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Congressional Country Club is a prestigious private country club located in Potomac, Maryland, United States. It was founded in 1924 and has hosted several major golf championships, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. Membership to the Congressional Country Club is by invitation only and is restricted to individuals who are sponsored by current members. The club has a strict dress code and other rules and regulations that members are expected to adhere to.

Congressional Country Club History and Founding

Congressional Country Club was founded in 1924 by a group of prominent Washington, D.C. residents who were interested in establishing a private country club in the area. The club was originally located in Bethesda, Maryland, but moved to its current location in Potomac in the 1960s.

The club’s name is derived from its proximity to the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and its founding members’ desire to establish a club that would be “Congressional” in name and character.

The original clubhouse was a converted farmhouse, but it was soon replaced by a larger, more modern facility. Over the years, the club has undergone several major renovations and expansions, including the addition of the Gold Course in the 1950s and the Blue Course in the 1960s.

Congressional Country Club has a rich history of hosting major golf championships. The club’s Blue Course first gained national recognition in 1949, when it hosted the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Since then, the club has hosted several major events, including three U.S. Opens (1964, 1997, and 2011), two PGA Championships (1976 and 2022), and the 1995 Ryder Cup.

In addition to golf, Congressional Country Club has also played host to several other major events over the years, including political fundraisers, charity galas, and corporate meetings and events. The club’s prestigious reputation and convenient location have made it a popular destination for business and social events in the Washington, D.C. area.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Congressional Country Club

Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD has hosted several major golf tournaments over the years, including the following:

U.S. Open: Congressional Country Club has hosted the U.S. Open three times, in 1964, 1997, and 2011. Notable winners of the tournament at Congressional include Ken Venturi in 1964, Ernie Els in 1997, and Rory McIlroy in 2011.
PGA Championship: The club has also hosted two PGA Championships, in 1976 and 2022. The winners of those tournaments were Dave Stockton in 1976 and Phil Mickelson in 2022.
Kemper Open: The Kemper Open, now known as the AT&T National, was a professional golf tournament held annually from 1968 to 2006. Congressional Country Club hosted the tournament several times during its history.
Senior PGA Championship: In 2005, Congressional Country Club hosted the Senior PGA Championship, a professional golf tournament for golfers aged 50 and over. The winner of the tournament was Mike Reid.
Ryder Cup: Congressional Country Club hosted the 1995 Ryder Cup, a biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. The United States team won the tournament by a score of 14.5 to 13.5.

Overall, Congressional Country Club has a long history of hosting major golf tournaments, and its championship courses are regarded as some of the best in the world.

Congressional Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

Congressional Country Club is a private club, and membership is by invitation only. The club does not publicly disclose its membership costs and dues, but it is known to be one of the most exclusive and expensive clubs in the Washington, D.C. area.

Membership fees for private country clubs can vary widely depending on factors such as location, amenities, and exclusivity. Some reports estimate that the initiation fee for Congressional Country Club is estimated to range from $100,000 to $300,000 and that rumored annual dues can exceed $20,000 per year.

Congressional Country Club Amenities

Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD offers a wide range of amenities for its members. Here are some of the highlights:

Golf: The club features two championship 18-hole golf courses, the Blue Course and the Gold Course, both designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The courses are known for their challenging layouts and scenic views, and have hosted several major golf championships over the years.
Tennis: The club has eight outdoor tennis courts and four indoor courts, as well as a full-service tennis pro shop. Members can participate in organized tennis programs and lessons, and the club hosts a variety of tennis events throughout the year.
Swimming: Congressional Country Club has two outdoor swimming pools and a kiddie pool, as well as a heated indoor pool. The pools are open during the summer months and are staffed by trained lifeguards.
Fitness: The country club has a modern fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as fitness classes and personal training sessions. Members can also take advantage of the club’s indoor track, sauna, and steam rooms.
Dining: Congressional Country Club offers several dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant, a casual grill, and a bar and lounge. The club also has private dining rooms available for special events and functions.
Events: The club has several event spaces available for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The club’s experienced event staff can help plan and execute events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas.

Overall, Congressional Country Club offers a wide range of amenities and facilities to its members, making it a popular destination for golfers, tennis players, swimmers, and fitness enthusiasts in the Washington, D.C. area.

Congressional Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD has a variety of event spaces and dining options available for members and guests. Here is some more information about events and dining at the club:

Events: The club has several event spaces available for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The spaces range in size and style, from intimate rooms for small gatherings to grand ballrooms for large events. The club’s experienced event staff can help plan and execute events of all sizes, from menu planning and decor to audiovisual equipment and entertainment.

In addition to private events, the club also hosts several golf tournaments and other sporting events throughout the year, including the AT&T National (now the Wells Fargo Championship) and the U.S. Open.

Dining: Congressional Country Club offers a variety of dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual fare. Here are some of the dining options available at the club:

The Gold Cup Room: This fine-dining restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere and a menu of classic American cuisine. The restaurant features panoramic views of the golf course and is open for dinner service.
The Grille: This casual restaurant offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a menu of classic American fare. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner service and also offers a bar and lounge area.
The Patio: This outdoor dining area offers a casual atmosphere and a menu of light bites and drinks. The patio overlooks the golf course and is open during the summer months.
Private Dining: The club also offers several private dining rooms for members and guests who want to host a special event or function. The private rooms can accommodate groups of varying sizes and can be customized to suit the needs of the event.

Overall, Congressional Country Club offers a range of event and dining options to its members and guests, making it a popular destination for special occasions and casual outings alike.

Congressional Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD has a dress code policy in place to maintain a certain level of formality and decorum at the club. The dress code may vary depending on the event or time of day, but here are some general guidelines for members and guests:

Golf Course and Practice Areas: Men are required to wear collared shirts and either slacks or Bermuda-length shorts. Women may wear either a collared shirt or a shirt with sleeves, along with slacks, shorts, or a skirt. Athletic shorts, cargo shorts, and denim are not allowed on the golf course or practice areas.

Tennis Courts: Proper tennis attire is required on the tennis courts, which includes tennis shoes, shorts, and a collared shirt for men. Women may wear tennis skirts, shorts, or a collared shirt. Non-tennis athletic attire and denim are not allowed on the tennis courts.

Clubhouse: The dress code in the clubhouse varies depending on the time of day and the event. Generally, casual attire is allowed during the day, while more formal attire is required in the evening. Denim is not allowed in the clubhouse after 6:00 PM.

Guest Policy: Congressional Country Club is a private club, and guests are only allowed to visit the club when accompanied by a member. The number of guests allowed per member may vary depending on the event or time of day, and guests are expected to comply with the club’s dress code and rules of conduct. Members are responsible for the behavior of their guests while at the club.

Overall, Congressional Country Club’s dress code policy is designed to maintain a certain level of decorum and respect for the club’s facilities and traditions. Members and guests are expected to comply with the policy in order to maintain the club’s high standards of excellence.

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