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The Bethesda Country Club is a private country club located in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. The club features an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a fitness center, dining facilities, and event spaces. The golf course was originally designed by William Flynn in 1947 and has since undergone renovations by several renowned golf course architects.

The club is known for hosting various golf tournaments and events, including the annual Mid-Atlantic Amateur Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open in 1964. In addition to golf, the club offers a range of activities and amenities for members, including tennis and swimming.

Membership to the Bethesda Country Club is by invitation only and requires an application and approval process. The club offers several membership categories, including Full Golf, Tennis, and Social memberships.

Bethesda Country Club History and Founding

The Bethesda Country Club was founded in 1947 by a group of local businessmen and golf enthusiasts who wanted to create a private club for golf and social activities. The founders purchased a 146-acre farm in Bethesda, Maryland, and hired golf course architect William Flynn to design an 18-hole golf course on the property.

Flynn, who was known for his work on notable courses such as Shinnecock Hills and Merion Golf Club, created a challenging and scenic course that quickly gained popularity among golfers in the region. The club’s facilities also included a clubhouse with dining and event spaces, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Over the years, the Bethesda Country Club has undergone several renovations and improvements, including updates to the golf course by golf course architects Ed Ault and Arthur Hills. The club has also hosted several notable golf tournaments and events, including the U.S. Women’s Open in 1964.

Today, the Bethesda Country Club continues to be a private club that offers a range of activities and amenities for its members, including golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, and dining. The club is known for its beautiful setting, exceptional golf course, and vibrant social community.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Bethesda Country Club

The Bethesda Country Club has hosted several notable golf tournaments over the years, including the U.S. Women’s Open in 1964. This event is considered to be one of the most significant championships in women’s golf and has been won by some of the sport’s most famous players, including Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, and Annika Sörenstam.

The 1964 U.S. Women’s Open was a historic event for the Bethesda Country Club, as it marked the first time that the tournament had been held at a private club. The course was set up to play at a par of 72 and was 6,372 yards in length. The championship was won by Mickey Wright, who finished with a score of 287 (1 over par) and a four-shot victory over her nearest competitor.

In addition to the U.S. Women’s Open, the Bethesda Country Club has also hosted other notable golf events, including the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Championship and the Maryland Open Championship. These events have attracted some of the region’s best amateur and professional golfers and have helped to cement the club’s reputation as a premier golf destination in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Bethesda Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

As a private club, the Bethesda Country Club does not publicly disclose its membership costs and dues. However, it is known that membership to the club is by invitation only and requires an application and approval process.

However, it is widely known that membership to the club is by invitation only and is limited to a select number of individuals and families. However, estimated initiation fees of approximately $10,000 – $100,000 and rumored annual fees of around $1,000 – $10,000, though these are merely speculation, of course, as the costs are kept private.

Bethesda Country Club Amenities

The Bethesda Country Club offers a range of amenities for its members, including:

Golf Course: The club features an 18-hole golf course designed by William Flynn, with updates by golf course architects Ed Ault and Arthur Hills. The course offers a challenging and scenic experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Practice Facilities: The club also offers a driving range, putting green, and chipping area for golfers to practice and hone their skills.
Tennis Courts: The country club has six Har-Tru clay tennis courts and a tennis pavilion, offering opportunities for both casual play and organized tournaments.
Swimming Pool: The club has a large swimming pool and pool house, with designated areas for lap swimming, family swimming, and water aerobics.
Fitness Center: The club has a fitness center equipped with cardio and strength training equipment, as well as a yoga studio.
Dining: The club has several dining options, including a formal dining room, grill room, and outdoor patio. The club’s culinary team offers a range of menus, from casual fare to gourmet cuisine.
Event Spaces: The club has several event spaces available for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. These spaces can accommodate both large and small groups and offer picturesque views of the golf course and surrounding landscape.

Overall, the Bethesda Country Club offers a wide range of amenities designed to cater to the interests and needs of its members, making it a premier destination for golf, tennis, fitness, and social activities in the Bethesda area.

Bethesda Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

The Bethesda Country Club offers a variety of event spaces and dining options for its members and guests.

Event Spaces: The club has several event spaces available for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. These spaces include:

The Ballroom: The largest event space at the club, the Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests and features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the golf course.
The Founders’ Room: This intimate space is ideal for smaller gatherings of up to 50 guests and features a fireplace and private patio.
The Grill Room: This casual dining space can be reserved for private events and can accommodate up to 80 guests.
The Patio: The club’s outdoor patio offers beautiful views of the golf course and can be reserved for events of up to 100 guests.

Dining Options: The club’s culinary team offers a range of dining options for its members and guests, including:

Formal Dining Room: The club’s formal dining room offers a refined atmosphere and serves a variety of gourmet cuisine.
Grill Room: The Grill Room offers a more casual dining experience and features a menu of classic American fare.
Outdoor Patio: The club’s outdoor patio offers a relaxing setting for al fresco dining, with views of the golf course and surrounding landscape.

In addition to these dining options, the club also offers a variety of private dining experiences, including wine dinners, chef’s tables, and custom menus for special events. Overall, the Bethesda Country Club offers a range of event spaces and dining options designed to cater to the needs and preferences of its members and guests.

Bethesda Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

The Bethesda Country Club has a dress code policy that is enforced throughout the club’s facilities. The dress code is intended to maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere and to ensure that all members and guests feel comfortable and appropriately dressed.

The dress code policy includes the following guidelines:

Golf Course and Practice Facilities: Proper golf attire is required, including collared shirts, slacks or Bermuda shorts, and golf shoes with soft spikes. Denim, cargo shorts, and athletic shorts are not permitted.
Tennis Courts: Proper tennis attire is required, including tennis shoes, shorts or skirts, and collared or crew-neck shirts. Swimwear and cut-off shorts are not permitted.
Dining Areas: Appropriate business casual attire is required, including collared shirts or blouses, slacks, skirts, or dresses. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and athletic wear are not permitted.

The club also has a guest policy that allows members to bring guests to the club’s facilities. Guests must be accompanied by a member and are subject to the club’s dress code policy. The club reserves the right to restrict or deny guest privileges at any time. Members are encouraged to inform their guests of the club’s dress code policy before visiting the club’s facilities to avoid any inconvenience or confusion.

Bethesda Country Club Bethesda MD | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting