Nestled in the rolling hills of Towson, the Country Club of Maryland stands as one of the Mid-Atlantic's finest examples of golden age golf architecture. The Country Club of Maryland was founded in 1923 as The Rodgers Forge Country Club, Inc. and commissioned nationally-acclaimed golf architect Herbert Strong to lay out the course over 164 acres of land known as Stevenson Farm. Completed in 1925, the course was built during the golden age of architecture and remains one of the few courses in the Mid-Atlantic area from that era.
This Herbert Strong design reflects the architect's distinctive philosophy of building natural beauty into every feature of play. Strong, known for his bold contoured greens and strategic bunkering at renowned venues like Saucon Valley and Canterbury Country Club, crafted a layout that remains both challenging and true to its architectural heritage nearly a century later.
Course Architecture & Design
Historical Foundation and Design Philosophy
Herbert Strong's work at the Country Club of Maryland exemplifies the architect's reputation for creating memorable golf experiences through thoughtful use of natural terrain. The golf course reflects the design philosophy and style of Mr. Strong's more notable courses, such as Saucon Valley (PA), The Canterbury Country Club (OH) and Engineers County Club (NY). Strong's architectural approach emphasised creating holes that demanded precision whilst working harmoniously with the property's natural undulations.
The course's foundation on the former Stevenson Farm provided Strong with ideal rolling terrain that required minimal earth movement—a hallmark of superior golden age design. The Country Club of Maryland features expansive fairways and a variety of approaches to greens that vary in size in direct proportion to the overall length of the hole. Old-style bunkering and green swales further enhance both the challenge and beauty of this classic golf course.
Today, the course measures 6,460 yards and plays to a par 70. The layout showcases Strong's mastery of strategic design, where thoughtful positioning takes precedence over brute length. The architect's signature undulated greens remain the course's defining characteristic, demanding precision on approach shots and putting finesse throughout the round.
The course's most celebrated stretch runs through the valley holes of the 13th, 14th, and 15th, where players navigate protected natural woodlands and potential stream encounters. The signature valley holes of 13, 14 and 15 are as challenging as ever, providing an adventure through the protected natural woodlands and a potential dip in the stream, but the revitalised short par-4 12th will take your breath away with the intimidating view of a sprawling bunker complex and fescue protecting the green.
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Course Character and Strategic Elements
Country Club of Maryland presents a deceptively challenging examination of golf skills despite its modest yardage. Laugh at the length of the course all you want, the lack of a precision approach and deft touch around our undulated greens will find you muttering to the next tee box.
The layout's rolling terrain creates numerous elevation changes that affect club selection and shot execution. Herbert Strong's green complexes remain the course's primary defence, featuring subtle slopes and swales that can punish poorly struck approaches whilst rewarding precise iron play. The architect's philosophy of making players pay for wayward shots manifests throughout the routing, particularly around the green sites where recovery shots demand creativity and skill.
Notable Features
Strong's bunkering style and green contouring create visual intimidation whilst providing strategic options for players of varying abilities. The course's natural features have been carefully preserved, with mature trees framing holes and streams adding both beauty and hazard consideration. The 12th hole exemplifies Strong's dramatic design approach, where the revitalised short par-4 presents players with an intimidating view of sprawling bunker complexes protecting the green.
Recent course improvements have enhanced the playing experience whilst respecting the original architectural intent. The members take a tremendous amount of pride in their course. They have supported several projects over the past seven years to improve the quality of this championship-caliber course, while still catering to all levels of golfers, including new greens, new fairways, new bunkers and bunker restoration, tree removal, lengthened tee boxes, new golf course equipment.
Travel & Planning
Regional Golf Context
Country Club of Maryland sits within Maryland's premier golf corridor, offering access to several distinguished venues within reasonable travelling distance. The Baltimore metropolitan area provides an exceptional concentration of championship golf courses, creating ideal opportunities for extended golf holidays.
Within 15km (9 miles): Baltimore Country Club East in Lutherville offers A.W. Tillinghast's golden age masterpiece, whilst Woodholme Country Club provides another Herbert Strong design from the late 1920s. Both venues complement Country Club of Maryland perfectly for multi-course itineraries focusing on golden age architecture.
15-30km (9-19 miles): Caves Valley Golf Club presents Tom Fazio's modern design philosophy in the rolling hills of Baltimore County, whilst Congressional Country Club Blue and Chevy Chase Club offer access to championship venues with tournament pedigree.
Natural Combinations: The proximity of multiple Top 100 venues allows for exceptional golf tours combining golden age classics with modern championship designs. Base accommodation in the Baltimore-Washington corridor provides access to over a dozen premium courses within 45 minutes' drive.
Practical Planning
Country Club of Maryland operates as an exclusive private club requiring member introduction or invitation. The venue maintains high standards befitting its championship calibre, with proper golf attire mandatory and soft spikes required on the course. Advanced planning through member connections or corporate arrangements proves essential for securing playing opportunities.
The club's convenient location just off the Baltimore Beltway provides straightforward access for visiting golfers. The Country Club of Maryland, with its convenient location, is situated just off the Baltimore Beltway and a mere 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore. This proximity allows easy combination with cultural activities, dining, and accommodation options throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Transport Information ✈️
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 32km (20 miles), approximately 25-30 minutes via I-695 and I-83. Direct routes avoid downtown traffic whilst providing convenient rental car access.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 80km (50 miles), approximately 75-90 minutes via I-495 and I-270. Primary international gateway offering extensive European connections.
Amtrak Penn Station Baltimore: 15km (9 miles), approximately 20 minutes via surface streets. Northeast Corridor service provides direct connections to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Car Rental: All major providers available at BWI with recommended advance booking during peak travel periods. GPS navigation essential for accessing club's Stevenson Lane entrance in Towson residential area.
Seasonal Timing
Spring (March-May): Course reopens with excellent playing conditions as greens firm and fairways dry. Maryland's temperate climate provides ideal golf weather with moderate temperatures and manageable precipitation.
Summer (June-August): Peak season delivers consistently excellent conditions with firm, fast playing surfaces. Early morning and late afternoon tee times recommended during warmest periods.
Autumn (September-November): Outstanding playing conditions continue with spectacular foliage providing enhanced scenic beauty. Generally considered the region's finest golf weather period.
Winter (December-February): Course remains open weather permitting, though playing opportunities may be limited by ground conditions. Indoor practice facilities and nearby alternatives provide year-round golf access.
The club's excellent drainage and maintenance standards ensure playable conditions throughout most of the year, with only severe weather causing course closures. Advanced booking remains essential regardless of season given the club's exclusive membership and limited outside play opportunities.
