the two different locations that provide 54 holes of championship golf.

This club has also attracted presidential interest for its challenges and charms. Both William J. Clinton and Dwight D. Eisenhower valued the natural escape of these golf courses, which have been improved extensively since the club’s opening. Arlington’s course aligns with Golden Age sensibilities in its rugged terrain, while Fairfax’s gentler style harkens to the Modern Era. The Army Navy Country Club also serves as a venue for golf tournaments, events, and programs for golfers.

The Potomac River is a calming and shimmering backdrop to a game of golf at East Potomac Golf Links. This course is also known as the Hains Point Golf Course for its location on Hains Point Island. The United States’ first Cherry Blossoms decorate the 9- and 18-hole courses with their fragrant blooms. This is one of the best golf courses in the D.C. metro area for a fun family game of mini golf, practice sessions any time of day at the heated driving range, or keeping score during a classic game.

The East Potomac Golf Links have two nine-hole courses and one 18-hole course for players of all levels. The Red Course features nine holes of Par 3’s and is ideal for beginners or experts practicing their chip and pitch shots. The White Course is the second nine-hole course with an open layout that offers views of the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. For an 18-hole game, the Blue Course is studded with historical landmarks throughout the path’s Walter Travis design.

The Pinecrest Golf Course provides a challenging game along a narrow green for players interested in testing their skills. Open all day, this nine-hole course is surrounded by lush trees, green hills, and still ponds that are the perfect retreat from big city living. The Par-35 executive course is situated on 2,462 yards for a game that can be tailored to novices and experts alike.

Pinecrest golfers needing to practice can perfect their swing at one of the 10 driving cages, the indoor practice area, or by reserving a session with a professional. This course also has a Trackman 4 Golf Simulator, an exciting high-tech addition that’s equal parts entertaining and instructive. Guests can use the simulator to analyze their swing, access more golf courses virtually, and receive personalized instruction.

Disappear into the secluded woods of Rock Creek Park when playing on the Rock Creek Golf Course. This course originally opened in 1909 as a nine-hole course. Throughout the years, improvements and modifications were made to expand it into an 18-hole course. The difficult terrain is marked by a steep hillside bordering narrow fairways.

Although this course’s back nine holes are currently closed due to unsuitable playing conditions, the first nine holes span flat terrain with long par 3s and short par 4s. Even though the course is truncated, it still is one of the most challenging courses in the area. Beginner players have access to Family Tees to keep a game fair and fun. Players can also make a five-hole loop along holes 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18.

Stretching 6,353 yards across, the Greendale Golf Course was built in 1976 by Leon Howard. This 18-hole regulation course is on 148 acres of terrain with Bermuda fairways, dynamic water hazards, and asphalt paths for golf carts. The most scenic section of this course is hole 17, which looks out onto the rest of the vibrant green and tree-lined environment. This course’s rigorous design makes for a thrilling day out. Guests are invited to practice on the putting green, sign up for lessons, and enjoy the services at the course’s modern clubhouse.

If you’re unsure where to golf in the D.C. metro area, try out one of the six amazing courses above. Many presidents have graced the greens in this city, drawn to their natural allure and escape from daily pressures. Intimate courses at Rock Creek and Pinecrest are just as rewarding with their steep-hill terrain and inventive layouts. For year-round access to these courses, consider starting a home search with a local real estate agent. If you need help exploring Arlington’s luxury neighborhoods, contact experienced agent Michael Sheridan to show you all your options.