Golf Course Review: East Potomac, Washington DC

 

EAST POTOMAC

Washington DC

February 7, 2023

OVERVIEW

FACILITY TYPE: Public

WEBSITE: https://playdcgolf.com/east-potomac-golf-links/

PHONE: (202) 554-7760

 

There are few courses more special than East Potomac. I remember visiting Washington DC for the first time during my 8th grade field trip and seeing the East Potomac Golf Course, thinking, how cool would it be to play golf in downtown Washington DC, surrounded by the capital and all the nation’s history?! Fast forward nearly 20 years later and I finally teed it up.

East Potomac has 3 golf courses, all downtown adjacent to the mall. The Blue course is an 18-hole championship design playing between 4,638 - 6,599 yards to a par of 72. The White course is a 9-hole executive course which includes a few par 4’s, playing between 1,570 - 2,420 yards to a par of 33, and the Red course is a 9-hole par 3 course playing between 965 - 1,142 yards to a par of 27.

Having grown up learning how to play primarily on an executive course, I believe in their importance and want to help support short courses and encourage all of you reading to do the same. Especially in today’s modern era where the game is changing, having access to shorter courses with fewer holes and less difficulty helps keep the game fun and attracts players who otherwise may not have the time or resources to play.

COURSE CONDITIONS RATINGS

FAIRWAYS: 2

GREENS: 2.5

BUNKERS: 3.5

SCENERY: 4

LAYOUT: 3

–

OVERALL: 3.00 

The best part about East Potomac is that everyone is welcome to play. It is a true representation of the melting pot that is DC. The course doesn’t care about your age, experience, race, or financial background, it welcomes everyone. Everyone on the property is bonded by the common goal of trying to get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible. It’s not known as a course with pristine grass and manicured greens but it is consistent, accessible, and affordable.

The three city courses, Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac have all been commissioned to undergo extensive renovations in an effort to turn DC into a world-class golf destination. East Potomac commissioned Tom Doak, one of the world's best architects to renovate their property. Tom Doak has a knack for popping out Top 100 destinations whenever he works on a course. Pacific Dunes and Old MacDonald in Oregon, Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Tara Iti and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand to name a few, so there’s no doubt in my mind that what he’s going to be able to accomplish with the property at East Potomac will also be world-class.

The property has amazing bones. Situated in the middle of East Potomac Park, surrounded by the mall, museums, and monuments, with a view of the water, is unlike anywhere else in the world. With an already existing “links style” course laid out, it’s begging for Doak to come and work his magic. Until then, I love and appreciate the municipal feel of East Potomac that can easily remind someone of being home.

ACCESSIBILITY

COURSE DIFFICULTY: 2

WALKABILITY: 5

Difficult is not a word that comes to mind when I think of East Potomac unless you happen to play on a windy day in which case the lack of trees makes it susceptible. It is the perfect place for beginners to learn the game, novices to advance their game and learn how to hit shots, and for accomplished golfers to learn how to score low.

They have a massive two-tiered driving range equipped with TopTracer to help players track their performance, multiple expansive practice putting and chipping greens, and of course, the 9 hole executive course and 9 hole par 3 course are the perfect compliments to the 18 hole championship course. Rumor has it that they will consolidate the 18 hole championship course and 9 hole executive course into one 18 hole design, redo the par 3 course, and expand the putting areas to create something similar to what Doak did with The Punchbowl at Bandon Dunes.

AMENITIES

GOLF SHOP: 2

PRACTICE FACILITIES: 4

COMFORT STATIONS: 1

East Potomac is a no-frills municipal golf course with a little bit of everything you need. The golf shop has balls, tees, gloves, and other basic items to stock up before your round. If you need to grab a snack, they have the essentials to get you through the round. The practice facilities I think are awesome and accessible to many, though the comfort stations are lacking and I suggest using the restroom, wetting your towel, and getting something to drink before teeing off.

Even if you’re not normally a walker, East Potomac is the perfect place to walk. There is little to no elevation change, only a few trees, and walking the course will give you the best connection and best experience possible especially if you play during the warmer months when the course can get busy. Better to walk and wait than drive a golf car and be sitting around every shot. Pull carts are available for hire and getting around the course will be one of the easiest you can experience, so if you’re on the fence about walking, think you should walk more, or haven’t ever walked before and want to give it a try, East Potomac is the perfect place.

SUMMARY

This most recent round was a very special one because I played with a friend who is also a PGA member who got started in the golf industry because of East Potomac. He grew up in DC playing basketball and never even considered golf until visiting East Potomac on a school trip where he got to hit some balls and caught the attention of a local pro who encouraged him to pursue the game. Fast forward a decade later and he’s now a PGA Professional who spent countless hours learning how, as Ben Hogan said, to dig it out of the dirt, at East Potomac. 

It was such an incredible experience to play his home course, hear his history and his development, and better understand the role East Potomac plays in the city. It’s a place where anyone and everyone from around the world can go to play. My only hope is that once the renovations are completed, the course will remain open and accessible to those that may otherwise not have access to the game.

Sure, bringing in affluent and accomplished golfers from around the world will be great for the course and great for the game, but having a property that inspires the locals and opens opportunities for kids and families, to me, is the essence of what makes East Potomac one of the best courses in the world.

So next time you're in the DC area, be sure to check out East Potomac. With 3 courses to choose from and an expansive practice area, you can fit golf into any itinerary.

MOVE BETTER - PLAY BETTER

COACH BLAINE ⛳🏌️‍♂️

For more, visit www.TourShotGolf.com