Northwest Golf Course
Location » Silver Spring, Md.
Phone » 301-598-6100
Fees » $47 Weekday; $63 Weekend
Par / Yardage / Rating / Slope
72 / 7,376 / 74.1 / 122
Executive 9 » 34 / 2,711 / 34.5 / 116
Description » At 7,376 yards, this is the longest public course in the Washington area. Northwest is wide open, has huge greens and few hazards. Formerly a Maryland Park and Planning Commission course and called Northwest Park, it is now one of eight courses under the Montgomery County Golf umbrella. Facility includes an executive 9-holer, which is tighter and hillier.
Reason to play » Despite years of heavy play, conditions are strong. The 44-year-old course doesn’t look its age. The place to go for big hitters who are not always on line. Play the tips for a rare challenge. Not as tough as you might think.
What you’ll love » The classic 1960s-era design with runway tees and straight fairways. Ed Ault, the king of D.C. area course design, didn’t use much creativity to build this course built this straightforward course, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have character.
What you won’t love » The clientele. Yogi Berra’s old line: “No one goes there because it’s too crowded,” applies to Northwest, which, despite its length, draws players of varying abilities. Rounds of six hours not unheard of on weekends.
Signature hole » No. 10 » Par 4 » 476 Yards
Elevated tee makes this the most scenic hole on the course. It’s also Northwest’s longest par 4. Vegetation on left will gobble up hooked tee shots. Green protected on both sides by bunkers.
Changeup hole » No. 13, Par 4, 447 Yards
After 12 wide-open, mostly straight holes, No. 13 is a radical departure — a tree-lined, sharp dog-leg left with a stream running down the right side. Hole is brutal from the black tees, but much different from the blues, set more than 100 yards forward.
Best hole » No. 14, Par 5, 524 Yards
Trees, offset from the fairway, make this the prettiest hole on the course without intimidating players from the tee. Shortest par 5 at Northwest. Getting there in two is a possibility for only the longest of hitters, but still a birdie opportunity for most.
