Spring is here. The cherry blossoms have come and gone, but colorful tulips are in full bloom–and most importantly–the weather is warming up. It’s time to get out and enjoy the blue sky and abundant sunshine before the summer heat and humidity make outdoor activities miserable.
Covid-19 has many venues still closed or operating with reduced capacity. But that doesn’t mean you need to sit inside and binge on Netflix. Golf and tennis are sports you can play safely outside while getting exercise and fresh air.
Here is our list of five fantastic public golf courses and tennis courts in the Washington DC area for you to check out this spring. Make sure and come back next week for our list of the best public swimming pools and basketball courts in town.
Public golf courses
Rock Creek Golf Course
This golf course is located at the very tip of Rock Creek Park. This 18-hole course features challenging narrow fairways and dramatic elevations. The course is an affordable and accessible full-service facility–perfect for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Take in scenic views as you play your way through the greens. Beautiful plants and trees line the fairways and greens, taking you far from city life for a few hours.
Keep an eye out for the wildlife which calls the course home. You’re sure to see foxes, deer, and hawks–and hopefully some birdies and eagles too!
There is a 2,500-square-foot putting green for practice, working out the kinks, and getting a feel for the course’s greens. No need to show up with a cooler; the snack bar will keep you energized. The golf academy is an excellent option to help you with your game.
The course layout will help you focus on length and accuracy with its long par 3s and 4s on the front nine and challenging shots on the back.
East Potomac Golf Course
East Potomac is one of three courses located within the actual boundaries of DC. The course fills an island in the Potomac presenting you spectacular views of the City from every hole. The Washington Monument is like a giant pin on a green to aim for on tee shots. It towers above the trees all around the course.
Depending on your skill level, this might not be the most challenging course due to a so-so design and layout. But the real win is that it’s close by and provides breathtaking views of our city.
Langston Golf Course
Serving as the home of the international Pro-Am tournament, the Capital City Open, the Langston Golf Course has had its share of super-celebrities play the course. Golf lover and megastar Bob Hope and President Gerald Ford played here alongside the best pros from the past.
A mix of beauty and design, this 18-hole full-service golf course features rolling hills, a stunning lake, and challenging shots. The 5,000-square-foot putting green will help prepare you for the course, and the full driving range helps you work on your swing.
There is a golf academy to help you beyond just practice. And the restaurant serves great eats and drinks before or after a round. The Langston Golf Course is open year-round from dawn till dusk.
Public tennis courts
Garfield Park
With over 700 public tennis courts to choose from in DC, Garfield Park offers the chance for a match in a unique urban atmosphere. Court time is free on the eight hard courts which were resurfaced in 2011. They are in excellent condition, with no cracks, and the nets are in great shape. While no windscreens surround the courts, the area is partially protected by large trees on the north side, helping with the occasional breeze.
The courts look tremendous but play a bit “slow”. It feels like the court mixture is a little on the soft side compared with other hard courts. Depending on where you normally play, it might take some getting used to. The east side of the courts is along South Shelby Street so there’s going to be some street noise.
Weekday evenings are slow, so that’s a good time to play. The weekends get busy, but most of the time, there is no wait. There aren’t any lights for tennis after sundown, so show up well before dark.
Randall Recreation Center
This public tennis facility can be found at 100 H St Sw, Washington, DC 20024. You’ll find three lighted courts to choose from, which opens up some moonlight tennis if that suits you best.
You are welcome to sign up to compete with other tennis players. There are 12 active tennis partners currently registered at Randall Park. Automatic Player Matching Service will match you with other tennis partners automatically based on your skill level and match history.
Receive points for playing and move up in the rankings. You can contact this tennis facility at 202-673-7647.
If you’re looking for a new home close to your favorite golf course or tennis court, let our real estate experts and Eng Garcia help you find the perfect place today.
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