Best Golf and Country Clubs Around Maryland and Northern Virginia

April 9, 2026 | Lifestyle
Best Golf and Country Clubs Around Maryland and Virginia
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Looking for the best places to play golf in the DMV? Across Maryland and Northern Virginia, there’s no shortage of great places to play, from well-established country clubs to standout public courses worth the tee time.

Whether you’re a regular on the course or just getting back into the game, here’s where to tee off.

Maryland Country Clubs

Congressional Country Club (Bethesda, MD)
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious clubs in the country, this is where championship pedigree meets an uncompromising standard of play. The entire experience is rooted in legacy, from the course itself to the membership it attracts.
Best For: Prestige, championship golf, and exclusivity

Burning Tree Club (Bethesda, MD)
Reserved and deeply traditional, Burning Tree operates with a level of privacy that keeps the focus on what’s important: an immaculate course and a membership that values the game above everything else.
Best For: Exclusivity and traditional, high-level golf

Chevy Chase Club (Chevy Chase, MD)
A defining part of the DC social fabric, this club blends golf, racquets, and a deeply rooted membership culture that spans generations. The sense of continuity is as much of a draw as the amenities themselves.
Best For: Legacy membership and established DC ties

Kenwood Golf & Country Club (Bethesda, MD)
Equal parts active and social, Kenwood delivers a well-rounded lifestyle anchored by golf, racquets, aquatics, and dining.
Best For: Families and a full lifestyle experience

Bethesda Country Club (Bethesda, MD)
More relaxed in tone but no less expansive in reach, this club leans into an active, community-driven experience complete with golf, tennis, paddle, and a strong pool scene.
Best For: Approachable luxury and active membership

Woodmont Country Club (Rockville, MD)
Long established in Montgomery County, Woodmont is known for both its strong golf program and its highly engaged community. The social energy here is a defining part of the experience.
Best For: Social life, networking, and full amenities

TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm (Potomac, MD)
Built for players who prioritize the game above all else, this course brings together PGA Tour pedigree and a technically demanding layout. It’s one of the purest golf experiences you’ll find in the region.
Best For: Serious golfers and competitive play


Searching for more things to do this spring? Check out our latest lifestyle posts to get the insider scoop:


Virginia Country Clubs

Washington Golf and Country Club (Arlington, VA)
Just minutes from DC, this historic club carries a distinctly traditional feel paired with a tightly held membership base, and its proximity only adds to its long-standing appeal.
Best For: Legacy membership and close-in convenience

Army Navy Country Club (Arlington, VA)
With broad amenities and strong recognition across the region, this is one of the more accessible entries into private club life. The experience is consistent, well-rounded, and community-driven.
Best For: Accessibility, community, and full amenities

Belle Haven Country Club (Alexandria, VA)
A classic Alexandria institution where tradition is balanced by a strong social current. Membership here tends to revolve as much around connection and events as it does the course itself.
Best For: Old Town and Alexandria clientele

River Bend Golf & Country Club (Great Falls, VA)
Set along the Potomac, River Bend showcases a challenging course paired with a more intimate, tight-knit membership feel. It’s particularly well-regarded among serious local players.
Best For: Serious golfers in McLean and Great Falls

Westwood Country Club (Vienna, VA)
A more modern interpretation of the country club, Westwood is best known for golf, tennis, dining, and a polished amenity base. The atmosphere feels current without losing its footing.
Best For: Tysons, Vienna, and McLean locals seeking a contemporary lifestyle club

Public Golf Courses Near DC

Laurel Hill Golf Club (Lorton, VA)
Consistently ranked among the top public courses in Northern Virginia, Laurel Hill pairs excellent conditions with a layout that rewards precision and strategy. It’s a course that holds up round after round.
Best For: Serious public-course players

Potomac Shores Golf Club (Dumfries, VA)
Designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, this course stands out for both its layout and its setting, with wide fairways, elevation changes, and scenic water views throughout. The result? A more elevated public golf experience.
Best For: A high-end public golf experience

East Potomac Golf Links (Washington, DC)
Set on Hains Point just minutes from downtown, this historic course offers a rare combination of accessibility and variety, with multiple layouts and practice facilities. It’s as convenient as it is approachable and you’ll enjoy monument views along the way.
Best For: Convenience, casual rounds, and accessible city golf

Northwest Golf Course (Silver Spring, MD)
A Montgomery County staple, Northwest offers 27 holes and a traditional setup that consistently attracts local players time and time again. Its length and reliability make it a go-to for regular play.
Best For: Reliable public golf close to DC

Pinecrest Golf Course (Alexandria, VA)
A casual 9-hole course with strong practice facilities, Pinecrest is ideal for either a quick round or focused time spent honing your game. It’s simple, accessible, and easy to fit into your day.
Best For: Convenience and lower-commitment play


In need of more local recommendations? We’ve got you covered.


Why It Matters

Golf in the DC area isn’t just about the course, it’s about finding the places you’ll actually want to play again and again. Whether it’s a quick nine after work, a weekend round with friends, or a full day at the club with family, the right fit comes down to how you like to spend your time. From walkable, close-in options to full-service country clubs, there’s no shortage of great places to tee it up across Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Ready to find a home you love just as much as your course of choice? Give us a call today at 202.280.2060, email us at connect@jennsmira.com, or fill out the form on this page to get started!

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