District Of Columbia

Washington D.C.’s five golf courses are among the most unusual in America — public courses operated within a major world capital, on National Park Service land, surrounded by monuments, federal buildings, and the Potomac River. Golf in DC proper is a stripped-down, accessible experience: no luxury resort amenities, no private clubs, just public parkland courses where lobbyists, government workers, and local residents share the tee sheet at municipal prices. DC’s most famous private clubs — Congressional Country Club, TPC Potomac, Trump National Golf Club, and Bethesda Country Club — are actually located in Maryland and Virginia suburbs, not in the District itself.

East Potomac Golf Links and Langston Golf Course are the District’s two primary public facilities, both operated by the National Park Service and both with significant historical and civic importance. DC golf is a destination for golfers who want to combine a visit to the capital’s monuments and museums with an accessible, affordable round — not for those seeking championship resort experiences.

Washington D.C. Golf by Area

East Potomac Park

East Potomac Golf Links is the District’s main public golf facility, occupying a narrow peninsula between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel just south of the National Mall. The National Park Service operates three 9-hole courses (Little, Hains Point, and East Course) alongside a driving range and miniature golf — a full golf complex in an unlikely setting with views of the Jefferson Memorial and the Potomac. The setting is extraordinary: the Hains Point course wraps around the southern tip of the peninsula with the Potomac on three sides. Green fees run $12–$30, among the lowest in any major American city for 18 holes.

Langston Golf Course

Langston Golf Course on the Anacostia River opened in 1939 as one of Washington D.C.’s first racially desegregated public golf courses — its history as a facility that served the African American community during the era of segregated golf is a significant part of its identity. Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, and other Black professional golfers practiced and developed their games at Langston during an era when most golf facilities were closed to them. The 18-hole public course continues to serve the communities of northeast DC and is a genuine piece of American golf history. Green fees run $15–$25.

Top Courses in Washington D.C.

• East Potomac Golf Links — Hains Point Course (Washington D.C.) — National Park Service 9-hole layout on the southern tip of East Potomac Park; Potomac River on three sides; Jefferson Memorial views. Green fees ~$12–$25 per 9 holes.
• Langston Golf Course (Washington D.C.) — Historically significant 18-hole public course on the Anacostia River; played by Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder; serves northeast DC. Green fees ~$15–$25.
• Rock Creek Park Golf Course (Washington D.C.) — 9-hole public layout in Rock Creek Park; affordable; accessible to northwest DC neighborhoods. Green fees ~$12–$22.

Nearby Courses in the DC Metro Area

DC’s most nationally recognized golf is in the suburbs. Congressional Country Club (Bethesda, Maryland) has hosted the US Open, the US Senior Open, and the Congressional Invitation, and is one of America’s great private clubs. TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm (Potomac, Maryland) is a public TPC course that has hosted PGA Tour events. Trump National Golf Club DC (Potomac Falls, Virginia) is a Golf Channel-calibre facility. Lansdowne Resort and Spa (Leesburg, Virginia) has three 9-hole layouts in the Virginia wine country. For golfers visiting DC, the Maryland and Virginia suburbs offer far more varied golf options than the District itself.

When to Play Golf in Washington D.C.

DC golf is best from April through October, with the finest conditions in May, June, September, and October. Summers (July–August) are hot and humid — 88–95°F with high humidity — but courses remain open and mornings are manageable. Spring cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) is DC’s most visited tourist period; combine a National Mall visit with an East Potomac round for a quintessentially DC day. Winters are cold but mild for the latitude: December–February averages 40–50°F with occasional ice and snow briefly closing courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golf courses are in Washington D.C.?

Washington D.C. has five golf courses in our database — the fewest of any US state or territory. The small geographic size of the District (68 square miles) limits total inventory, but both East Potomac Golf Links and Langston Golf Course are fully public 18-hole facilities accessible to all visitors. The suburban Maryland and Virginia golf market adds dozens of additional options within 30 minutes of central DC.

What is the best golf course in Washington D.C.?

East Potomac Golf Links (Hains Point) is DC’s most visited course for its unique Potomac River peninsula setting and proximity to the National Mall. Langston Golf Course is the District’s most historically significant course. For championship-quality golf, Congressional Country Club in Bethesda (Maryland) is the DC metropolitan area’s most nationally recognized facility.

When is the best time to golf in Washington D.C.?

May through June and September through October. Spring is excellent — combine cherry blossom season on the National Mall with a round at East Potomac Golf Links for an ideal DC golf day. Fall is similarly pleasant.

How much does golf cost in Washington D.C.?

DC’s National Park Service courses are among the most affordable in any American capital city. East Potomac Golf Links runs $12–$30 per round; Langston runs $15–$25. Budget pricing with a National Mall setting makes these some of the best-value urban golf in the United States.

All Golf Courses in Washington D.C.

Browse all Washington D.C. golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.