When you want to hit the links, you need to know where the best public golf courses in Northern Virginia are found. Maybe you just relocated to the area and you’re just not sure where to play.

Golf offers an opportunity for great exercise, fresh air, time in the sun, and plenty of fun. No matter the type of golf course you prefer, there are plenty of public golf courses in Northern Virginia to choose from. Here are a few of the top options and a list of many others to consider.

Public Golf Courses in Northern Virginia Worth Every Penny

1. Westfields Golf Course

A beautiful golf destination surrounded by hills and woods, Westfields Golf Course is a true escape. You can enjoy plenty of challenges throughout the course, no matter your skill level.

The course was designed by Fred Couples and offers five tee boxes ranging from 4,600 to 7,000 yards. Daily rates are affordable and discounts are offered after 2pm most of the year and after 12pm during winter months. Kids even golf for free after 3pm all year!

While Westfields Golf Club is a public course, they do offer a few membership options if you prefer unlimited golf or you want to enjoy discounts as a corporate member. Along with the golf course, the facilities include event space, a pro shop, golf practice facilities, and more.

2. Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club

When Raspberry Falls opened in 1996 it was quickly named as one of the best public golf courses in Virginia. The rolling landscape makes it a beautiful place to play and Gary Player designed the course to be rather challenging.

Raspberry Falls is known for the “Grant’s Tomb” and the “Satan’s Foxhole” features. These features are incredible bunkers guarding the greens of the 11th and the 14th holes.

Peak season rates are a bit higher than other courses on the list, but it’s worth it. If you choose the shoulder season or the winter season, you’ll play for less. Raspberry Hills also offers twilight and super twilight rates for those golfers seeking a lower fee.

A few membership packages are offered, as well. If you want to make Raspberry Falls your home course, you can become a member and enjoy special benefits.

Along with the golf course, Raspberry Falls offers event and banquet space, golf lessons, practice facilities, and a restaurant.

3. Potomac Shores Golf Club

The first public golf course in Northern Virginia designed by Jack Nicklaus, Potomac Shores Golf Club offers a beautiful option for a round of golf. It’s located just 30 minutes from Washington D.C. and was named at one of the 10 best new golf courses in the country by Golf Digest in 2015. The course recently underwent a complete bunker renovation along with other renovations to make it even more amazing!

4. Laurel Hills Golf Club

A wonderful golf course managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority, this Northern Virginia public golf course offers a great choice for anybody new to the area. Laurel Hills Golf Club was designed by Bill Love and offers plenty of challenges throughout.

Greens fees are reasonable and get less expensive as the day goes on. The course offers twilight and super twilight rates, along with plenty of deals outside the prime season.

5. Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club

Another great public golf course in Northern Virginia, the Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club was designed by Tom Clark. The course offers five tee boxes ranging from 5,006 to 7,315 yards offering plenty of challenges for all skill levels.

It’s a beautiful course with plenty of unique features and amazing views throughout. Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Couse has won many awards and was named as one of the most scenic courses in Virginia in 2014.

Blue Ridge offers plenty of golf packages for those looking to escape to the historic Shenandoah Valley for the weekend or longer. They have also partnered with other courses to give you plenty of options for a great golf package.

If you like the idea of making Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club your home course, you can take advantage of their membership options. They provide plenty of benefits for members, along with multiple levels.

More Great Northern Virginia Public Golf Courses

• Bull Run Golf Course
• Stonewall Golf Club
• Greendale Golf Course
• Jefferson District Golf Course
• Twin Lakes Golf Course
• Oak Marr Golf Complex 
• Pinecrest Golf Course

Any of these top public golf courses in Northern Virginia will provide a great experience. Whether you just relocated to Northern Virginia or you’re just looking for a new course, give one of these top options a try.