Annapolis, MD Club Recommendation

[Jim Sherma]

A good friend of mine will be moving down to the Annapolis area later in the year and will be looking for a club to join. He will be working in Lusby at the nuclear plant and is thinking of living in Upper Marlboro although would consider elsewhere if the club situation dictates.

He is a solid player and is looking for a golf centric fun culture. He is ex-navy so I assume he could access the academy's course, is there a club culture there that he could fall into? What are the other options in the area. He does care about GCA and has played around extensively. While he loves classic architecture he is not averse to modern if it is good. Ease of access is important so that he can play often, unfortunately taking Baltimore CC out of play. Thanks for the help.

[Paul Carey]

Tommy Williamsen could offer some good advice....

[Carl Nichols]

I haven't played it, but CC of Woodmore is supposed to be good and is pretty close to Upper Marlboro.  Lake Presidential is in Upper Marlboro and is also supposed to be good -- but is not private.

[Craig Disher]

If your friend is retired Navy, his chances of joining USNA are very good. Otherwise, unless times have changed there's a long waiting list. It's excellent and really the best gca option. Woodmore is a true country club while USNA is all golf. If it was my decision, I'd find a home halfway between USNA and Lusby and make inquiries immediately.

[Jimmy Chandler]

Lake Presidential is in Upper Marlboro and is also supposed to be good -- but is not private.

I played LP earlier this spring, as I had also heard positive reviews. I was not that impressed - cart ball, too narrow, few holes that really stand out. For the DC area it's a decent, upscale public option. But that isn't saying much

For public in PG County, I'd much rather play Glenndale. http://www.glenndalegolfclub.com/

[Joe_Tucholski]

I can't imagine someone working in Lusby and living in Upper Marlboro joining a club up in Annapolis.  I would probably change the title unless the guy really wants to drive an hour to play ok golf.  I would say he's probably better off playing ok golf closer to where he ends up.  That being said I can't really provide info on the private club scene.  Generally you're not really going to find great golf near Upper Marlboro.

[Jim Sherma]

I can't imagine someone working in Lusby and living in Upper Marlboro joining a club up in Annapolis.  I would probably change the title unless the guy really wants to drive an hour to play ok golf.  I would say he's probably better off playing ok golf closer to where he ends up.  That being said I can't really provide info on the private club scene.  Generally you're not really going to find great golf near Upper Marlboro.

That is fair. Given that he is working in Lusby and wants good golf... where should he live and golf? He has no biases and just wants good golf given where he has to work, that is where he is being rotated to whether he likes it or not.

[Chris DeToro]

I'm a huge fan of the Naval Academy course though it's probably been 15 years since I played it.  Not a bad option at all though

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

I lived in Baltimore for a few years in the 90's and played with friends around the Annapolis area.  Based on his profile, sounds like Old South might be the best choice.  He probably won't like Walden.  I hear Chartwell is more of a country club w/ a mediocre golf course.  Not a lot of great choices... sailing might be a better option!!!

[Bill_McBride]

Is it Queenstown across the bridge that's a real test in the wind?

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

yes... you're probably thinking of the River course, which I remembered as the better of the two on the property.  the Lakes being the other.  haven't played it since they redid it a couple years ago.

[Bill_McBride]

yes... you're probably thinking of the River course, which I remembered as the better of the two on the property.  the Lakes being the other.  haven't played it since they redid it a couple years ago.

24 miles, half an hour.   Never played there myself but my son spent a long weekend playing there and pronounced the courses "ball busters" but in a beautiful setting. 

[Tommy Williamsen]

There are a number of good options from which to choose.  It, of course, depends where he will live. If he chooses Upper Marlboro he has three clubs less than 1/2 an hour.

I have been a member of Woodmore for 20 years. It is a Palmer design and is very good.  GD has it ranked about 10 in the state.  The MD Golf Association likes to use it for the Amateur and MD Open. It has a nice pool, Har Tru Tennis and a nice clubhouse with fitness center. I have since moved but still have a non-resident membership.

Old South is also close.  The course is ok but not great.  It has a pool, don't think tennis and a nice clubhouse.

South River used to be public, but is now private. It is strictly golf but they have added a fitness center and have upgraded the clubhouse.  I like the course but is difficult to walk.

On the Baltimore side of Annapolis, is Chartwell.  It is a grand old club with pool, tennis, indoor and out, and a fun but not great course.  

A lot of Navy guys join the course at the Academy.  They have a great sports complex next door to the course that he could access.
It is just doesn't have a club feel.  It feels more like a public course.