Beltway Short Course Guide
Nine Holers, Pitch and Putts, Executives & Par 3s
For golf enthusiasts in the busy Capital Region, finding the time to play a full 18-hole round can be challenging. This is where the appeal of short courses comes in. These alternatives to the traditional regulation layouts provide a perfect combination of golf enjoyment without the lengthy time commitment. They are ideal for improving your short game, fitting in a quick round, or most importantly, introducing new players & youngsters to the game.
This reference guide will hopefully help you find or remember some of the best short courses around the Beltway, providing a brief description of each to help you find your next favorite spot. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see the complete map of short courses throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Note: yardages are from the back tees
East Potomac Golf Links – Washington, D.C.
White Course
9 holes – Par 33 – 2,420 yards
The White Course at East Potomac is a classic D.C. track with wide-open fairways and views of the Washington Monument & Jefferson Memorial. It’s ideal for iron work and casual strolls near the heart of the nation’s capital.. Expect a democratic mix of golfers from all skill levels.
Red Course
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,148 yards
This mellow par-3 layout is perfect for sharpening your short game or introducing someone new to golf. The layout is flat, walkable, and built for repeat rounds in a single afternoon.
📍 PlayDCGolf.com
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Rock Creek Park Golf Course – Washington, D.C.
14 holes – Par 50 – 3,786 yards
Rock Creek weaves through mature forest and rolling terrain in the heart of the city. A local staple undergoing revitalization, this classic muni has both walkable openness and tight tree-lined holes, offering variety and value in one unique package. The front 9 and 5-hole loop can easily be played separately.
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Sligo Creek Golf Course – Silver Spring, MD
9 holes – Par 34 – 2,416 yards
With hilly contours and mature trees, Sligo Creek is a walkable, scenic challenge in a cozy park setting. Loved by locals, it’s short but demands solid club selection. Bonus: live music on Fridays during the summer.
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Pinecrest Golf Course – Alexandria, VA
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,459 yards
This neighborhood favorite mixes narrow fairways and subtle elevation changes for a relaxed but challenging round. Pinecrest features an indoor TrackMan studio and outdoor hitting nets for tuneup.
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Paint Branch Golf Complex – College Park, MD
9 holes – Par 31 – 2,035 yards
Paint Branch packs a surprising amount of challenge into a compact layout, with water on multiple holes and fast greens. Ideal for beginners and seniors with the flat layout, it also includes a lighted driving range and performance center.
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Jefferson District Golf Course – Falls Church, VA
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,415 yards
Tucked into a residential corner of Fairfax County, Jefferson District offers a walkable and playable loop for a stress-free nine. Renovated greens and landscaping give it a fresh vibe, and the adjacent mini-golf adds a family-friendly element.
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Henson Creek Golf Course – Fort Washington, MD
9 holes – Par 33 – 2,464 yards
Low-key and friendly, Henson Creek is a great choice for casual rounds or working on fundamentals. The design is beginner-friendly, while bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways provide a smooth playing surface. The woodcarvings dotted throuhout the course are a nice touch.
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Needwood Executive – Derwood, MD
9 holes – Par 29 – 1,532 yards
Designed for short-game focus, the Needwood Executive Course is perfect for newer players or those sharpening wedges. Part of a full-featured facility, it offers access to a large range, putting green, and junior programs.
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Oakmont Golf Center – Oakton, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,456 yards
A dedicated teaching facility, Oakmont’s par-3 layout emphasizes precision over power. A heated and lighted driving range keeps practice options open year-round, while the compact course layout makes for quick, focused rounds.
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Sterling Park Golf Course – Sterling, VA
18 holes – Par 54 – 2,610 yards
A full par-3 course with retro charm, Sterling Park has been a local favorite for decades. It’s walkable, well-kept, and ideal for beginners, families, or anyone chasing that elusive hole-in-one.
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Burke Lake Golf Center – Fairfax Station, VA
18 holes – Par 54 – 2,784 yards
Surrounded by trees and nature trails, Burke Lake is a peaceful, 18-hole par-3 experience. An extensive range, short-game area, and friendly staff make it a staple for locals of all skill levels.
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Northwest GC (Inside 9) – Silver Spring, MD
9 holes – Par 34 – 2,774 yards
This “Inside 9” offers a full-course feel on a faster timeline. It’s ideal for busy golfers who still want the experience of driver swings and long irons. Add a massive range and renovated clubhouse to the mix, and it’s a solid choice any day.
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Virginia Golf Center – Clifton, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,322 yards
This short, all-par-3 course is dialed in for practice, with bent grass greens and a full training complex including a range and short-game areas. Great for fast-paced rounds or game sharpening.
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Five Worth the Drive
Schoolhouse Nine – Sperryville, VA
Winnfield Golf – Laconing, MD
Appleland Sports Center – Stephens City, VA
Monterey CC – Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Belmont GC – Henrico, VA
Five Fun Pitch & Putts
Nighthawk Golf Center – Gambrills, MD
Lake Ridge GC – Woodbridge, VA
Severna Park Golf Center – Severna Park, MD
Yingling’s Golf Center – Hagerstown, MD
Gunpowder Pitch & Putt– Laurel, MD
Five more to explore
Front Royal GC – Front Royal VA
Carroll Park GC– Baltimore, MD
Mellomar Golf Park – Owings, MD
Willow Springs GC – West Friendship, MD
Aquia Harbour GC – Stafford, VA
Five East of the Bay
Hog Neck Executive 9– Easton, MD
TK’s Back Nine – Salisbury, MD
Shamrock Farms Par 3 –Milton, DE
Midway Par 3 – Lewes, DE
American Classic GC – Lewes, DE
Five Private Access
The Loop at Woodmont CC – Rockville, MD
Harry Pitt Course at Manor CC – Rockville, MD
Kanawha Club – Manakin-Sabot, VA
Gibson Island Club – Gibson Island, MD
Sherwood Forest Club – Annapolis, MD
One Quasi-Private Full-of-Potential Nine-Holer in the Heart of the City
Old Soldier’s Home GC – Washington DC
