Discover 150+ championship golf courses from Congressional Country Club to Ocean City resort courses, featuring world-class public and private layouts across Maryland's diverse regions.
Maryland golf features over 150 courses concentrated in the 35-mile Baltimore-Washington corridor, home to eleven of the state's top twelve courses including Congressional Country Club Blue, ranked No. 67 in America's 100 Greatest Courses. The state offers diverse golfing from championship venues that have hosted eight major championships to scenic mountain courses at Deep Creek Lake, oceanside resort golf in Ocean City with nearly 20 courses, and accessible municipal facilities operated by Baltimore, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties.
The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) represents 167 member clubs with 47,000+ golfers, including 67 public courses, 50 private clubs, and 12 semi-private facilities. Green fees range from $38-189, with peak rates during spring and fall seasons. Most courses offer year-round play with winter rates and twilight discounts available.
📍 Bethesda
Maryland's No. 1 ranked course and No. 67 in America's 100 Greatest Courses following Andrew Green's 2020 redesign. Opened in 1924, Congressional has hosted five major championships including three U.S. Opens (1964, 1997, 2011) and two PGA Championships (1976, 2022). The club also hosted the 1995 Ryder Cup and the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Tournament winners include Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Ken Venturi, and Tiger Woods. The club will host five major championships and the 2036 Ryder Cup over the next two decades.
Type: Private
Major Championships: 5 (3 U.S. Opens, 2 PGA Championships)
Visit Website📍 Owings Mills (Baltimore)
Tom Fazio-designed championship course opened in 1991, hosting Baltimore's first PGA Tour event in nearly 60 years. The member-owned club hosted the 2002 U.S. Senior Open where Don Pooley defeated Tom Watson in a dramatic five-hole playoff, plus the 1995 U.S. Mid-Amateur, NCAA Championships (2005 Men's, 2009 Women's), LPGA International Crown (2014), Constellation Senior Players Championship (2017), and BMW Championship (2021, 2025) where Patrick Cantlay defeated Bryson DeChambeau in a six-hole playoff. Designed specifically for championship golf in Maryland's Hunt Country.
Type: Private
Designer: Tom Fazio
Visit Website📍 Potomac
Private TPC facility that underwent a $20 million renovation in 2008. Former host of the Kemper Open and Booz Allen Classic, now hosting the Wells Fargo Championship (2022). Also hosted the Quicken Loans National (2017-2018) with winners Kyle Stanley and Francesco Molinari, plus the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship (2010) and Neediest Kids Championship. Past tournament winners include Tom Kite, Lee Janzen, Steve Stricker, Justin Leonard, Rich Beem, Rory Sabbatini, and Adam Scott. One of Maryland's premier championship venues in the DC suburbs.
Type: Private TPC
Renovation: $20M in 2008
Visit Website📍 Havre de Grace
Pete Dye's signature design opened in 1998 on 275 acres of the historic Blenheim Farm, named for Bulle Rock, the first thoroughbred racehorse brought to America. Ranked Maryland's best public course and one of only 12 "Five-Star Facilities" by Golf Digest. Zagat readers ranked Bulle Rock among the nation's Top 50 golf courses. Named America's Best New Upscale Public Course of 1998. Hosted the LPGA Championship (a women's major) from 2005-2009. The bold Pete Dye design measures 7,375 yards with no homesites, dedicated entirely to golf. Located east of Baltimore in Harford County.
Type: Public
Designer: Pete Dye | Yardage: 7,375 yards
Visit WebsiteMaryland features over 70 public golf courses ranked among the Mid-Atlantic's finest. Green fees range from $38-189 with most courses charging $50-143. Many offer GPS-equipped carts and practice facilities.
📍 Havre de Grace | Pete Dye design
Ranked #1 public course in Maryland. Pete Dye's masterpiece measuring 7,375 yards. Hosted LPGA Championship 2005-2009. Five-Star facility with no homesites, pure golf experience on historic Blenheim Farm.
📍 Frederick County | Ernie Els co-design
Ranked #7 in GolfPass Top 20 Public Courses and #15 overall. Co-designed by two-time U.S. Open Champion Ernie Els with dramatic elevation changes. Consistently ranks in Maryland's top ten lists.
📍 Frederick | Arthur Hills design
Ranked #6 in Top 20 Public Courses and #20 overall. Arthur Hills creation featuring open links-style holes, wetland carries, and tree-lined fairways. Offers 40% military discount. Rates include GPS cart and practice facility.
📍 Myersville (Frederick County) | Joe Lee design
Ranked #7 in Top 20 Public Courses and #21 overall. Final design of legendary architect Joe Lee. Lauded for exceptional playability and conditioning. West side of Frederick County.
📍 Northeast Bethesda | Smyers/Price design
Stout player's course from Steve Smyers and Nick Price featuring sweeping cape and bay bunkers. Located in countryside northeast of Bethesda. Known for strategic design and challenging layout.
📍 Frederick | Within city limits
Borders the Monocacy River within Frederick city limits. Constantly voted favorite golf course in Frederick County. Part of Frederick's exceptional cluster of golf courses.
📍 Frederick area | P.B. Dye design
Known for incredible challenge and scenic beauty. Part of Frederick's reputation as having one of the finest clusters of courses in the Mid-Atlantic region.
📍 Deep Creek Lake (Garrett County) | Hale Irwin design
Ranked #2 public course in Maryland by GolfWeek. Designed by 3-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin. Sits on ridge above Deep Creek Lake with fairways routed around rocky outcrops. Mountain scenery throughout.
📍 Deep Creek Lake (Eastern side) | Craig Schreiner design
Ranked #1 semi-private golf course in Maryland by The Grint 2024. Championship course par 72, stretching 7,232 yards with five tee sets. Mountain scenery on Deep Creek Lake's eastern shore.
📍 Flintstone (Cumberland area) | Jack Nicklaus Signature
Jack Nicklaus Signature Course making full use of Maryland's natural beauty. Destination golf course in far western Maryland near Cumberland. Resort amenities and casino.
The Baltimore metropolitan area features 47 golf courses within 15 miles of downtown, split evenly between 18 public and 18 private courses. The area includes courses in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, Howard County, and northern Anne Arundel County.
📍 Owings Mills | Tom Fazio
See Featured Championship Courses section above for complete details. Hosted BMW Championship 2021 and 2025, U.S. Senior Open 2002, and numerous national championships.
Website📍 Baltimore County
One of the finest private golf and country clubs in the region. Historic club with championship pedigree surrounding Baltimore.
📍 Baltimore area
Private club noted among Baltimore's top private facilities. Members-only access with championship-caliber golf.
📍 Havre de Grace (Harford County) | Pete Dye
Maryland's #1 public course. See Top Rated Public Courses section for complete details. Located east of Baltimore.
Website📍 Baltimore County
Host of several PGA and LPGA tournaments. Features panoramic views of Loch Raven Reservoir. Championship-level public course with tournament pedigree.
📍 Baltimore City | Est. 1915
First public golf course in Baltimore, built in 1915. Features 18 holes with panoramic views of downtown Baltimore. Historic municipal course.
📍 Baltimore area
Storied history - in 1956, Arnold Palmer nearly quit mid-tournament but ended up winning his second professional US victory. Historic significance in Palmer's career.
📍 Baltimore area | 36 holes
Features 36 holes on two courses plus one of the largest driving ranges in the region. Cited by Golf Magazine as one of the best value courses in Maryland.
📍 Essex | Waterfront
Picturesque waterfront views make this a scenic option in the eastern Baltimore suburbs. Popular public course with water vistas.
📍 White Hall (Baltimore County)
Championship-level play north of Baltimore. Part of Baltimore County Golf system. Known for excellent conditioning and playability.
Baltimore County Golf operates five championship golf courses and a US Top 50 ranked Driving Range, providing accessible public golf throughout the county.
Top 50 Driving Range facility included in system
The Washington DC suburban communities of Montgomery County and Prince George's County are home to some of Maryland's best golf courses, including several that have hosted major national championships. Montgomery County alone operates nine diverse public golf courses catering to all skill levels.
📍 Bethesda
See Featured Championship Courses section for complete details. Maryland's #1 ranked course, hosted 5 major championships and 1995 Ryder Cup.
Website📍 Potomac
See Featured Championship Courses section. Private TPC hosting Wells Fargo Championship. $20M renovation in 2008.
Website📍 Bethesda | Est. 1928
Founded in 1928, covering over 100 acres in Bethesda. Historic private club in the heart of DC suburbs.
Montgomery County operates nine public golf courses throughout the county, serving the Maryland, Washington DC, Frederick, and Gaithersburg areas.
📍 Potomac | Est. 1961
First MCG golf course, opened in 1961. Minutes from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Darnestown MD, and Great Falls, McLean, Tysons VA. Convenient to DC.
Website📍 Laytonsville/Olney
Impeccably preserved, one of the most beautiful public layouts in the DC area. Located in Laytonsville with excellent conditions and scenic holes.
Website📍 Silver Spring | 27 holes
Challenging 27-hole layout with tree-lined fairways. Great location for DC, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Rockville residents. Three nine-hole combinations.
📍 Silver Spring (Ashton area)
Minutes from Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Wheaton, White Oak, plus College Park and Hyattsville in Prince George's County. Accessible public golf.
Website📍 Derwood | 18 + 9 holes
Provides both 18-hole and 9-hole course options. Characterized by rolling hills and water hazards. Versatile facility for all skill levels.
📍 Laytonsville | 18 holes
Tranquil 18-hole course set in rural landscape. Peaceful setting north of Washington DC metro area.
📍 Clarksburg
Winds through forested hills within Little Bennett Regional Park. Natural setting with wooded holes and elevation changes.
📍 Mount Airy
Known for accessibility with wide fairways and gentle slopes. Beginner-friendly yet enjoyable for all skill levels. Western Montgomery County location.
Ocean City, Maryland has become a major golf destination with nearly 20 courses within a 45-minute drive. The area features championship resort courses, several ranked in the top 100 courses you can play in the United States. The region offers oceanside and bayside golf with spectacular marsh and water views throughout the Eastern Shore.
📍 Near Ocean City | 36 championship holes
Features two courses: Newport Bay with all 18 holes featuring marsh and bay vistas, widely regarded as the most beautiful golf course on the Mid-Atlantic coast, plus the Seaside course. Total 36 holes of championship golf.
Website📍 Ocean City area | Jack Nicklaus Signature
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course designed by one of golf's greatest champions. Premier resort course among Ocean City's finest layouts.
📍 6 miles west of Ocean City | Par 72
18-hole Par 72 Championship Golf Course located just 6 miles west of Ocean City. Accessible resort course with full amenities.
Website📍 Berlin (near Ocean City) | Bayside views
Beautiful seaside golfing paradise overlooking serene Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague Island National Seashore. Spectacular water and island views throughout.
Website📍 Ocean City area
Links-style course among Ocean City's nearly 20 courses. Known for challenging layout and coastal conditions.
Website📍 Ocean City area | Two courses
Features two championship courses: Man O' War and War Admiral courses. 36 holes of resort golf near Ocean City.
📍 Ocean City area
Seaside links-style course popular with Ocean City visitors. Coastal golf experience with ocean breezes.
📍 Ocean City area
Challenging layout with sand dunes and strategic bunkering. Popular destination course near Ocean City.
📍 Ocean City area
Part of the Ocean City golf trail. Accessible public course with resort amenities and tee time packages available.
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort offers golf packages with access to 20 award-winning courses. Three round/2 night packages start from $475 per person. Multiple operators offer Ocean City golf packages including accommodations and tee times.
📍 Queenstown | Two world-class courses
River Course and Lakes Course. Lakes Course ranked among best courses for women. River Course consistently named one of best places for golf in Maryland/DC areas.
Website📍 Easton | 18 + 9 holes
18-hole par 72 championship course plus 9-hole par 32 executive course. Versatile facility offering options for all skill levels on the Eastern Shore.
📍 Stevensville | Est. 1959
Executive golf course opened in 1959, close to Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC. Features driving range, pro shop, lessons. Right on Maryland's Eastern Shore near Bay Bridge.
Website📍 Eastern Shore | Choptank River
Public golf course located on Eastern Shore's Choptank River flowing into Chesapeake Bay. Waterfront golf with river and marsh views.
Website📍 St. Michaels | Pete Dye design
Designed by legendary architect Pete Dye. Located in historic St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore. Resort course with Dye's signature design elements.
📍 Eastern Shore
Semi-private course on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Accessible layout with scenic holes and Chesapeake Bay region charm.
WebsiteWestern Maryland offers spectacular mountain golf from the Frederick area's exceptional cluster of courses to Deep Creek Lake's scenic resort courses in Garrett County. The region spans from Frederick and Hagerstown (just 24 miles apart) to Cumberland and the far western mountains.
Frederick has experienced significant golf growth over 25 years and features one of the finest clusters of golf courses in the Mid-Atlantic region.
📍 Frederick County | Ernie Els co-design
See Top Rated Public Courses section. Co-designed by 2-time U.S. Open Champion Ernie Els. Dramatic elevation changes, consistently in Maryland's top ten.
📍 Frederick | Arthur Hills
See Top Rated Public Courses section. Arthur Hills creation with links-style holes and wetlands. 40% military discount. Rates include GPS cart and practice.
Website📍 Myersville | Joe Lee's final design
See Top Rated Public Courses section. Final design of architect legend Joe Lee. Lauded for playability and conditioning. West side of county.
Website📍 Frederick (within city limits)
Borders Monocacy River within Frederick city limits. Constantly voted favorite golf course in Frederick County. Accessible location and excellent conditions.
📍 Frederick area | P.B. Dye design
Known for incredible challenge and scenery. Dye family design characteristics with strategic bunkering and risk-reward holes.
📍 Walkersville (15 min from Frederick)
Immaculately manicured 18-hole course just 15 minutes from Frederick. Known for excellent conditioning and playability.
WebsiteHagerstown, Maryland's second largest city, is just 24 miles from Frederick and offers scenic mountain golf with Appalachian views.
📍 Hagerstown | Washington County
Journey from opening holes nestled in Shenandoah Valley to spectacular back nine with scenic views of Appalachian Mountains. Dramatic elevation changes and vistas.
Website📍 Hagerstown area
Offers access to one of the finest courses in the Tri-State area (Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia). Premium golf experience near Hagerstown.
📍 Between Frederick & Hagerstown | Est. 1924
Historic club established in 1924 serving the Frederick-Hagerstown corridor. Private membership course.
WebsiteGarrett County's Deep Creek Lake area offers spectacular mountain golf with scenic lake and mountain views throughout western Maryland's highest elevations.
📍 Deep Creek Lake | Hale Irwin design
Designed by 3-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin. Ranked #2 public course in Maryland by GolfWeek. Sits on ridge above Deep Creek Lake with fairways routed around eye-catching rocky outcrops. Mountain scenery throughout.
📍 Deep Creek Lake (East side) | Craig Schreiner
Ranked #1 semi-private course in Maryland by The Grint 2024. Par 72 championship course stretching 7,232 yards from tips with five tee sets. Mountain scenery on lake's eastern shore.
Website📍 Oakland (minutes from Deep Creek) | 18 holes
One of Maryland's best kept secrets. 18 holes of championship golf spanning 6,395 yards with beautiful mountain scenery and rolling terrain. Nestled in Garrett County's hills.
Website📍 Deep Creek Lake area
Resort golf at Deep Creek Lake with mountain views. Vacation destination combining golf with lake activities and mountain recreation.
Website📍 Flintstone (near Cumberland) | Jack Nicklaus Signature
Jack Nicklaus Signature Course making full use of Maryland's natural beauty. Destination golf in far western Maryland. Casino resort with full amenities.
The Annapolis and Southern Maryland region offers accessible golf near the Chesapeake Bay with courses in Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas, bridging the Western Shore and Eastern Shore golf experiences.
Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks operates two municipal golf facilities offering affordable public golf near Annapolis and Baltimore.
📍 Anne Arundel County | Two 18-hole courses
Features two 18-hole championship courses offering 36 holes of public golf. One of the county's premier municipal golf facilities near Annapolis.
📍 Stevensville (Eastern Shore side)
Executive course close to Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC. Opened 1959. See Eastern Shore section for details. Just across Bay Bridge from Annapolis.
Southern Maryland features accessible public and semi-private courses serving St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles counties near the Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland offers over 200 golf courses statewide, with many counties and municipalities operating excellent municipal facilities providing affordable public golf. These county systems offer memberships, passes, and resident discounts.
📍 Montgomery County | 9 public courses
Operates nine diverse public golf courses throughout the county: Falls Road, Blue Mash, Northwest (27 holes), Hampshire Greens, Needwood (18+9), Laytonsville, Little Bennett, Rattlewood, plus one more. See DC Suburbs section for course details.
Website📍 Baltimore County | 5 championship courses
Five championship courses plus US Top 50 ranked Driving Range: Greystone, Woodlands, Diamond Ridge, Pine Ridge, Mount Pleasant. See Baltimore Area section for details.
Website📍 Anne Arundel County | 36+ holes
Two municipal golf facilities including Compass Pointe with 36 holes (two 18-hole championship courses). Affordable public golf near Annapolis.
Website📍 Washington County (Hagerstown area)
Black Rock Golf Course - county-operated course with Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian Mountain views. See Western Maryland section for details.
📍 College Park | University facility
University-operated public golf course in College Park. Open to public with membership options and student/faculty rates. Accessible university golf.
WebsiteRates include GPS-equipped cart and practice facility at many courses. Military discounts available at Maryland National (40% off).
Most Maryland courses offer year-round play except mountain courses at Deep Creek Lake.
Use GolfNow, TeeOff, or course websites for online booking and potential discounts.
Call ahead to check course conditions after heavy rain or winter weather.
Congressional and Caves Valley are private - public play not available except for tournaments.
Visit oceancitygolf.com and ruarkpackages.com for Ocean City golf vacation packages.
Check specific course websites for dress code details before arrival.
Visit msga.org for MSGA membership, handicap services, and tournament information.
The MSGA represents 167 member clubs with 47,000+ golfers across Maryland and Washington DC. Administers USGA Handicap System for 161 clubs, hosts championships and tournaments, provides course ratings, and promotes golf throughout the state.
Visit MSGARegional golf association serving Maryland and surrounding Mid-Atlantic states. Provides handicap services, tournaments, and regional golf programming.
Visit WebsitePromotes women's golf in the Baltimore area with tournaments, social events, and competitive opportunities for female golfers of all skill levels.
Visit WebsiteAdditional resources: MarylandGolf.com offers tee times and course directory. GolfNow and TeeOff provide online booking. VisitMaryland.org features golf travel information.
MarylandGolf.comUSA Golf: USA Golf Sites. Associations, Education, Juniors, News (Golf), Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
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Last updated on November 24, 2025