An inaugural 1955 design by George W. Cobb (Par 3 Course at Augusta), it was redone by W.R Love in 2008 to host the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open in 2010 and 2011.

A 7000 yard par 71 layout (Black tees), it carries a 137 slope and course rating of 73.7. The gold tees play to 6400 yards par 71 with a 130 slope and 70.1 rating. It can challenge any level of player to work through the bag and create shots across many elevation changes and large, fast green complexes that roll incredibly smooth for the traffic of play the course receives. It is open to the public with rates that start at $28 walking/$45 riding on weekdays, $40 walking/$59 riding on weekends.

The perched green of the par 4 6th hole at the University of Maryland golf course.

Given the present day cost of playing top public facilities, of which there aren’t many located within the greater DC area, the UMD course provides challenge, presents opportunity, and screams “play me” for the value. It’s a classic, tree-lined layout with no homes or infrastructure on the course. In 2003, the University of Maryland Golf Course was named a “Certified Audubon Sanctuary” by Audubon International. It boasts a 45 station driving range and a 5,000 square foot putting green. Additionally, upstairs you will find Mulligans Grill and Pub. A full service “gastro-pub” with several tap beers including Guinness, a full range menu and one hell of a great burger.

The most famous golfer to ever play the UMD course was Jack Nicklaus who alongside former Terps All-American, US Amateur Champion and PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beaman, played with Lee Elder and UMD Captain Rick Bendall on October 16,, 1971. Nicklaus had an unfortunate start to his day, as he swung so hard on his opening tee shot that he split his pants below the zipper. After a 20-minute break to find him some new trousers, he came back out and dominated with a 3 under 68.