Nina Caldwell
Golfing in Washington, DC, can be an expensive affair, but there are a few ways to save money. One option is to head west, where prices drop for quality courses. Closer to the city, East Potomac Golf Course is the cheapest option, with accessible metro and bike-sharing facilities. Rock Creek Park is another low-cost course that can be reached via a short Uber ride. For those willing to travel a little further, Laurel Hill is the only muni course that comes recommended, while Hidden Creek CC in Reston is one of the least expensive country clubs in the area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheap golf courses in DC | East Potomac Golf Courses, Rock Creek Park, Laurel Hill, Bristow Manor Golf Club, Sterling Golf Club, Hidden Creek CC |
| Views | East Potomac Golf Courses offers views of the Washington Monument |
| Transport | East Potomac Golf Courses is accessible by metro/bike share |
| Surrounding areas | Most good golf courses are 30-60 minutes from DC proper |
| Course conditions | East Potomac Golf Course has been described as having "shitty course conditions" and "boring flat, wide-open holes with equally boring flat greens that all run different speeds" |
| Membership options | Laurel Hill has a membership option. Clubs in eastern Maryland are also more affordable. |
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What You'll Learn
East Potomac Golf Course
The course offers a range of amenities, including a driving range, mini golf, foot golf, food outlets, club fitting, and club repair. It also provides professional instruction for golfers of all levels. East Potomac Golf Course is known for its convenient location and views of the Washington Monument. It is accessible by metro or bike share, making it a popular choice for those without a car.
While some golfers have criticised the course conditions and long round times on weekends, others appreciate the affordable rates and unique setting. The course has been described as "not as bad as many make it out to be", and it remains a well-utilised space for sport and leisure in the nation's capital.
In addition to the full-size golf course, East Potomac Golf Links is also home to a miniature golf course, the oldest continuously operating mini golf course in the country. Built in 1931, it once featured small replicas of landmarks like the White House and Capitol Building. After years of deferred maintenance, the National Links Trust rehabilitated the miniature golf course in 2024, restoring it to its former glory and ensuring it remains an affordable and historic recreational attraction.
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Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek is a unique course, with rolling hills and trees, and an abundance of wildlife, including turkeys, foxes, hawks, eagles, coyotes, birds, and deer. The front nine holes are mostly flat and open with short par 4s and long par 3s, and are easy to walk and play. The back nine, on the other hand, is challenging, with extreme hills and narrow fairways. While the back nine is currently closed for safety renovations, golfers can make a tee time to play holes 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18.
Rock Creek Golf Course was designed by William Flynn, a renowned golf course architect of the early 20th century, who also designed legendary courses such as Shinnecock Hills and Cherry Hills. The course was built to accentuate the character of the former farmland and hardwood forests. Rock Creek offers Family Tees to help less experienced golfers. There is also a large putting green that is free to use, but no driving range.
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Laurel Hill
The centerpiece of Laurel Hill Golf Club is its elegant clubhouse, which features a pro shop, meeting facilities, and dining options. The clubhouse design celebrates the rich heritage of the former DC Department of Corrections Facility, with warm interior design details that evoke a club atmosphere. The clubhouse includes a banquet room capable of handling groups of up to 144 people, a private dining/small group conference room, and a full-service kitchen. The Tower Grill, open to the public, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a full-service bar and flat-screen TVs.
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Affordable memberships
Golfing in the DC area can be expensive, but there are some affordable options for memberships and pay-to-play courses. Here are some suggestions for cheap memberships in the DC area:
East Potomac Park
East Potomac Park is one of the cheapest options for golfing in DC. While some reviews mention poor course conditions, it is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the Washington Monument, offering great views. It features 9- and 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, mini golf, foot golf, and more. It is accessible by metro/bike share, and you can also get there by car.
Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is another affordable golf course in the DC area. While some may consider the course conditions less than ideal, it is still a good option for those on a budget, as you can easily Uber there without breaking the bank.
Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill is recommended by a DC local as having a good membership option.
Hidden Creek CC in Reston
Hidden Creek CC is about 35 minutes away from DC in Reston. It is considered the least expensive country club in the area by a DC local, although it may not be considered "cheap" or "affordable" by everyone, as these terms are subjective.
Eastern Maryland
Golf courses in eastern Maryland are also mentioned as being more affordable than those in the immediate DC area.
It is worth noting that some of the more affordable options are located outside of the DC area, so you may need to be prepared to travel a bit further or consider the cost of transportation in your calculations. However, with a range of options available, it is possible to find cheaper golfing options in and around DC.
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Golf outside of DC
If you're willing to travel outside of DC proper, there are several quality golf courses within a 30-60 minute drive that offer a better experience than the average muni courses found in the city. Here are some options to consider:
- Westfields GC (Clifton, VA): Although it's a bit of a drive, this course offers a great experience for those looking to get out of the city.
- Potomac Shores ( Dumfries, VA ): Located near the water, this course provides a beautiful setting for a round of golf.
- Whiskey Creek ( Ijamsville, MD ): A unique course that offers a challenging and enjoyable experience.
- 1757 ( Dulles, VA ): A convenient option for those who don't want to venture too far from DC, offering a solid blend of accessibility and quality.
- Bristow Manor ( Bristow, VA ): A well-regarded course that provides a solid golf experience, especially for those already in the Bristow area.
- Worthington Manor ( Urbana, MD ): This course is known for its manicured grounds and challenging layout, offering a premium experience.
- Maryland National ( Middletown, MD ): Located in the heart of Maryland, this course offers a true test of golf and a chance to immerse yourself in the local golf community.
- Musket Ridge ( Myersville, MD ): A highly-regarded course that has been ranked among the top 100 public golf courses in the US.
For those seeking an even more affordable option, consider looking into golf clubs with memberships. While there aren't many affordable private club options in Arlington, you might want to look into Laurel Hill, which offers a membership option. Additionally, some clubs in eastern Maryland are reportedly more affordable.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the cheaper golf courses in DC include East Potomac Park, Langston, and Rock Creek. These courses are part of the National Parks and offer 9- and 18-hole golf courses. Other affordable options include Laurel Hill, Bristow Manor Golf Club, and Sterling Golf Club.
There are some affordable golf clubs in the DC area, but they may require a bit of a commute. Hidden Creek CC in Reston is about 35 minutes away and is considered one of the least expensive country clubs in the area. Laurel Hill also offers a membership option that could be worth checking out.
Yes, there are several public golf courses in DC, including East Potomac Park, Langston, and Rock Creek. These courses are run by the National Links Trust and are known for being accessible and affordable.
It's always a good idea to look for discounts and deals. Websites like GolfNow often offer amazing deals and daily specials on tee times in the DC area. It's worth checking their website or other golf booking platforms for potential savings.
Yes, there are inexpensive and fun golf programs for kids in DC. Some public golf courses offer programs with free range balls for the season, mini three-hole tournaments, and ID cards. These programs provide a great opportunity for children to learn and enjoy the game.
