East Potomac Golf Course
Location » Washington, D.C.
Phone » 202-554-7660
Fees » Weekday $41; Fri.-Sun. $45
Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope
72/6599/70.5/115 (Blue Course)
33/2420/31.3/105 (White Course)
27/1142 (Red Course)
Conditions » 1
Layout » 2
Facilities » 3
Value » 5
* Out of a possible five golf balls
Description » Heavily played, minimally maintained National Park Service public course on a man-made spit of land between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River. It includes the 18-hole Blue Course, an executive nine (White), a par-3 nine (Red), and short-game practice area. Most holes are straight, flat and uninspiring.
Reasons to play » Inexpensive, convenient location, and great views across water of the Southwest Waterfront, Reagan Airport, Fort McNair and the Washington Monument. This is a relaxed course where anyone — women, seniors, children — will feel welcome.
Historic perspective » Beginning in 1882, the Army Corps of Engineers reclaimed land from marshes and tidal flats, dredging and building retaining walls, to construct East and West Potomac parks. The first nine-hole golf course was finished in 1920, a second nine was added by 1923, when the course hosted the second U.S. Public Links Championship.
Hot property » Because of its prime and unique location, developers are anxious to take over East Potomac and turn it into an elite course, a la Liberty National in Jersey City, which has views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Despite attractive offers, the D.C. government has been hesitant to relinquish the popular course.
Potomac Grille » The veranda outside the pro shop is a busy gathering place for not only golfers, but also swimmers from the nearby public pool and bicyclists who ride Hains Point’s perimeter road. The attraction is the snack bar, the Potomac Grille, which serves inexpensive fare, including pitchers of cold beer.
Signature Hole » No. 14, par 4, 410 yards
There’s little to tell one green site from another at East Potomac. The exception is No. 14, where the green is enveloped beautifully by cherry blossom trees. The hole plays along the Potomac with a view across the water to Reagan Airport.
Easiest Hole » No. 12, Par 5, 499 Yards
The shortest par 5 at East Potomac is one of the few holes with some turn, allowing players to cut yardage with a drive down the right side. This is the first of three good holes, which run along the shimmering Potomac.
Monumental Hole » No. 8, par 3, 210 yards
Several holes at East Potomac play toward the Washington Monument. The best might be No. 8, the longest of the facility’s 16 par 3s, protected on both sides by bunkers.
