Looking to Join a club in Northern VA

[Novagolf1012]

Hey guys -

 

Recently moved to the area. My wife and I purchased a house in Vienna and I'm looking for a club to join. I'm trying to find some details on some of the clubs in the Northern Va area without having to visit every single club or email every single GM. Under 35 and looking to join a private or public course. I care more about the course and practice facility then the social happenings of the club. Any local members have any good or bad things to say about their current situation?

 

I've lived in the area before and have played most of the public courses within an hours drive of Vienna. Looking forward to hearing some feedback. Thanks

 

 

[Hawkeye03]

Since you are under 36, you will most likely qualify for a young professional membership. Westwood and International are good private tracks if you want to go that route. As far as practice facilities go, there are only a couple clubs in VA with top notch facilities and they aren't near you.

[DrDon]

Check out Westwood CC. The golf course was recently redone, about 2 years ago. The clubhouse was redone a couple of years before the golf course.

 

Course and clubhouse are quite nice.

 

You should qualify for a young professional membership.

[Novagolf1012]

Thanks for the reply. Hawkeyes I forgot to mention I've lived in the area for 5 years but moved away, got married and grew up a bit. So I've played every public course in the area. I work throughout the entire northern va, D.C. And MD area so I'd like to try and keep my travel time under 45 minutes (I live close to Vienna metro side of Vienna). Westwood is on my list to checkout thanks. I'm also heading to creighton farms - it's a bit pricey but from what I've learned it's incredible. I'm open to some of the other clubs in the area if you've had success and enjoyment. I'd say my favorite courses in northern va are as follows (reminder I have been gone for 2 years)

 

Stonewall

Westfields

Potomac Shores

Laurel Hill

Bull Run

[Hawkeye03]

Do you like to compete? What's your index? There are obviously clubs that are know for having players/games and ones that aren't. Since you're willing to drive it brings a couple other clubs into play

[Novagolf1012]

Yeah I like to compete. My play has been limited he last year or so I'd say right I'm playing to a low double digit number right now. I'd love a place with a good practice area as well. What are you thinking of Hawkeye?

[Hawkeye03]

Check out Chantilly National. I'm a member at Springfield and think that may be a good option for you also, although the practice area is not great.

[cristphoto]

I'm in Maryland and when I was on our clubs golf team we would occasionally go play International CC over on route 50 near Chantilly. I always thought it was a nice course and the clubhouse seemed fine. Last time there was maybe 7 years ago.

[BrianPoni]

Hawkeye, I was a golf pro at one of the better semi private clubs in the area for 5 years and have played them all in the Nova area. Where you want to go will really depend on cost, then course condition, then competition if that's what you're into. For top of the line, nothing beats Creighton this side of the Potomac. The course is always in amazing shape and the facilities are incredible. I enjoy it more than RTJ. There's Trump and Riverbend if your looking at top notch conditions and practice facilities but it comes at a cost. The next tier of private are all similar. They will have decent layouts, great conditions, and decent practice facilities. I can go deeper into individuals if you would like, let me know. For semi-privates...you're going to pay much less and it is directly reflected with the course conditions. Where the private courses will be prime for the majority of the year, the semi's will only have 2-3 great months and the others will be sub par compared to the private courses due to their smaller maintenance budget. For semi's you can't go wrong with Westfields, Raspberry Falls, and Stonewall. Feel free to ask me about any, I'll be open and honest about them all.

[Novagolf1012]

Hawkeye, I was a golf pro at one of the better semi private clubs in the area for 5 years and have played them all in the Nova area. Where you want to go will really depend on cost, then course condition, then competition if that's what you're into. For top of the line, nothing beats Creighton this side of the Potomac. The course is always in amazing shape and the facilities are incredible. I enjoy it more than RTJ. There's Trump and Riverbend if your looking at top notch conditions and practice facilities but it comes at a cost. The next tier of private are all similar. They will have decent layouts, great conditions, and decent practice facilities. I can go deeper into individuals if you would like, let me know. For semi-privates...you're going to pay much less and it is directly reflected with the course conditions. Where the private courses will be prime for the majority of the year, the semi's will only have 2-3 great months and the others will be sub par compared to the private courses due to their smaller maintenance budget. For semi's you can't go wrong with Westfields, Raspberry Falls, and Stonewall. Feel free to ask me about any, I'll be open and honest about them all.

 

Brian - I'd be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the second tier private courses in the area. I had a conversation with the guys at creighton about going out and doing the "member for a day" thing but I'm afraid the $50 k to join is something my wife would kill me over.

 

I also have heard stonewall is in awful shape (rumor was new ownership?) which I hope isn't the case - it was truly my favorite track back 2 years ago before I moved away.

[AMM315]

Just played creighton for the first time a couple weeks ago and really liked it. Would HATE that drive from Vienna through. I've also played Westwood and I have multiple friends that are members at Trump. Westwood would obviously be great given you're right next to it, but go check Trump out. It's got two courses, awesome practice facility, which you would expect given cost, and the drive isn't terrible. I just moved out of tysons, so I used to do it all the time. I have not played RTJ or Riverbend to compare to the others.

[NateDog07V]

Now is a good time to be shopping in the DC metro region if you're looking to join somewhere as a young professional as most clubs have been on a slight decline for a few years. I'll echo some others comments with Westwood as it was recently re-done and the course is decent (practice facilities just OK), but i suspect they have a ton of debt and may not be able to run a great deal to get you in. Chantilly National is a great deal but the course layout and conditions are pretty mediocre and practice facilities are 80% mats and 2 small putting greens. CC of Fairfax is crazy expensive and the course is not worth it at all (good location though). Riverbend is very nice but 75k to join last i heard ? (also very resort style course)

If you can withstand a 20-25 minute drive, Lakewood CC up in Rockville, MD is running the best deal in town right now for young professionals (under 40 i think). I live in Fairfax and have played there a few times on weekends and it takes me 20-25 minutes. After work access can be tough if your schedule is not flexible, but the modern amenities, course, and practice facility are really geared toward a younger generation that is really interested in golf. Course is generally in excellent shape and they've hosted a USGA qualifier, the MD Open, and a few other big amateur events recently if memory serves me right. They also have a great pool and tennis scene too if the wife/family are interested

Other options to scope out which come to mind would be TPC Potomac (if u just want golf and no pool, tennis, etc.), Army/Navy which has 2 courses (conditions just OK but decent value), Springfield CC down around the mixing bowl, Belle Haven also down near springfield... that's all i can think in NoVA.... lots of other options in MD too if you can travel a bit (e.g. Manor, Argyle, Woodmont, etc.)

[Munich77]

Wow lots of options - good things to keep in mind as I am trying to convince my wife to let me join a course (not this year as we just bought a new house!)

[Dean21]

Hawkeye, I was a golf pro at one of the better semi private clubs in the area for 5 years and have played them all in the Nova area. Where you want to go will really depend on cost, then course condition, then competition if that's what you're into. For top of the line, nothing beats Creighton this side of the Potomac. The course is always in amazing shape and the facilities are incredible. I enjoy it more than RTJ. There's Trump and Riverbend if your looking at top notch conditions and practice facilities but it comes at a cost. The next tier of private are all similar. They will have decent layouts, great conditions, and decent practice facilities. I can go deeper into individuals if you would like, let me know. For semi-privates...you're going to pay much less and it is directly reflected with the course conditions. Where the private courses will be prime for the majority of the year, the semi's will only have 2-3 great months and the others will be sub par compared to the private courses due to their smaller maintenance budget. For semi's you can't go wrong with Westfields, Raspberry Falls, and Stonewall. Feel free to ask me about any, I'll be open and honest about them all.

 

Brian - I'd be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the second tier private courses in the area. I had a conversation with the guys at creighton about going out and doing the "member for a day" thing but I'm afraid the $50 k to join is something my wife would kill me over.

 

I also have heard stonewall is in awful shape (rumor was new ownership?) which I hope isn't the case - it was truly my favorite track back 2 years ago before I moved away.

 

 

Stonewall is fine. The course next to it (Virginia Oaks) is a complete mess. Used to be a decent track, but whoever owned it last literally just stopped maintaining it, I think. I don't know what happened, but it's a disaster.

[Qwiklap]

I would vote Westwood CC since that seems to be your closest course.

 

It's a great, great club - with a great membership. They have an Associate Golf (under 40) program as well. Short and very walkable course (most members walk with a pushcart -- but you can ride as well). I find the conditions are very good -- greens are fast, all the sand traps have been redone with fresh sands, fairways are firm, rough is .... very rough (to be avoided). But plenty of challenge (at least for me).

 

But the best part of the club is the membership -- very low key, laid back, not stogy, a lot of great folks. Very family-oriented club as well. Lots of events for kids and families. And the members love the younger newer members streaming in. If you have kids, it has a kids club (for infants through 7yo) and a rec room for 8+yo's. So they have fun things to do (and adult supervision) while you can enjoy dinner, range time, tennis, etc.

 

If you want to hear more -- shoot me a PM.

[GWfool]

What is the word on Belle Haven in Alexandria?

[DrDon]

Belle Haven took on a lot of debt to rebuild their clubhouse and redesign the golf course. The club has had lots of high-cost assessments to help pay off the debt.

 

The golf course is well done and kept in very good shape. Personally, I think the golf course is too difficult for many club golfers with handicaps at 20 or higher. There are some bunkers (e.g., at the 18th green) that are too deep (8 feet) for club golfers to play out of.

[GWfool]

What about Army-Navy in Fairfax? Or, Arlington?

[DrDon]

Army-Navy CC has 27 holes at both locations (Fairfax & Arlington).

 

The club has lots of members, in the thousands. If you’re looking at ANCC, then ask about how easy it is to get tee times on weekend mornings (if this applies to you.)

 

In general, I recommend that you join a country club that’s nearby your home or workplace. There are lots of good golf clubs in the DC area. But, given the difficulty with traffic in the DC area, I wouldn’t recommend joining a club that you can’t get to easily.

[GWfool]

Thanks for the information. I am actually in another large city in the South currently. We are strongly considering an opportunity in Northern Virginia in Fairfax, I went to school in D.C.. So, I am trying to get a feel for the clubs. I completely agree I want it to be a club nearby so as to maximize access.

[Qwiklap]

Thanks for the information. I am actually in another large city in the South currently. We are strongly considering an opportunity in Northern Virginia in Fairfax, I went to school in D.C.. So, I am trying to get a feel for the clubs. I completely agree I want it to be a club nearby so as to maximize access.

 

My recommendation -- live in Vienna, VA (amazing community, great schools, nice houses, no crime, sidewalks, social neighbors, etc.) and join Westwood CC (great club - and minutes from any address in Vienna).

[dhk8880]

Check out Chantilly National. I'm a member at Springfield and think that may be a good option for you also, although the practice area is not great.

 

How do you like Springfield? I played there a couple weeks ago as a guest. Worth the cost?

[Hawkeye03]

Check out Chantilly National. I'm a member at Springfield and think that may be a good option for you also, although the practice area is not great.

 

How do you like Springfield? I played there a couple weeks ago as a guest. Worth the cost?

 

It's great. Been to a lot of the other clubs in the area and think it's a good value for the money. I'm actually moving away from the area but keeping an out of state membership for when I come back.

 

[GWfool]

Thanks for the information. I am actually in another large city in the South currently. We are strongly considering an opportunity in Northern Virginia in Fairfax, I went to school in D.C.. So, I am trying to get a feel for the clubs. I completely agree I want it to be a club nearby so as to maximize access.

 

My recommendation -- live in Vienna, VA (amazing community, great schools, nice houses, no crime, sidewalks, social neighbors, etc.) and join Westwood CC (great club - and minutes from any address in Vienna).

 

Thanks, Vienna has been exactly what we are thinking.

[WidespreadPanic]

Bell Haven is a nice course. I have played it a ton and honestly got pretty bored with it. For how much dues are I dont think its worth it. Army Navy Fairfax is really nice but not that all that difficult, while Army Navy Arlington is just an absolutely terrible course (both of them). Creighton Farms is the best club course I have played in the area (well, not all that close) and is probably one of my favorite courses ive played all time. I would never get bored playing there.

[Miker20890]

anyone a member at Stonewall in Gainesville? Pros/cons about the course and membership. I've only been able to play there once but remember it being a very nice course.

[davep043]

I live in Reston, and am a member at Stoneleigh GC in Round Hill. Its a little over a half-hour drive from Reston, but I work out that way so its a good choice for my wife and I. We both play, so we drive out together on weekends. We have a great membership, a very interesting (sometimes polarizing) golf course, and reasonable practice facilities. And its very reasonably priced, but a long drive from Vienna.

 

Through the interclub league, I've played all of the NoVa golf courses except Army-Navy Fairfax. I've read lots of good advice, nothing I'd dispute. I have a friend at Springfield GC, and it seems to be moderately priced, has a very good course, and a decent range. I'm not crazy about the course at Chantilly, but its a ClubCorp property (along with Piedmont and River Creek), so there's added value when you travel. Nobody has mentioned Hidden Creek in Reston. The golf course is surprisingly scenic, they're consistently marketing for more members, but the practice facilities aren't really good. Westwood is a good solid course, usually in good shape, but I believe its pretty expensive. There was some really good advice earlier, check with each club about getting a tee time on a weekend. Several clubs have lotteries, you can't always play when you want.

[AMM315]

anyone a member at Stonewall in Gainesville? Pros/cons about the course and membership. I've only been able to play there once but remember it being a very nice course.

 

It's Public, so I'm not positive what the "membership" gets you, but the course is nice when it's in good shape, but like most of the public courses in the area, pace of play, and conditions outside of spring are probably the biggest cons. It's fairly expensive to play as well. Definitely worth playing, but I don't know about joining.

[Miker20890]

anyone a member at Stonewall in Gainesville? Pros/cons about the course and membership. I've only been able to play there once but remember it being a very nice course.

 

It's Public, so I'm not positive what the "membership" gets you, but the course is nice when it's in good shape, but like most of the public courses in the area, pace of play, and conditions outside of spring are probably the biggest cons. It's fairly expensive to play as well. Definitely worth playing, but I don't know about joining.

 

curious how much play it does get during the season as it is a fairly expensive round. anyone have a slow round there?

[Novagolf1012]

anyone a member at Stonewall in Gainesville? Pros/cons about the course and membership. I've only been able to play there once but remember it being a very nice course.

 

It's Public, so I'm not positive what the "membership" gets you, but the course is nice when it's in good shape, but like most of the public courses in the area, pace of play, and conditions outside of spring are probably the biggest cons. It's fairly expensive to play as well. Definitely worth playing, but I don't know about joining.

 

curious how much play it does get during the season as it is a fairly expensive round. anyone have a slow round there?

 

At stonewall? I've played some slow courses there in season in the weekends... like most courses around the Northern VA area.