The private course located on the campus of the Naval Academy is a private course home to about 600 members. It serves as the home course for all midshipmen, faculty and staff at the Naval Academy. The par-71 course was originally built in 1916 as a nine-hole course, and opened with 18 holes in 1940. The William Flynn-designed course has Bermuda grass and features constant elevation changes, with very difficult greens. Most greens are elevated above the fairway, with difficult reads on the putting surface. Approach shots must be placed well, or your ball likely will roll off the green. The course also is home to a driving range and putting green. The course is amid the Naval Surface Warfare Center, located across the Severn River from the main part of the Academy. It also features the Hooper Brigade Sports Complex, and the cross country course. A monument near the green on No. 14 pays tribute to NASA pilot William C. McCool, a former Naval Academy cross country runner.
U.S. Naval Academy Golf Course
» Address: 64 Greenbury Point Road, Annapolis 21402
» Phone: 410-757-2022
» Online: navysports.cstv.com/facilities/golf-club.html
» Cost: Private course
» Yardage: From Red: 5,634; From Gold: 5,974; From White: 6,222; From Blue: 6,611
TEEING OFF
» Best Hole: No. 1. The green sits high above the fairway on a hilltop, and your approach shot on the 385-yard par 4 will leave you wondering where your ball landed after it reaches the green hidden by an uphill fairway.
» Hardest Hole: No. 3. The 531-yard, par 5 is one of just two par 5s, and is the course’s longest hole, as it features a hill on the left side and trees lining both sides of the fairway.
» Get out the camera on: No. 17. The 121-yard, par 3 has a view of a significant portion of the course and the Severn River in the distance. The tee box looks down on a difficult green, which must be hit in regulation in order to save par.
» Keep an eye on: The geese on the holes with water. The front nine, in particular, has one water hazard that commands the attention of waterfowl, which regularly meander the fairways.
» Plan on losing this many balls: 2-3. Water comes into play on just two holes. The course is lined by trees, and has an access road running between two fairways, which could come into play on an errant tee shot.
REPORT CARD
(score out of seven)
» Difficulty: 7
» Scenery: 6
» Atmosphere: 7
» Overall: 6.5
— Sean Welsh
