Have a PARty at These Awesome Golf Courses in Maryland

Here’s a statistic I bet you didn’t know: Maryland has over 200 golf courses! From glorious greens with mountain backdrops to fairways on the banks of the Chesapeake and Atlantic shore, our state is dotted with some of the most stunning, challenging, and enjoyable public courses on the east coast. Whether new to the sport or a seasoned pro, grab your buddy and get ready to tee off across the state this summer. Here are a few of our favorites golf courses in Maryland:

Bulle Rock—Havre de Grace, MD

Starting with the number one-rated golf course in Maryland, this spectacular course in Havre de Grace is designed by the nationally recognized Pete Dye. According to seasoned golfers, eighteen great holes make Bulle Rock a memorable experience and one named “The Best of the Best.”

From visually stunning tee shots to terrific green complexes, this course has hosted 5 LPGA tournaments. Amenities include club rentals, a driving range, golf cart rentals, a putting green, and an onsite pub and restaurant. 

Links at Perry Cabin—St. Michaels, MD

Another course designed by the legendary Pete Dye, the Links at Perry Cabin opened in 2018, features world-class amenities for play and relaxation. The Links is elegant, with sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay at the finish, majestic trees, and distinctive water features. Eighteen holes will challenge and entertain players of all skill levels. Although the course is private for country club members, guests staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin can play here. 

Lighthouse Sound—Bishopville, MD

If you’re looking for a course that provides great variety in both strategy and visual excitement, Lighthouse Sound is for you. With expansive views of Assawoman Bay and the Ocean City skyline and holes framed by mature hardwoods, this assortment beckons players of all skill levels. One recent reviewer said, “The natural beauty and scenery at the golf course are stunning, and the long bridge leading to the 9th tee is really cool.”

It’s no wonder Lighthouse Sound was voted one of the top 100 courses by Golf Magazine. 

Maryland National—Middletown, MD

It’s been said that world-class architect Arthur Hills doesn’t design golf courses so much as he conjures them from the landscape. That’s evident here at Maryland National in Middletown, where natural elevation changes and wetlands provide a unique and inspiring game for any golfer. The views of the Catoctin Mountains make this 18-hole course one of the most picturesque. Amenities include a full-service pro shop, a tavern, and an elegant clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole. 

Musket Ridge Golf Club—Myersville, MD

If breathtaking Catoctin Mountain views and impeccably manicured greens are your style, you don’t want to miss Musket Ridge.

This award-winning, 18-hole championship layout is the final creation of the late Joe Lee. Both challenging and enjoyable, these fairways receive consistent praise from players of all skill levels. Situated on more than 150 acres of Maryland countryside, golfers consistently view this as one of the best in the state. Amenities include club rentals, a driving range, and a putting green. 

Blue Mash Golf Course—Laytonsville, MD

Named for the area’s distinctive blue clay and carved out of the surrounding forest, this spectacular course has it all. From wooded holes to unique water features, Blue Mash’s playability and beauty combine to create an experience like no other. Designed and built by Arthur Hills, this is the place to be to improve your game.

The state-of-the-art practice facility, complete with a 10,000-square-foot putting green, is known as the best place in Maryland for top-notch instruction. Juniors play free after 5 pm, making it the perfect course to introduce the game to children aged fourteen and under. No wonder Blue Mash is consistently named one of the best courses near Washington, D.C.

Swan Point—Issue, MD

About 45 minutes south of Washington, D.C., along the shores of the Potomac River in Southern Maryland, water and wetlands come together to form a challenging course. Golfers here will be exposed to a wide variety of scenery and challenges along the way. What makes Swan Point feel extra special is the vibe of relaxation that comes with the surrounding nature. A wide variety of shorebirds frequent this course, allowing golfers to enjoy the sights and sounds that come with a peaceful getaway. Amenities include club rentals, a driving range, and an on-site restaurant. 

Rocky Gap Golf Course—Flintstone, MD

Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus golf course stands between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the blue waters of Lake Habeeb. Golfers of all skill levels are drawn to this challenging course with tree-lined fairways and dramatic elevation changes.

Five tee boxes per hole allow players to adjust the difficulty level to match their handicap. The front nine holes are carved into the mountains, while the back nine are spread along the rolling meadows. Amenities include a pro shop, a 50-spot driving range, two putting greens, and club rentals. Book at stay at Rocky Gap Casino Resort to make the most of your trip!

Lodestone Golf Course—McHenry, MD

This modern trail-style golf course is designed with some of the largest greens on the East Coast, allowing for sweeping views of the Western Maryland mountains and Deep Creek Lake. With fairways large enough to be forgiving, this Hale Irwin-designed course is varied to allow players of all skill levels the variety and challenge they seek. Abundant wildlife along the paths is a highlight for many golfers, while bent grass tees attract seasoned golfers. Located at Wisp Resort, Lodestone was ranked as the number 2 public golf course in Maryland by Golfweek Magazine four years in a row. Amenities include a driving range, 14 tee stations, and 15,000 square feet of putting green and chipping area. 

No matter where you tee off across the state this summer, Maryland’s courses will delight and challenge golfers of every skill level. From the western mountains to the eastern shore coastline, the picturesque and varied landscape assures that no two are alike.

Lead Photo: Links at Perry Cabin