Virginia/DC/Maryland Clubs?

[Tim Martin]

Jeff mentions “prestige” as an attribute of Congressional. Is that something people consider when evaluating a course/club?

Tim,  Of course they do!!  How do you think some of the clubs get the $$$$$ initiation fees that they do.  Some people just want a name.

David-Did I really need an emoticon to tip my hand that the post was tongue in cheek?

[Jimmy Chandler]

If I could belong anywhere in the DC area, I would pick Gibson Island. Unbelievable place. Only 9 holes but so much fun.

I haven't seen much written about Gibson Island, looks like a very cool club. Not realistic for membership for someone living in Falls Church (1:15+ drive each way).

[Tommy Williamsen]

If I could belong anywhere in the DC area, I would pick Gibson Island. Unbelievable place. Only 9 holes but so much fun.

I haven't seen much written about Gibson Island, looks like a very cool club. Not realistic for membership for someone living in Falls Church (1:15+ drive each way).

Gibson Island is nine holes only for residents. It is pretty cool place but the golf isn't what it could be or once was.

[Ira Fishman]

If I could belong anywhere in the DC area, I would pick Gibson Island. Unbelievable place. Only 9 holes but so much fun.

I haven't seen much written about Gibson Island, looks like a very cool club. Not realistic for membership for someone living in Falls Church (1:15+ drive each way).

If you use the Advanced Search, several threads will turn up. Interesting golf history albeit one centered on its potential not being fulfilled. Gibson Island has some beautiful homes and feels far from everywhere even though pretty close to Baltimore and DC. Everybody knows everybody else because mostly from the same cut of Baltimore families. Bit insular (pun intended).

[Jonathan Cummings]

If I could belong anywhere in the DC area, I would pick Gibson Island. Unbelievable place. Only 9 holes but so much fun.

I haven't seen much written about Gibson Island, looks like a very cool club. Not realistic for membership for someone living in Falls Church (1:15+ drive each way).

Gibson Island is nine holes only for residents. It is pretty cool place but the golf isn't what it could be or once was.

Tommy is right.  I've written two articles about Gibson over the years.  It's a shell of a golf course with little golden age architecture left.  I believe it is the only course in Doak's Confidential Guide given a "0".  A planned 36 hole CB Macdonald layout - Mac once proclaimed that GI would be even better than his National GL of Am.  It is just one of 10 different recreations available to the residents (you must be a GI resident to belong to the course).   It's mostly for a father and son to carry their bags over a simple layout - the club only has 4 golf carts.  Forgetting golf though the island is a very charming place.  But the course may be the standard bearer of "what once was."

[Jeff Ober]

Thanks for the input, all.  We've had a terrible run of weather out here--all my tee times keep getting cancelled.  As soon as I can get out and play some of these courses I'll let everyone know.  I'm adding Westwood to the mix--it's close enough that we'd get a lot of use out of the membership, though it's tough for the 18 hole tracks to compete with the handful of clubs with 36.   

[Jim Sherma]

Looking at Westwood's course tour on their website the course looks like a nice regular play. Enough room to swing with the driver along with enough interest on the approach shots to not get too stale.

[Bernie Bell]

Thanks for the input, all.  We've had a terrible run of weather out here--all my tee times keep getting cancelled.  As soon as I can get out and play some of these courses I'll let everyone know.  I'm adding Westwood to the mix--it's close enough that we'd get a lot of use out of the membership, though it's tough for the 18 hole tracks to compete with the handful of clubs with 36.

I'm told that it's not that easy to get a preferred tee time at some of the status 36 hole clubs -- one in particular.  Might want to do some real diligence on that.  If Lakewood is in the mix, maybe also Manor which has a wee 9 hole loop that looks like it would be fun for a beginner.  I've never played Westwood but have known several members who are serious players and very happy there after the reno.  Good luck.

[Ira Fishman]

Thanks for the input, all.  We've had a terrible run of weather out here--all my tee times keep getting cancelled.  As soon as I can get out and play some of these courses I'll let everyone know.  I'm adding Westwood to the mix--it's close enough that we'd get a lot of use out of the membership, though it's tough for the 18 hole tracks to compete with the handful of clubs with 36.

It sounds as if you are looking at Congressional, Trump, and maybe Woodmont given the reference to 36 Holes. I cannot speak to Trump, but Congressional and Woodmont are quite expensive (which you know) and quite crowded (as Bernie's post references). In any event, I hope that the weather lets up so that you can get a first hand look.


Ira

[Paul Carey]

One of the issues in the dc region is the typical club has 450 member families for each 18 holes and some even more.  They are all crowded.  I would pick something decent, close to home and if you plan on having kids with a good pool, tennis and junior golf program.  I was a member at Argyle for years while my family was around.  Great family club and a great golf environment for everyone.  Denny McCarthy, now on tour, played in the men’s games and gambled with the boys. I can’t believe that hurt him as he developed in junior golf.  I moved on to four  streams, a great Steve Smyers club with a great membership before running into financial issues.  You couldn’t have asked for a more open membership that enjoyed great golf and great golf architecture.   


Pick a place where you will like the people.  Good luck.