Arlington, Virginia
Army Navy Country Club in Arlington is a thoughtfully updated Golden Age parkland course where strategy, not brute length, wins the day. Lined with history and blind-shot intrigue, it's a regional gem ideal for members and their lucky guests. Not a national travel destination—but a rewarding, tradition-steeped round for those who get the invite.
Visit the clubhouse’s military memorabilia displays after your round for a real sense of Army Navy CC’s living history.
Army Navy Country Club Arlington stands as a showcase for Golden Age parkland strategy, blending flowing landforms, mature trees, and classic risk/reward design. Herbert Strong’s original routing made the most of Arlington’s hilly, historic high ground, instilling challenge with both visible and blind landing zones. Richard Mandell's acclaimed modern restoration returned the course to its roots: ground-game options, intelligent bunkering, and numerous holes where positioning means more than power. Blind shots abound, meaning angles and line are a constant part of your playbook—especially as you approach well-protected, thoughtfully contoured greens that demand the right approach. While not overwhelming in scale or length, Army Navy CC rewards shotmaking discipline, local knowledge, and an appreciation for both tradition and subtlety.
Herbert Strong’s original vision, revived and refined by Richard Mandell, prioritizes Golden Age shot values and historic integrity over forced length.
A stout, uphill par 5 that brings both distance and angle into play, the 6th tempts the big hitters while demanding strategic placement due to its blind elements. Even from the tee, it feels like a three-shot hole for most, with subtle slopes giving every shot a fresh angle.
Favor position over power and pick an aggressive line only if you know the fairway contours—misplayed shots can leave awkward stances or blocked approaches.
Overly aggressive second shots can lead to awkward lies or blocked angles; trees and bunkering punish poor placement.
Consistently strong conditioning with classic parkland maintenance; transition areas reflect active improvement projects.
Member-driven, steady; pace depends on tee sheet but generally brisk for private club play.
Traditional, respectful, and focused on club camaraderie—expect a proud service heritage and understated warmth.
Standard country-club attire: collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants, and soft spikes.
Review the Blue/Red scorecard and online maps—a lack of sightlines and several blind shots make prep valuable.
Work on distance control and shaping approaches; elevated greens and firm targets demand precise irons.
This is a member-focused private club; respectful pace and dress are expected at all times.
Army Navy and Marine Corps Country Club is founded by military officers.
First nine holes of the Arlington course open.
Arlington's second nine holes are completed; course begins tournament traditions.
Regrassing and refined playing corridors as part of course improvement plans.
Over its long history, Army Navy CC has welcomed numerous U.S. presidents and top military brass to its Arlington fairways, lending every round a real sense of tradition. Playing here connects you to decades of American leadership, with stories and lore passed down from the first tee to the clubhouse.
The club's golf legacy began in earnest with the inaugural National Army Championship in 1929, kicking off a tournament tradition that continues to shape the Arlington layout’s competitive character. Members still speak of those formative days and the early legends who walked these grounds.
Army Navy CC Arlington is famous in member circles for its numerous blind-shot holes, where course knowledge and commit-to-the-line courage often decide matches. If you're new, trust your caddie, trust your instincts—and be ready to be surprised over every crest.
A thoughtful Richard Mandell renovation aimed not for modern brawn but classic spirit, reviving risk/reward angles and Golden Age charm. It’s a restoration that’s as much about recapturing heritage as sharpening your shotmaking wits.
Founded on land connected to old Arlington fortifications.
Army Navy's Arlington course once hosted the Washington Post Pro-Celebrity Tournament, drawing DC luminaries to its fairways.
Richard Mandell’s restoration revived Golden Age strategic concepts, not just length.
Several U.S. presidents have played at Army Navy CC throughout its storied history.
Classic city muni with quick play and river views
Central, historic DC-friendly round
Elite, major-championship test nearby
Tour-level challenge, recent PGA Tour host
Crystal City, Pentagon City, or Rosslyn in Arlington for quickest access to both Army Navy CC and DC's public/urban golf.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Three Crowns Golf Course is a natural next stop after Army Navy Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pine Meadow Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Army Navy Country Club.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Saucon Valley Country Club – Old's own setting.
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