golfmandude

At a mere 45 minute drive from Baltimore City and just over an hour from the Rockville area, this lesser-known course in Northern/Central MD is well-worth the trip. Westminster National is inexpensive, rarely crowded, has a kind down-to-earth staff, an interesting and challenging layout, and is usually in good shape (you won't find lightning-quick greens here on the average day, but you'll be thankful for it). The only cons that can be found are that it takes a bit of experience to know where to play your shots, the course is somewhat secluded, and some people don't like the small "turtleback" greens (however I actually like that feature, as the small greens make the short course more challenging). Also- WALKERS TAKE NOTE, the course is very difficult to walk, especially using a push cart. It is extremely hilly terrain, and there are a couple of longer walks between holes. I have walked this course dozens of times, but it is a bear for sure.

As my title suggests, Westminster National is a completely unique golf course and therefore has gained both die-hard fans and some critics. To many (myself included), this course is an excellent test of course management, patience, accuracy, and the short game. What the course lacks in length and bunkering, it makes up for in a layout that demands accuracy. Some golfers (mostly first-time visitors) claim the course is quite tricky, almost unfairly so, with tight fairways, small greens, blind doglegs, and many holes where just a slight miss in the wrong spot is disastrous. Typically though, after several rounds (or when playing with someone who knows the course well), the course becomes much easier to navigate.

The photo may not look like the weather was "perfect" on my most recent outing to Westminster National, but I challenge anyone to find a better setting for golf than these conditions yesterday. It was misty and had rained the night before, and the greens were on the slower side but lush and smooth (one benefit of the course I've yet to mention is that it drains extremely quickly, so playing this course during or soon after a heavy rain is more do-able than at other courses). There was little to no wind, it was about 62 degrees, and there was a general mystic look to the course and the surrounding countryside (see pics). There were probably less than 30 people total on the course, and my twosome never saw a group ahead of us or behind us. It had rained multiple inches the night before, and while the carts were restricted to paths, the course was not sloppy or muddy whatsoever.

I recommend this course based solely on the value and scenery, but I bet that first-time players will come back for the golf as well. Westminster National is one of my favorites in central Maryland!