
Bethesda Course
Bethesda Country Club
About this course
Bethesda Country Club exists as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic, member-centric golf near the nation's capital. Carved from rolling Maryland parkland, its original design, dating back to the post-war era, favors strategic play over brute force. The course, known for its challenging, undulating greens, subtly punishes wayward approaches while rewarding thoughtful course management. The work of renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast, the course showcases his design of green side bunking and his routing along and around the areas natural topography. Subsequent refinements have preserved the integrity of the original vision, maintaining the course's traditional character and playability. While Bethesda Country Club isn't historically known for hosting major professional events, its value is derived from its loyal and diverse membership. This includes a contingent of Washington's elite which includes members of congress and other DC notables. The club is known as being exclusive and has long been a hub for power brokers.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MD
Quick facts
- Location
- Bethesda, MD, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1947
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Arthur Hills
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,835 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.5/134
- Course Vaults score
- 7.8
Getting there
Bethesda Country Club sits in the heart of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, accessible within minutes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International (IAD), both roughly 20-30 minutes away depending on traffic patterns across the Beltway. For those arriving by car, the club's location in suburban Maryland places it just off the tree-lined avenues that characterize this affluent Bethesda enclave, a transition from the urban corridors of the capital into leafy, established neighborhoods where discreet gated entrances mark the boundaries of private clubs. The final approach winds through residential streets of considerable restraint and permanence, where the club's grounds emerge as a quiet sanctuary of manicured fairways and classic American clubhouse architecture - a refuge from the political machinery that hums just miles away.

FAQ
Common questions about Bethesda
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Bethesda has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 34 logged golfers.
Bethesda was designed by Arthur Hills.
Bethesda is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Bethesda is 70.
Bethesda plays 6,835 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Bethesda is 134.




