Cheap Golf in Frederick
I suck at golf. I mean I’m really bad. Why my friends continue to ask me to play with them is beyond me. But here is the rub—I actually like to play golf.
I’m not sure if it’s because I get to hang-out with some chums for a couple hours or if it’s the actual challenge of the game itself. Maybe it’s a little of both, plus I have a feeling driving golf carts at high speeds also factors into the equation.
A couple of weekends ago myself and three of my friends went to the Frederick Golf Club (FGC) to play nine holes. The FGC is a pasture course, which is defined by Pasture Golf dot Com as …
Golf courses that have the distinction of not being excessively manicured but which are fun and affordable to play. These courses are a surviving link to the original Scottish links courses, golf’s historical grassroots.
That description fits the FGC to a tee (golf tee, get it? nyuck, nyuck). Not excessivley manicured- check; fun and affordable to play- check. It only costs us 13 bucks for nine holes and a cart.
If you take your golf seriously then don’t bother going to the FGC. It’s “easy” for one, even I only lost one ball. Plus there is no starter, no drink girl, and not much in the way of hazards (sand pits and water).
But if you suck at golf like me or are on a budget (also like me) the FGC is a great way to satisfy your golf fix without spending loads of cash.
Frederick Golf Club
5519 S. Renn Road, Frederick, MD 21703 [Map]
Phone: (301) 846-0694
~Guy~
Haha, Guy, the FGC is the only golf course I’ve ever been able to play. I suck at golf too, so much so that I could never spend what it costs at a “regular” golf course without feeling like it’s a total waste of money.
By the way, the FGC is very walkable as well. My style of golf is hit and dash and the FGC is perfect for that style, LOL!
Did you know that Heritage Park out in Walkersville actually has a 9 hole course. And the best part is that it is free. Yes, free!!!!! So if you suck at golf, you might want to come and practice there. The park is on Devilbiss Bridge Road right across from Glade Elementary. Bonus points if you hit the baseball or football players.
I’m in the same boat, love to play…but probably won’t see any tours soon. Liberty Golf is another pretty decent spot. You pay a flat fee to play all day, so its very affordable if you plan on spending some time out there. The course isn’t maintained like a country club, but has gotten a lot better under new ownership. You can tell the new owner really wanted to improve things, and it has come along way in just this past year.
Maybe I can use the money I’m saving by playing at cheap courses…and buy some lessons.
Speaking of lessons, the wife and I got 6 lessons at the i70 driving range for about 100 bucks a piece. we did it through the county rec dept but you can do it directly with the teacher at I 70.
Patrick, where is the liberty course? I will place that one and the Heritage park on my list of cheap places to play.
I actually thought the Frederick GC was better maintained than the “tundra turf” of Maple Run in Thurmont. I’d play there again.
There are two good, inexpensive courses in the Hagerstown area: Yingling’s, a par-3 course on Rt. 64; and the Hagerstown municipal course, a 9-holer on Rt. 40 just east of downtown. It has a killer uphill finishing hole!
Hope Valley between Mt. Airy and New Market isn’t too pricey, but that is one weird course!
Our family discovered FGC years ago, and affectionately nicknamed it the drink. I think its the 8th hole (near the houses by the Renn Road/Elmer Derr Intersection). We were there in the middle of the really bad drought 4 years ago, and the green was still holding water in like 95 degree heat. It was crazy.
I think I’ve played Liberty Golf before. If it’s the one I’m thinking of, it’s off Rte. 26 somewhere. It’s all par 3 and very hilly.
Liz,
You are correct, Liberty Road Golf is just off of 26. You are also correct about it being a very hilly par 3. The uphill climb on the last hole sometimes makes me question how many rounds I am going to play.
A cheap round of golf with people who don’t mind that most of us us suck at golf might be a good idea for an FMO get-together. The best part would be the get together at the 19th hole. Hmm, I’m liking this idea! We could make it a charity event. What do you all think?
I’d be down for some golf!