Maryland country club scene is a magnet for the ultra-wealthy, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, exclusivity, and world-class amenities. From historic institutions with storied pasts to modern enclaves catering to the elite, these clubs represent the pinnacle of opulence. Below, we dive into the top 25 most exclusive and expensive country clubs in The Old Line State, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
25. Maryland Golf & Country Club (Bel Air)
Maryland Golf & Country Club in Bel Air is a premier private club offering a comprehensive array of recreational and social amenities on 219 scenic acres. Members enjoy a championship golf course designed by William F. Gordon, alongside recently renovated facilities that include a state-of-the-art pool, pickleball courts, and Har-Tru tennis courts. Beyond athletic pursuits, the club provides updated dining spaces with seasonal chef-curated menus, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere through a diverse calendar of events for all ages.
The club also serves as a sought-after venue for weddings, banquets, and business events, with beautifully renovated ballrooms and event spaces available to both members and non-members. With a dedicated staff committed to providing excellent service and attention to detail, Maryland Golf & Country Clubs aims to create lasting relationships and memorable experiences for its patrons, whether they are enjoying a casual family day, participating in a lively member event, or celebrating a significant milestone.
24. Prospect Bay Country Club
Prospect Bay Country Club, situated on Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore, offers a private and engaging experience for its members. Known for its challenging 18-hole championship golf course, the club presents a unique layout with two distinct nines: an open, breezy front nine influenced by Eastern Bay, and a tree-lined, tighter back nine. Golfers consistently praise the course’s excellent greens and the demanding finishing holes, particularly the signature 18th, a long par-5 with an “island” green well-protected by bunkers and water. Beyond the course, members enjoy a comprehensive practice facility, including a driving range with target greens and a dedicated short game area.
The club extends its offerings beyond golf with a variety of amenities and social opportunities. Members have access to casual and fine dining options in the clubhouse, along with a pool and tennis courts for recreation. Prospect Bay also serves as a popular venue for events, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations like weddings, utilizing its renovated banquet facilities and scenic grounds. With a commitment to fostering camaraderie and providing a welcoming environment, Prospect Bay Country Club aims to deliver a well-rounded country club experience for its diverse, multi-generational membership.
23. Norbeck Country Club
Norbeck Country Club, located in Rockville, Maryland, is recognized as one of the premier and most challenging golf courses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This 18-hole championship course, spanning 7,019 yards with six sets of tees, offers a diverse and engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels, from expert players to average enthusiasts. Having hosted numerous prominent events over its more than 60-year history, the club is highly respected for its finely maintained greens and overall test of golf, providing a compelling and enjoyable round for its members.
Beyond its acclaimed golf course, Norbeck Country Club provides a comprehensive suite of amenities designed to foster camaraderie, relaxation, and a dynamic social calendar for the entire family. Members enjoy access to racquet sports, a swimming pool, and diverse dining options. The club also serves as a versatile venue for a wide array of special occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings, with beautifully appointed ballrooms overlooking the golf course and a dedicated staff committed to creating memorable experiences.
22. Chartwell Golf & Country Club
Chartwell Golf & Country Club, nestled in the heart of Severna Park, Maryland, offers its members a private and prestigious experience centered around a meticulously maintained 18-hole championship golf course. Designed by the renowned architect Ed Ault, the course presents a challenging yet enjoyable layout, winding through mature trees and natural contours that demand strategic play. Golfers appreciate the course’s excellent conditioning and the thoughtful design that provides a unique experience with each round, making it a beloved course among its dedicated membership.
Beyond its celebrated golf course, Chartwell provides a robust array of amenities catering to diverse interests and family enjoyment. The club features a comprehensive tennis program with multiple courts, a large swimming complex that includes a competitive swim team, and a modern fitness center. Social life thrives with various dining venues, from casual to formal, and a dynamic calendar of events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community among members. Chartwell Golf & Country Club also boasts elegant spaces for hosting private events, from weddings to corporate gatherings, ensuring a full-service experience for all occasions.
21. Hillendale Country Club
Hillendale Country Club, situated in Phoenix, Maryland, stands as a distinguished private club with a rich history dating back to 1923. The centerpiece of the club is its challenging 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by William and David Gordon in 1954. Renowned for its narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, undulating, well-bunkered greens, Hillendale is often cited as one of the most demanding courses in the greater Baltimore area, providing a true test of golf for players of all skill levels.
Beyond the meticulously maintained course, Hillendale Country Club offers a comprehensive range of amenities to cater to the diverse interests of its members. These include a modern swimming pool complex with multiple tiers, exceptional tennis facilities that are considered among the finest in the area, and a vibrant social calendar. The clubhouse itself exudes a casual elegance, providing various dining areas, private banquet rooms, and lounge spaces that are ideal for both informal gatherings and grand celebrations, including weddings and corporate events. Fuentes
20. Hunt Valley Country Club
Hunt Valley Country Club, located in Phoenix, Maryland, offers a comprehensive private club experience set amidst the scenic rolling hills of Baltimore County. The club features a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, designed to provide an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Known for its well-maintained greens and thoughtful layout, the course integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering both beauty and a test of skill across its fairways. Members appreciate the diverse holes and the opportunity to play in a beautiful, natural setting throughout the seasons.
Beyond golf, Hunt Valley Country Club provides a wide array of amenities that cater to the entire family. These include an extensive tennis program with multiple courts, a large swimming pool complex, and a modern fitness center. The clubhouse offers various dining options, from casual to more formal settings, perfect for social gatherings or family meals. Additionally, the club boasts versatile event spaces, making it a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations, supported by a dedicated staff committed to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for its members and their guests.
19. Eagles Nest Country Club
Eagles Nest Country Club, located in Phoenix, Maryland, offers a refined private club experience with a focus on its championship golf course. Designed by Geoffrey Cornish in 1969, the 18-hole course provides a harmonious blend of challenge and scenic beauty, featuring rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and captivating water features. A significant $1.7 million renovation in 2023 further enhanced the course with upgraded bunkers, improved drainage, and additional tee boxes, ensuring an elevated and consistently excellent playing surface for members of all skill levels.
Beyond the golf course, Eagles Nest Country Club provides a wide array of amenities for its members. These include comprehensive racquet sports facilities with Har-Tru courts, a refreshing swimming pool, and diverse dining options like Redwoods for fine dining and The Nest for more casual fare. The club is also a popular choice for hosting a variety of events, from intimate gatherings to grand weddings and corporate functions, offering beautifully appointed spaces and dedicated event planning services against the backdrop of its picturesque grounds.
18. Lakewood Country Club
Lakewood Country Club, located in Rockville, Maryland, offers a distinguished private club experience centered around its immaculately maintained 18-hole championship golf course. Designed by the renowned architect Donald Ross in 1959, the course showcases his signature style with strategic bunkering, challenging greens, and a layout that maximizes the natural topography. Consistently ranked among the top courses in Maryland, Lakewood provides a rigorous yet enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities, set within a beautiful and mature tree-lined landscape that changes with the seasons.
Beyond its celebrated golf course, Lakewood Country Club boasts a wide array of amenities designed to cater to the diverse interests of its members and their families. These include a comprehensive tennis facility with multiple Har-Tru courts, a modern swimming pool complex with dedicated areas for recreation and lap swimming, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The clubhouse offers various dining venues, from casual grills to elegant formal dining rooms, alongside versatile event spaces that are popular for hosting weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings, all supported by a dedicated staff committed to exceptional service.
17. Crofton Country Club
Crofton Country Club, located in Crofton, Maryland, offers a welcoming and comprehensive private club experience centered around its well-regarded 18-hole championship golf course. Designed by the visionary Edmund B. Ault, the course opened in 1964 and presents a traditional parkland layout characterized by tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens that provide a challenging yet fair test for golfers of all skill levels. Members frequently praise the course’s excellent conditioning and its engaging design that encourages thoughtful shot-making.
Beyond the greens, Crofton Country Club provides a diverse range of amenities designed to foster community and offer recreational opportunities for the entire family. These include an extensive tennis program with multiple courts, a large swimming pool complex, and a modern fitness center. The clubhouse features various dining options, from casual to more formal settings, perfect for social gatherings, family meals, or special events. With versatile banquet and event spaces, Crofton Country Club also serves as a popular venue for weddings, corporate meetings, and private celebrations, supported by a dedicated staff committed to delivering memorable experiences.
16. Argyle Country Club
Argyle Country Club, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, offers a rich private club experience rooted in a storied history dating back to 1923. The club’s centerpiece is its challenging 18-hole championship golf course, which has been meticulously maintained and updated over the decades to provide a premier playing experience. Known for its rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and strategically placed bunkers, the course offers a diverse and engaging test for golfers of all skill levels, with beautiful views that complement the strategic play required.
Beyond its acclaimed golf course, Argyle Country Club boasts a wide array of amenities designed to cater to the diverse interests of its members and their families. These include a comprehensive tennis facility with multiple courts, a refreshing swimming pool complex, and various dining options ranging from casual to more formal settings. The club also serves as a popular venue for a variety of social events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations, with elegant banquet facilities and a dedicated staff committed to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences.
15. TPC Potomac
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, located near Washington D.C. in Potomac, Maryland, offers a pure golf experience within a scenic setting. Formerly known as TPC Avenel, this private club has a rich history of hosting PGA TOUR events, including the Kemper Open and Quicken Loans National. A significant renovation in 2008, directed by PGA TOUR Design Services, transformed the course, creating a drastically different layout that showcases the natural rolling terrain, bentgrass, and Scottish-style bunkering. The 18-hole championship course stretches over 7,100 yards and is known for its challenging design, having earned recognition as one of the top private golf courses in Maryland.
Beyond the course, TPC Potomac provides a comprehensive club experience. The 35,000 square-foot clubhouse serves as a central point for dining, hospitality, and relaxation, featuring both casual and fine dining options, a full-service golf shop, and updated locker rooms. The club also offers a 15-acre practice facility, and various spaces suitable for social and business gatherings. Members enjoy benefits such as no assessments for course or clubhouse improvements, and no food and beverage minimums, making TPC Potomac a premier destination for golf and social engagement.
14. Four Streams Golf Club
Four Streams Golf Club, located in Beallsville, Maryland, offers an exclusive and serene golf experience designed for the purist. Opened in 1998, this private club features an 18-hole championship course meticulously crafted by architects Steve Smyers and Nick Price. The course is celebrated for its strategic design, showcasing natural topography, undulating greens, and challenging bunkering that demand thoughtful shot-making and reward precision. Known for its immaculate conditioning and understated elegance, Four Streams provides a rigorous yet highly enjoyable test of golf within a pristine, natural setting free from residential development.
Beyond the acclaimed golf course, Four Streams focuses on providing a refined and intimate club environment. The clubhouse, designed to complement the natural beauty of the surroundings, offers a relaxed atmosphere for dining and social gatherings. Members enjoy high-quality practice facilities, including a spacious driving range and dedicated short game areas, allowing for comprehensive game improvement. With a commitment to exceptional service and a strong emphasis on the golf experience, Four Streams Golf Club caters to a discerning membership seeking a private and unhurried escape on the links.
13. Bethesda Country Club
Bethesda Country Club, located in Bethesda, Maryland, offers a comprehensive and esteemed private club experience in the heart of Montgomery County. The club’s centerpiece is its 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later refined by top architects. The course is known for its classic design, challenging layout, and immaculate conditioning, providing a demanding yet enjoyable test for golfers of all skill levels amidst a mature, tree-lined landscape. Its strategic bunkering and undulating greens require precision and thoughtful play.
Beyond golf, Bethesda Country Club provides an extensive array of amenities designed for family enjoyment and social engagement. Members have access to a state-of-the-art indoor tennis center, an outdoor swimming complex, and a modern fitness center. The clubhouse offers diverse dining options, from casual to fine dining, along with versatile banquet and meeting spaces. The club frequently hosts a variety of social events and activities throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community and providing a refined setting for both recreation and memorable occasions, including weddings and corporate gatherings.
12. Sparrows Point Country Club
Sparrows Point Country Club, nestled along the picturesque shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a distinctive private club experience with stunning waterfront views. The club features an 18-hole championship golf course that blends challenging play with scenic beauty. Designed to integrate with the natural coastal landscape, the course provides a unique golfing experience, often influenced by bay breezes and offering captivating vistas that enhance the strategic design of its fairways and greens.
Beyond its scenic golf course, Sparrows Point Country Club boasts an array of amenities that leverage its prime waterfront location. Members can enjoy a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a marina with boating access to the Chesapeake Bay, making it a truly unique offering in the region. The clubhouse provides various dining options, from casual to formal, allowing members to enjoy meals with a view. The club also serves as a popular venue for events, particularly weddings and social gatherings, capitalizing on its beautiful setting and dedicated service to create memorable occasions.
11. Country Club of Maryland (Towson)
The Country Club of Maryland, located in Towson, Maryland, offers a refined and historic private club experience. Established in 1923, its centerpiece is an 18-hole championship golf course that showcases a classic design, having undergone enhancements to maintain its challenging and engaging character. The course is known for its tree-lined fairways, well-manicured greens, and strategic bunkering, providing a demanding yet enjoyable test for golfers of all skill levels within a mature and picturesque setting in Baltimore County.
Beyond the golf course, The Country Club of Maryland provides a comprehensive suite of amenities designed for both recreation and social engagement. Members have access to an extensive tennis facility with multiple courts, a refreshing swimming pool, and a modern fitness center. The clubhouse offers diverse dining experiences, from casual lunches to elegant dinners, along with versatile banquet and event spaces. With a commitment to fostering camaraderie and providing exceptional service, the club serves as a vibrant hub for social activities, family events, and private celebrations throughout the year.
10. Manor Country Club
Manor Country Club, located in Rockville, Maryland, is a private club with a rich history, offering a comprehensive array of amenities to its members. Its 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by William S. Flynn, is renowned for its classic design, challenging layout, and immaculate conditioning. The course features undulating terrain, mature trees, and strategically placed bunkers, providing a rigorous yet enjoyable test for golfers of all skill levels, and has historically been recognized among the top courses in the region.
Beyond its acclaimed golf course, Manor Country Club boasts an extensive range of facilities catering to diverse recreational and social interests. Members have access to a state-of-the-art tennis center with indoor and outdoor courts, a large swimming pool complex, and a modern fitness center. The elegant clubhouse provides multiple dining options, from casual to formal, and serves as a popular venue for social events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations, supported by a dedicated staff committed to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for its members and their guests.
9. Woodmont Country Club
Woodmont Country Club, located in Rockville, Maryland, is a highly esteemed private club with a deep-rooted history and a reputation for excellence. It boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses, the North Course and the South Course, both meticulously designed and maintained to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience. The North Course, in particular, is renowned for its classic design and has hosted numerous prestigious professional and amateur tournaments, while both courses are celebrated for their immaculate conditions, strategic bunkering, and a layout that demands precision and thoughtful play.
Beyond its world-class golf facilities, Woodmont Country Club offers an extensive array of amenities designed to cater to the diverse interests of its members and their families. These include a comprehensive tennis complex with indoor and outdoor courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a beautiful swimming pool area. The grand clubhouse provides various elegant dining options, from casual to formal, and serves as a premier venue for social events, celebrations, and corporate functions, all supported by a dedicated staff committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
8. L’Hirondelle Club
L’Hirondelle Club, located in Ruxton, Maryland, stands as a historic and distinguished private social club, rather than a traditional golf and country club with an 18-hole course. Established in 1872, it is one of the oldest private clubs in the region, known for its elegant setting and focus on racquet sports, swimming, and social events. The club features well-maintained tennis courts, a large swimming pool, and a beautiful clubhouse that exudes classic charm, providing a refined environment for members to gather and participate in various activities.
The club prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community and tradition among its members, often spanning multiple generations. L’Hirondelle provides a tranquil escape with its picturesque grounds, offering diverse dining experiences and hosting a vibrant calendar of social functions throughout the year, from holiday celebrations to casual gatherings. Its elegant facilities also make it a popular choice for private events, including weddings and banquets, reflecting its long-standing reputation for hospitality and impeccable service in a timeless setting.
7. Country Club at Woodmore
The Country Club at Woodmore, located in Mitchellville, Maryland, offers a premier private club experience centered around its championship golf course. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the 18-hole course provides a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels. Known for its immaculate conditioning, strategic bunkering, and a layout that incorporates the natural beauty of the landscape, Woodmore consistently receives high praise and has hosted professional tournaments, reflecting its quality and design integrity.
Beyond the acclaimed golf course, the Country Club at Woodmore provides a comprehensive array of amenities designed to cater to diverse interests and social engagement. Members can enjoy a state-of-the-art practice facility, a swimming pool, and various dining options within the elegant clubhouse. The club also serves as a popular venue for a wide range of social events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations, with beautifully appointed banquet spaces and a dedicated staff committed to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for its members and their guests.
6. Columbia Country Club
Columbia Country Club, located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a distinguished private club with a rich history, known for its exceptional golf course and comprehensive amenities. Its 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by Herbert Strong, provides a classic and challenging experience. The course is meticulously maintained, featuring tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens that demand precision and thoughtful play, consistently ranking among the top courses in the state and having hosted numerous significant tournaments throughout its long history.
Beyond its acclaimed golf course, Columbia Country Club offers an extensive array of facilities designed to cater to the diverse interests of its members and their families. These include a state-of-the-art tennis center with indoor and outdoor courts, a large swimming pool complex, and a modern fitness center. The elegant clubhouse provides various dining options, from casual to formal, and serves as a premier venue for social events, celebrations, and corporate functions, all supported by a dedicated staff committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
5. Baltimore Country Club
Baltimore Country Club, located in Baltimore, Maryland, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most prestigious private clubs in the United States, established in 1898. The club boasts two exceptional 18-hole championship golf courses: the Roland Park Course and the Five Farms East Course. The Five Farms East Course, designed by A.W. Tillinghast, is particularly renowned for its classic design, challenging layout, and immaculate conditioning, consistently ranking among the top courses nationally and having hosted major championships, including the 1899 U.S. Open.
Beyond its celebrated golf offerings, Baltimore Country Club provides a comprehensive suite of amenities and social opportunities across its two campuses. Members enjoy extensive tennis facilities with both indoor and outdoor courts, a large swimming pool complex, and a modern fitness center. The clubhouses at both locations offer diverse dining experiences, from casual to formal, along with elegant banquet and event spaces. With a commitment to tradition, service excellence, and fostering a vibrant community, Baltimore Country Club serves as a distinguished hub for recreation, social gatherings, and memorable private events.
4. Chevy Chase Club
Chevy Chase Club, located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is one of the most exclusive and historic private country clubs in the United States, dating back to 1892. While golf is a central offering with its meticulously maintained 18-hole championship course, the club is perhaps more broadly known for its comprehensive array of sports and social amenities. The golf course, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience that reflects its long-standing tradition of excellence in course conditioning and play.
Beyond its acclaimed golf course, Chevy Chase Club provides an extensive and luxurious range of facilities to its members. These include a sprawling tennis complex with numerous courts, a large swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, squash courts, ice skating, and even paddle tennis. The grand clubhouse serves as a vibrant social hub, offering multiple elegant dining venues, private banquet rooms, and spaces for a diverse calendar of social events, all delivered with an emphasis on impeccable service and a rich tradition of refinement.
3. Burning Tree Club
Burning Tree Club, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the most exclusive and discreet private golf clubs in the United States, known for its members-only policy which historically has been men-only. Established in 1922, its 18-hole championship golf course is widely regarded as a classic design, having undergone careful preservation and subtle enhancements over the decades to maintain its challenging and pristine character. The course is celebrated for its natural beauty, strategic bunkering, and impeccably maintained greens, offering a pure and unadulterated golf experience in a tranquil setting.
Due to its highly private nature, specific details about all amenities are not widely publicized, but the club focuses primarily on delivering a top-tier golf experience. The clubhouse provides a refined and comfortable atmosphere for members to socialize and dine, maintaining the club’s tradition of exclusivity and privacy. Burning Tree Club is less about extensive recreational facilities and more about providing a world-class golf sanctuary for its distinguished membership, ensuring a serene and focused environment for the game.
2. Caves Valley Golf Club
Caves Valley Golf Club, located in Owings Mills, Maryland, is an exceptionally exclusive and highly acclaimed private golf club. Opened in 1991 and designed by the renowned Tom Fazio, its 18-hole championship course is consistently ranked among the top courses in the United States. Carved into the natural landscape of rolling hills, mature trees, and dramatic elevation changes, the course is celebrated for its immaculate conditioning, strategic bunkering, and a design that challenges elite players while remaining enjoyable for all skill levels. Caves Valley has notably hosted prestigious events such as the BMW Championship and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships.
Beyond its world-class golf course, Caves Valley Golf Club maintains a focus on providing a refined and intimate experience for its members and their guests. The clubhouse offers elegant dining options and luxurious locker room facilities, all designed to complement the upscale golf experience. The club emphasizes a tranquil and pure golfing environment, providing caddie services and exceptional hospitality. Its serene setting and commitment to a top-tier golf experience solidify its reputation as one of the premier private golf clubs in the country.
1. Congressional Country Club
Congressional Country Club, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the most iconic and prestigious private clubs in the United States, renowned globally for its championship golf courses and rich history. Established in 1924, it features two magnificent 18-hole courses: the world-famous Blue Course and the equally challenging Gold Course. The Blue Course, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, has hosted numerous major championships, including multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships, making it a bucket-list destination for serious golfers due to its demanding layout, strategic bunkering, and immaculate conditioning.
Beyond its legendary golf courses, Congressional Country Club offers an unparalleled array of luxury amenities designed for a comprehensive family experience. Members have access to an expansive tennis complex, a vast aquatic center with multiple pools, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, and squash courts. The grand clubhouse provides multiple elegant dining venues, private banquet rooms, and extensive event spaces, making it a premier location for social gatherings, weddings, and corporate functions. With its commitment to world-class service, rich traditions, and diverse offerings, Congressional Country Club stands as a benchmark for private clubs.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in Maryland country club scene. Each offers a unique blend of world-class golf, opulent amenities, and a commitment to privacy, catering to the elite who seek the finest in leisure and lifestyle.