Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) has a geographical characteristic that makes it difficult to secure large-scale golf courses, so the golf courses located in the city are mainly operated as public courses. Notably, there are three courses managed under the National Park Service, which are operated by the National Links Trust. All three of these courses are relatively affordable, easily accessible, and close to the city center, making them great for a quick round.

Below are the three major public golf courses located in D.C.

East Potomac Golf Links

  • Location: East Potomac Park in Washington D.C.
  • https://www.playdcgolf.com/east-potomac-golf-links
  • Features:
    • Surrounded by the Potomac River and Tidal Basin, enjoy rounds while taking in views of D.C. landmarks like the Washington Monument.
    • Offers a variety of layouts including an 18-hole regulation course (Blue), a 9-hole executive course (White), and a 9-hole par 3 course (Red).
    • Located in the city center, easily accessible by public transport or car, with a wide range of difficulty levels suitable for beginners to advanced players.

Rock Creek Golf Course

  • Location: Inside Rock Creek Park, Northwest Washington D.C.
  • https://www.playdcgolf.com/rock-creek-park-golf-course
  • Features:
    • A 9-hole course surrounded by dense forest, allowing players to enjoy nature.
    • With hilly terrain and relatively narrow fairways, accurate tee shots and iron shots are required.
    • Offers a challenging yet tranquil golfing atmosphere, popular among golfers seeking a forest golf experience in the city.

Langston Golf Course

  • Location: Near the Anacostia River, Northeast Washington D.C.
  • Features:
    • A historic public course that has a close relationship with the African American golfer community, opened in 1939.
    • An 18-hole course with open views and comfortable course difficulty, suitable for weekend rounds.
    • Famous for its beautiful river scenery that blends with the nearby urban landscape, making it a popular photo spot.

Recommendations for Nearby Areas

  • Since D.C. is a small city, golfers looking for more diverse courses or private clubs often venture into nearby Virginia or Maryland.
  • Examples include Army Navy Country Club (Arlington, VA), Columbia Country Club (Chevy Chase, MD), and TPC Potomac (TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, Potomac, MD).

If you plan to play a quick round during your visit to Washington D.C., consider utilizing these three public courses to enjoy the unique charm of 'urban golf' where the city and nature harmonize.