Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Washington D.C. golf doesn't get any bigger than this week, Tiger Woods in the field or not

Not only is the U.S. Open being held at Congressional Country Club, but President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner will hold their much-publicized "golf summit."Obama usually plays his golf at Andrews Air Force Base, while other politicians and Beltway insiders frequent such clubs as 36-hole Congressional, Trump National D.C. and TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm.

East Potomac Golf Course in Washington D.C.

East Potomac Golf Course offers three unique nines that have varying levels of difficulty. Several national monuments provide the backdrop for the three golf courses, including the Washington Monument, which can be seen from all of the holes.

Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, Virginia

Laurel Hill Golf Club features a variety of elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers throughout. Ponds and creeks also come into play on a few holes. One of the most interesting holes on the course is the par-3 11th, which offers two separate sets of tees that provide different angles at the green. Designed by Bill Love, Laurel Hill is a truly unique round that has been called one of the best municipal courses in the country.

The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia: Host of the Greenbrier Classic on the PGA Tour

Dating back to 1778, the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia is one of America's most historic golf retreats and has served as a vacation spot for past United States presidents. Martin Van Buren and Dwight D. Eisenhower escaped here for golf and relaxation. The resort is located in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, some 80 miles from Roanoke, Va.

Compass Pointe Golf Courses in Pasadena, Maryland

The four nine-hole layouts at Compass Pointe Golf Courses in Anne Arundel County are spread over more than 800 acres of a diverse variety of golf terrains, including plenty of woodland. The North is a links-style layout with rolling hills that transitions to the East Course, more of a traditional tree-lined layout. The South Course is a lot like the East, while the West is designed more for the shot maker.

The Keswick Club Resort rolls out classic golf with class near Charlottesville, Virginia

Created some 70 years ago, the Keswick Club maintains the privileged air of "Old Money" Virginia. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the course boasts undulating fairways and lush greens, as well as ponds and streams, all surrounded by magnificent hardwood trees. When Arnold Palmer redesigned the course to modern USGA standards in 1992, he kept the "good bones," and the class, intact.

General's Ridge Golf Course in Manassas Park, Virginia: Golf on the wild side

Located in a park-rich region of Northern Virginia, General's Ridge is a relatively short public course, where long drives are less effective than accurate placement. There's dog legs, blind holes, hills and ravines aplenty - but it's the slick stiff grass on the greens that will have you struggling to make par.

Keswick Estate near Charlottesville, Virginia: Tasteful living, rolling terrain and Arnold Palmer golf

Keswick Estate, about 10 minutes from Charlottesville, Va., and 15 minutes from the University of Virginia, sitting on 690 rolling acres, is surrounded by a collection of large, scenic and historic farms and estates. More than 100 acres is permanently dedicated open space laced with walking and hiking trails, while 140 acres are occupied by the Arnold Palmer signature golf course.

Old Hickory Golf Club in Northern Virginia comes with a sense of privilege

Ever since Old Hickory Golf Club opened in 2006, this Woodbridge, Va. course has become a must-play for those teeing up in northern Virginia. Located near the Occoquan Reservoir, Old Hickory, 45 minutes from D.C., is one of the prettiest tracks in Prince William County.

Forest Greens Golf Club near Washington D.C.: A private club experience at daily fee rates

Forest Greens Golf Club in Triangle, Va., may seem like a private club, but in reality, it's a daily-fee track with perks like on-course beverage services and a large practice area. It's a fair course, without a whole lot of tricky drama or hidden treachery. With big, welcoming fairways and huge, modestly fast greens, this is a golf course you can enjoy again and again.