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 courses, including nine-hole layouts, par 3s, and executive courses, 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 introducing new players to the sport.
This guide will take you on a tour of 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
East Potomac Golf Links – Washington, D.C.
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,180 yards
Set between the Potomac River and Washington Channel, East Potomac offers skyline views and two quick-play favorites. The White Course is wide open and great for working your irons, while the Red Course is a mellow par-3 loop that’s perfect for beginners or short-game reps. Bonus points if you catch a view of the Washington Monument mid-round.
Rock Creek Park Golf Course – Washington, D.C.
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,478 yards
Carved through the woods of Rock Creek Park, this city escape feels anything but urban. The front nine is walkable and wide open—perfect for a casual round—while a 5-hole loop is available for those really short on time. Classic muni vibes with a ton of potential as renovations continue.
Sligo Creek Golf Course – Silver Spring, MD
9 holes – Par 34 – 2,416 yards
This Montgomery County gem is a local favorite, thanks to its rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and walkability. The park setting makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout, and its par 3s will sneak up on even seasoned players. Catch some live music during the Sligo Summer Music Series for bonus vibes.
📍 MontgomeryParks.org
Pinecrest Golf Course – Alexandria, VA
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,462 yards
Short and sweet with just the right amount of bite. Pinecrest threads through hills and ponds, making it a fun test of accuracy. Add in the indoor TrackMan studio, practice nets, and putting green, and it’s a solid stop for a quick nine or a swing tune-up.
📍 FairfaxCounty.gov
Paint Branch Golf Course – College Park, MD
9 holes – Par 31 – 2,015 yards
Don’t let the short length fool you—Paint Branch has water lurking on most holes. Flat, fast, and easy to walk, it’s a great place to build confidence. The adjacent training center and covered driving range make it one of the best spots in the area to work on your game.
📍 PGParks.com
Jefferson District Golf Course – Falls Church, VA
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,610 yards
This executive course winds through gentle slopes and peaceful ponds. It’s playable for beginners but still offers enough challenge for seasoned golfers. Renovated greens and landscaping give it a fresh feel, and the on-site mini-golf is a great family bonus.
📍 FairfaxCounty.gov
Henson Creek Golf Course – Fort Washington, MD
9 holes – Par 33 – 2,464 yards
Welcoming and low-key, Henson Creek is a great intro to the game. Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens keep it smooth, while the practice green and snack bar add to its convenience. Friendly for walkers, beginners, and casual rounds.
📍 PGParks.com
Needwood Golf Course (Executive) – Derwood, MD
9 holes – Par 29 – 1,596 yards
This short but fun layout is made for working on wedges and short irons. Needwood’s exec course is beginner-friendly without being boring. With solid practice areas and a strong teaching program, it’s an easy place to get hooked on the game.
📍 MontgomeryParks.org
Oakmont Golf Center – Oakton, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,456 yards
One of Northern Virginia’s top teaching centers, Oakmont is where serious practice meets laid-back play. Every hole is a par 3, making it a precision test from start to finish. The lighted, heated range is the real draw—perfect for after-work swings or winter sessions.
📍 OakmontGolfCenter.com
Sterling Park Golf Course – Sterling, VA
18 holes – Par 54 – 2,610 yards
Sterling Park is an old-school par-3 course that’s as walkable as they come. It’s been a local go-to since the ’60s for casual rounds and learning the ropes. Friendly, familiar, and easy to squeeze into a busy day.
📍 SterlingParkGolf.com
Burke Lake Golf Center – Fairfax Station, VA
18 holes – Par 54 – 2,753 yards
Set against the woods of Burke Lake Park, this par-3 course is a peaceful place to sharpen your short game. With a full practice range, pro shop, and a laid-back grill, it’s a complete golf day without the full-round fatigue.
📍 FairfaxCounty.gov
Northwest Golf Course (Inside 9) – Silver Spring, MD
9 holes – Par 36 – 3,040 yards
Part of a larger 27-hole complex, the Inside 9 at Northwest gives you a full-length feel in half the time. Ideal for all skill levels, especially when paired with the massive driving range and newly renovated clubhouse.
📍 MontgomeryParks.org
Virginia Golf Center – Clifton, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,322 yards
Laid-back and well-maintained, this all-par-3 track is a great place to refine your tempo and test your irons. Bent grass from tee to green gives it a polished feel, and the full driving range and short-game areas make it a strong all-around facility.
📍 VirginiaGolfCenter.com
5 Short Courses Worth the Drive
Schoolhouse Nine – Sperryville, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,216 yards
Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Schoolhouse Nine is a handcrafted walking-only par-3 built for casual rounds, families, and creative shotmaking. There’s no dress code, and the vibes match the countryside setting—laid back and unplugged.
📍 schoolhousenine.com
Front Royal Golf Club – Front Royal, VA
9 holes – Par 36 – 3,039 yards
Laid out along the banks of the Shenandoah River, Front Royal delivers old-school design and relaxed mountain-town charm. It’s a friendly walk with a few sneaky doglegs and a big finish along the water.
📍 frontroyalgolfclub.com
Appleland Sports Center – Stephens City, VA
Details not listed
A no-frills local track with charm, character, and just enough challenge to keep it interesting. There’s a driving range and batting cages next door for good measure.
📍 No official website listed
Monterey Country Club – Blue Ridge Summit, PA
9 holes – Yardage 2,160
Nestled just north of the Maryland line, this semi-private course is built into the Appalachian foothills and plays like a gentle walk back in time. Quirky routing and tree-lined fairways give it a hidden-gem feel.
📍 montereycountryclub.net
Blue Heron Golf Course – Stevensville, MD
18 holes – Par 63 – Yardage not listed
Located just across the Bay Bridge, Blue Heron is a relaxed, approachable short course with wide fairways and a welcoming atmosphere. Great for a quick tune-up or a casual loop with friends.
📍 blueherongolf.org
5 Pitch & Putts
Nighthawk Golf Center – Gambrills, MD
9 holes – Par 27 – 733 yards
One of the shortest courses in the region, Nighthawk is all about the wedges. Great for beginners, juniors, or anyone dialing in their short game on small, fast greens.
📍 nighthawkgolfcenter.com
Lake Ridge Golf Course – Woodbridge, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,074 yards
A fun neighborhood par-3 with slightly longer holes than most pitch & putts, offering a great mix of approach shots in a wooded setting.
📍 lakeridgegc.com
Severna Park Golf Center – Severna Park, MD
9 holes – Par 27 – 872 yards
This well-kept par-3 is known for its friendly atmosphere and good pace of play. Great for kids, beginners, or a stress-free practice round.
📍 severnaparkgolf.com
Yingling’s Golf Center – Hagerstown, MD
9 holes – Par 27 – 880 yards
Still going strong with a classic model—par-3 course, mini golf, and a driving range all in one spot. Family-run and full of local charm.
📍 yinglingsgolfcenter.com
Gunpowder Golf Course – Laurel, MD
9 holes – Par 27 – 360 yards
Barebones and quirky, Gunpowder is for quick laps and short-game sharpening. It’s not fancy, but it’s functional and fast.
📍 gunpowdergolfcourse.com
5 More Short Courses of Note
Aquia Harbour Golf Course – Stafford, VA
9 holes – Par 35 – 2,886 yards
Tucked inside a residential community, this tree-lined nine has a traditional layout that’s friendly to walkers and casual players.
📍 aquiagolf.com
Carroll Park Golf Course – Baltimore, MD
9 holes – Par 34 – 2,787 yards
Baltimore’s oldest municipal course packs a lot into a small footprint. It’s flat, fast, and just minutes from downtown.
📍 bmgcgolf.com
Mellomar Golf Park – Owings, MD
- Regulation Course: 9 holes – Par 35 – 2,914 yards
- Par 3 Course: 9 holes – Par 27 – 715 yards
Two courses, one welcoming spot in Southern Maryland. A peaceful, low-pressure environment that’s ideal for new golfers or relaxed rounds.
📍 mellomargolf.com
Willow Springs Golf Course – Baltimore, MD
18 holes – Par 62 – 4,253 yards
A unique short course near the city with a good mix of par 3s and short par 4s. Great for walking or working on accuracy.
📍 willowspringsgolfcourse.com
Sharkbite at Lansdowne – Leesburg, VA
9 holes – Par 32 – 2,319 yards
Part of the resort’s golf experience, Sharkbite is a thoughtfully designed short course with elevation changes and challenging greens.
📍 golfatlansdowne.com
5 Private Short Courses
The Loop at Woodmont Country Club – Rockville, MD
9 holes – Par 27 – Yardage not listed
A sleek modern short course designed for skill sharpening and casual play, tucked within one of Maryland’s most prestigious clubs.
📍 woodmontcc.com
Old Soldiers’ Home – Washington, DC
9 holes – Details not listed
Located on the historic grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, this hidden gem is rarely open to the public but steeped in D.C. history.
📍 afrh.gov
Harry Pitt Course at Manor CC – Rockville, MD
9 holes – Par 33 – 2,066 yards
A great complement to Manor’s main course, this walkable short track features tight fairways, small greens, and a laid-back rhythm.
📍 manorcc.org
Kanawha Club – Manakin-Sabot, VA
9 holes – Par 27 – 1,358 yards
Designed for strategic shotmaking, this private short course is minimalist, quiet, and surrounded by natural Virginia beauty.
📍 kanawhaclub.com
Gibson Island Club – Gibson Island, MD
9 holes – Par 36 – 2,574 yards
An exclusive nine on a private island, Gibson’s course offers serenity, conditioning, and Chesapeake views like no other.
📍 gibsonisland.com
5 Short Courses East of the Bay
Hog Neck Golf Course – Stevensville, MD
9 holes – Par 32 – 2,182 yards
A favorite among Eastern Shore locals, Hog Neck offers a gentle walk through mature trees and well-kept fairways. The course is approachable yet fun, making it a solid choice for a quick round or practice session.
📍 hogneck.com
TK’s Back Nine – Dover, DE
9 holes – Par and yardage not listed
A hidden gem in Dover, this cozy 9-hole track is perfect for players looking for a low-key and affordable golf outing. Known for its friendly vibe and quick pace.
📍 Facebook page
Shamrock Farms Par 3 – Middle River, MD
18 holes – Par 54 – Yardage not listed
A family-friendly par-3 course with a fun atmosphere and affordable rates. Great for beginners and juniors to get comfortable on the course.
📍 shamrockpar3golf.com
Midway Par 3 Golf Course – Middletown, DE
9 holes – Par and yardage not listed
Classic par-3 setup offering a great place to work on your short game. The course is small but well-maintained with a friendly, welcoming environment.
📍 midwaypar3golf.com
American Classic Golf Course – New Castle, DE
9 holes – Par 35 – Yardage not listed
A regulation-length nine-hole course offering a solid test with varied hole designs. A neighborhood staple for beginners and seasoned players alike.
📍 americanclassicgolf.com
