
Caves Valley Course
Caves Valley Golf Club

About this course
Caves Valley is a modern testament to championship golf carved into the rolling Maryland countryside of Owings Mills, a suburb northwest of Baltimore, where fox hunts and manicured lawns meet. Built in the late 20th century, the course reflects the evolving architectural philosophies of its time, moving away from rigid design principles toward strategic play and visual drama. Designed by Tom Fazio, with significant later enhancements by Steve Wenzloff, Caves Valley presents a challenge that subtly favors a right-to-left ball flight, particularly off the tee. The course does not immediately punish wayward shots, but it consistently asks players to consider angles and distances, rewarding thoughtful strategy over brute force. Its terrain, a classic Mid-Atlantic parkland, features mature trees and carefully sculpted bunkers that frame each hole, creating a visually stunning and strategically compelling round. Caves Valley has hosted significant events, most notably the 2002 U.S. Senior Open, where Don Pooley triumphed, and the 2021 BMW Championship, marking a return to the Baltimore area for a high-profile PGA Tour event. More recently, it hosted the 2023 Men's NCAA Championship. While not steeped in decades of championship lore like some of its East Coast counterparts, these events underscore the club's commitment to challenging the best players in the game. Beyond its notable history, Caves Valley's relatively young establishment has also fostered a distinctive culture. The club's ethos isn't about rigidly adhering to tradition, but rather, embracing a relaxed sophistication. And while it isn't widely known for a specific food or refreshment, the club quietly offers a full-service experience that caters to a membership that values both the challenge of the game and the comforts of a well-appointed club.
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
- Owings Mills, MD, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1991
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Tom Fazio
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 7,226 yards
- Difficulty
- 75.3/142
- Course Vaults score
- 8.4
Getting there
The journey to Caves Valley Golf Club begins at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, a straightforward forty-minute drive northwest into the rolling countryside of Baltimore County. Those arriving by private aircraft will find Martin State Airport conveniently positioned just east of the city, offering discreet access to Maryland's horse country. The route traces Interstate 83 north before peeling west onto winding roads that climb gently through wooded estates and open pastureland, the urban sprawl of Baltimore giving way to the serene, manicured seclusion that has long defined this corner of Owings Mills - home to one of the Mid-Atlantic's most jealously guarded retreats.

FAQ
Common questions about Caves Valley
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Caves Valley has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 56 logged golfers.
Caves Valley was designed by Tom Fazio.
Caves Valley is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Caves Valley is 71.
Caves Valley plays 7,226 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Caves Valley is 142.



