Maryland, USA
The University of Maryland Golf Course is a George Cobb design on the university campus in College Park. This semi-private venue combines academic tradition with serious golf, offering challenging play amidst rolling Maryland terrain just minutes from the nation's capital.
The University of Maryland Golf Course is a George Cobb design on the university campus in College Park. This semi-private venue combines academic tradition with serious golf, offering challenging play amidst rolling Maryland terrain just minutes from the nation's capital.
In November 1954, Dr Wilson H. Elkins, President of the University of Maryland, commissioned a study for a proposed golf course to serve the University community. The project was spearheaded by athletic director James M. Tatum and track, boxing, and golf coach Frank H. Cronin, who would later be inducted into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame.
The semi-private championship course was designed in 1955 by George Cobb, creating a layout that would serve both the university community and the broader golfing public.
George Cobb was born into a golf family in Savannah, Georgia, developing into a scratch golfer before studying landscape architecture at the University of Georgia. His background uniquely positioned him to understand both the technical and playing aspects of course design.
Several of Cobb's designs were used as professional tournament sites, but he prided himself on creating courses that were attractive and playable, over a layout that would not leave the average golfer frustrated. This philosophy is evident at University of Maryland, where the course balances challenge with accessibility.
The layout benefits from strong land for golf, with great land movement throughout and plenty of uphill and downhill shots enhancing the layout variety. The course underwent significant renovations from 2008-2009 under architect Bill Love, modernising the facility whilst preserving Cobb's original design intent. Aesthetically, the Bermuda tree-lined fairways give this course a Carolinas feel.
At par 71 stretching over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, the course presents a formidable test. The first two holes are a very challenging start as long par fours, the rest of the course is quite playable for the average golfer. This opening sequence establishes the course's character - demanding respect whilst remaining fair to golfers of varying abilities.
The course features false fronts on 4 of the first 5 greens demand high and accurate approach shots from the start, immediately testing players' precision. Water hazards come into strategic play, particularly on the par-3s at the 8th and 11th holes.
A 35,000-square-foot plantation-style clubhouse, named Mulligan's Grill and Pub, is located on the course. Completed in 1999 for $3 million, Mulligan's houses a full-service bar, banquet facility, and pro shop.
The University of Maryland Golf Course is positioned strategically near several championship venues:
Within 32km (20 miles):
32-64km (20-40 miles):
This concentration of championship golf makes College Park an excellent base for a Maryland golf holiday, offering variety from classic Golden Age designs to modern championship layouts.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 24km (15 miles), 27 minutes via US-1 route
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 40-48km (25-30 miles), approximately 45 minutes
Washington Dulles (IAD): 56-61km (35-38 miles), approximately 60 minutes
Public Transport: Take the "Yellow Line" to Mt Vernon Square Convention Center, then transfer to the "Green Line" to College Park from Reagan National Airport.
Car Rental: All major airports offer car rental facilities. The course provides convenient access to the greater Washington-Baltimore golf corridor.
The course is located in the northern perimeter of the University of Maryland, College Park's campus, and is home to a 45-station driving range and a 5,000-square-foot putting green. Advance reservations recommended, particularly during university term time and peak season.
Spring-Autumn: Peak playing season with excellent course conditions
Summer: Busy period coinciding with university activities
Winter: Limited availability depending on weather conditions
University of Maryland Golf Club represents the successful marriage of academic institution and championship golf facility. George Cobb's thoughtful design provides an engaging test that serves both the university community and visiting golfers seeking quality golf in the Washington-Baltimore corridor. The course's combination of challenge, conditioning, and convenience makes it a worthy addition to any Maryland golf itinerary.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
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