The Baltimore metropolitan area is one of the elite locations along the east coast to play high-quality golf. Its Mid-Atlantic location presents the ideal weather for any golfer, with a cooler summer than more southern states, and longer, crisper autumns, compared to the much colder states to the north. Most years, you can play year-round at any of the incredible, challenging golf courses that circle Baltimore’s urban hub.
The city is surrounded by some of the finest private golf and country clubs in the region, such as Baltimore Country Club (Five Farms) and Caves Valley Golf Club, which is set to host the BMW Championship of the FedEx Cup Playoffs in 2021. However, for those who are just visiting the area, or for the golfers on a budget, here are my top 10 public golf courses in the Baltimore area. Please keep in mind that this list is constantly changing and evolving! And, feel free to comment with your personal favorite courses.
Fox Hollow is a relatively forgiving course with wider fairways and opportunities to score well left and right. It’s listed as a 6,129 yard par 70 from the tips and plays every bit of it. Number 12 is a lengthy 614 yard par 5 that swirls out around the driving range. Speaking of, Fox Hollow is known for its state-of-the-art practice facility, that includes driving range, wedge target course, pitching and chipping green, and three practice putting greens. It was recently named a top 50 practice facility in the country by the GRAA.
Compass Pointe boasts 36 holes sprawled out over two fantastic 18-hole courses, as well as a driving range, bountiful pro shop, and Bogey’s Grill. The North-East course is a long, challenging par 72. It spans over 7,134 yards, highlighted by the 622 yard par 5 9th. Rumors here often circulate that there was “one guy” that was able to reach the green in two. Although, Natty Bohs seem to blur some memories on how high the wind was that day, or if the hole was redesigned altogether since then, or if it was the same day that group saw Bigfoot in the woods. The South-West course is a narrow challenge with scoring opportunities for golfers of all skill levels. It is a par 72 6,979 yard course that requires accuracy and precision.
With some of the most breathtaking views you will find in the Baltimore area, Rocky Point is one of the most picturesque, yet challenging courses around. Surrounded by preserved natural wetlands, this 6,650 yard par 72 course is a completely fair challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The front 9 plays out with fairways lined with trees, while the more scenic back 9 challenges you against the water. One of my favorite par 3’s on this list is the 11th, which is a soft wedge down a hill with a picturesque view of the Chesapeake that will have your foursome challenging each other for closest to the pin.
The Woodlands is a challenging test for all golfers. Undulating greens cap off long bent-grass fairways lined with hardwood trees. It’s one of the more difficult of the BCG courses, setting up over 7,000 yards. It’s practice facility is pristine with a driving range, wedge target course, practice bunker, pitching/chipping green and two practice putting greens. It also shares a clubhouse with Diamond Ridge Golf Course, another fantastic BCG course, which is an honorable mention for this list.
Mountain Branch plays host to many of Maryland’s Amateur Qualifiers, and for good reason. Sprawling over 264 acres in Harford County, the course has received many accolades for its beautiful layout and difficult play. The course plays over 7,000 yards and offers elevation changes, water trouble, and rolling greens.
The land’s history is rich, dating back to the 1600s and through the Revolutionary War. Following an update in the winter of 2016-17, the Timbers at Troy challenges golfers with every shot, causing an internal war with yourself. Rolling hills and pristine bunkers force golfers to remain precise, yet long. The 6650 yard par 72 is highlighted by the treacherous “Timbers Amen Corner” from holes 9-12. This brutal stretch is one of the most difficult in the area.
Pine Ridge offers some of the best water views that any Baltimore-area golf course can offer due to its location on Loch Raven Reservoir. Over the years, it has hosted numerous PGA and LPGA events, including Nancy Lopez’s second tournament win ever. It plays over 6,800 yards and is highlighted by long par 5’s and narrow fairways lined by tall pine trees. It offers an excellent driving range, as well, and plays host to the golf education of many of the area’s top junior players.
“That’s it, I quit.” We’ve all said this during a round of golf before, maybe multiple times per round, but this famous sentence was uttered by the great Arnold Palmer after he yanked his tee shot over Hillen Road, which runs parallel to Mt. Pleasant’s first fairway during the Eastern Invitational in 1956. The King went on to win the tournament for his second US victory on tour. Mt. Pleasant golf course oozes tradition. From the clubhouse to the course, it’s a spectacular and fun challenge within Baltimore’s city limits. Winding, narrow fairways and subtle elevation changes challenge golfer’s as the approach flawless, yet slippery greens. At 6,700 yards, the par 71 course has a fun front 9 that sucks you in before a tight, difficult back 9 spits you out. Mt. Pleasant is sure to offer golfers a good time and a bit of nostalgia.
Greystone was designed by Joe Lee, the designer of Doral’s famous Blue Monster. The course offers a unique 5 par 3’s and 5 par 5’s. 80 bunkers, 7 ponds, and 140 feet of elevation change highlight this difficult test, which plays all of the 6,900 yards. It is highlighted by the sneaky par 3 eighth, which often presents a sucker pin on a green downhill next to some water. and a “longer than it looks” brutal uphill 9th that is a grueling test forcing you to earn your beer at the turn. It’s listed at 446 from the tips, but goes straight uphill to the amazing clubhouse with plenty of trouble on the left and multiple bunkers protecting the green ready to swallow up your approach. The course also offers a driving range, large practice putting green, and a 50 yard simulated fairway into a chipping/pitching practice green.
Bulle Rock is a Pete Dye-designed course named for the first thoroughbred stallion to ever be brought to the US. This thoroughbred of a golf course has been voted #1 in Maryland and a top-50 course in the United States. Bulle Rock plays out at a lengthy 7,375 yards and offers a challenging, yet fair test to all golfers. Sloping fairways and thick, unforgiving rough set up to slick greens that offer a test for golfers. Extremely long par 5’s will make even the longest hitters sweat, while challenging par 3’s and tricky 4’s complement the course so well. A round at Bulle Rock will leave you speechless.
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