10 Best Golf Courses in Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County sits between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., offering easy access to both cities while maintaining its own distinct mix of waterfront living, historic communities, and established neighborhoods. Known for towns like Annapolis, Severna Park, and Crofton, the county draws people looking for a blend of suburban convenience, access to the Chesapeake Bay, and strong local amenities.

Alongside its residential appeal, Anne Arundel County also stands out for its selection of golf courses. The area includes a mix of public and private courses that offer everything from scenic layouts and tree-lined fairways to well-maintained practice facilities. These golf courses are easy to reach from most neighborhoods, giving residents and visitors consistent options for weekend rounds, league play, and special outings. Below is a detailed look at some of the best golf courses in Anne Arundel County, each offering something different for local golfers.

Perhaps the most beautiful golf course in Anne Arundel County, The Golf Club at South River is a private course with sprawling views and challenging play. This championship course emphasizes playability without sacrificing challenge. It’s known for its excellent conditioning and thoughtful hole design, which uses the rolling terrain. After the greenskeepers installed Bermuda grass in 2021, the course now offers an extended optimal play season. Amenities include a practice facility, a full-service clubhouse, and a golf simulator lounge.

The United States Naval Academy Golf Club is an 18-hole course reserved primarily for military personnel, retirees, and guests. Located across the Severn River from the Academy grounds, it offers views of the surrounding creeks. The layout includes long par fours, elevated tees, and well-kept fairways. The course was initially developed by the Greenbury Point Yacht and Country Club, abandoned during the Great Depression, and purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1938. The course has been renovated recently to improve drainage and turf quality. While access is limited, those who can play here often note its strong layout and natural flow from hole to hole.

Chartwell Golf & Country Club is a private course in Severna Park, Md. Its 18-hole layout plays just over 6,500 yards from the tips. The course rolls along the countryside and features tree-lined fairways, well-positioned bunkers, and a mix of short par fours and longer holes that require distance control. Membership includes access to additional club amenities, but the main draw is the course itself. The club also has a first-class juniors program and tournament schedules for players of all levels.

Crofton Country Club offers a private, 18-hole course with large greens, mature trees, and multiple tee boxes to accommodate different skill levels. Measuring 7,186 yards from the back tees, the course emphasizes approach play and includes several holes where strategy plays a more critical role than distance. The club atmosphere includes tennis, dining, and a pool, but the golf course remains the center of activity. Members value the reliable course conditions and the flexibility of tee times.

Walden Country Club offers an 18-hole course built through a residential neighborhood in Crofton. It includes narrow fairways, small greens, and occasional elevation changes. The course rewards players who can control their irons and focus on positioning off the tee. The club is semi-private and often used by local leagues and regular groups. Course conditions are reliable, and the layout remains challenging for repeat players.

Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville offers a unique playing experience by replicating some of the most famous holes in golf history. Rather than designing a traditional layout, the course features replicas of signature holes from courses like Augusta National, Oakmont, and St. Andrews. Each hole is crafted to reflect the original’s shape, hazards, and layout as closely as possible. The course is open to the public and includes full practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. For golfers looking for something beyond a standard round, Renditions offers a distinctive experience rooted in golf tradition and competitive challenge.

The Preserve at Eisenhower is a newly renovated public course that reopened with an emphasis on sustainable turf management and natural landscaping. The course includes a modern design with native plant areas, updated bunkers, and multiple tee boxes. Water hazards and restored streams now come into play on several holes. The renovation improved drainage, turf quality, and playability, turning it into one of the most well-regarded public golf courses in Anne Arundel County. It’s a good choice for players who appreciate a blend of aesthetics and thoughtful design.

Bay Hills Golf Club is a semi-private 18-hole course located in Arnold. It includes tree-lined fairways, modest elevation changes, and several challenging par fours. The course offers membership options while allowing public tee times on most days. The layout is approachable for mid-handicap players and includes a few standout holes with well-placed water features and doglegs. Golfers enjoy the quiet setting and consistent maintenance, as well as the Overlook Bar and Lounge for pre- and post- match play!

Compass Pointe includes two 18-hole public courses: the North and South courses. Located in Pasadena, these courses are part of the Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks system. The North Course is slightly more open and easier to walk, while the South Course features more water hazards and tighter approach angles. Both courses offer full-service practice facilities, including a range and short game area. Golfers appreciate the flexibility of having two layouts at one location.

Heritage Harbor Golf Club is a nine-hole executive course in a residential community near Annapolis. It is open to the public and plays just over 1,000 yards, making it ideal for quick rounds or working on short gameplay. The par-3 course includes water features and narrow tee shots that test accuracy. Residents and visitors use this course to stay active and sharpen their game without committing to four hours. It’s a practical choice for those looking to play a shorter round or warm up before heading to a longer course.

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