Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Maryland Golf & Country Clubs

Bel Air, Maryland

MD #24

Established

1961

Architect

William F. Gordon; 2022 update by Andrew Green (greens and bunkers)

Access

Private

Par

Par 73

Length

5,736 – 7,090 yds

The verdict

The Local Golfer’s Championship Test

Maryland Golf & Country Clubs offers a traditional, championship-length experience over rolling mid-Atlantic terrain. With demanding par 4s, a formidable lineup of par 5s, and a solid test on every tee, it’s a home course locals can play all season and never tire of. Expect a members’ club vibe, mature trees, and rewarding shotmaking for those who embrace its classic flow.

Course DNA

Difficulty

Scenery

Conditioning

Shot Variety

Walkability

Green Complexity

Wow Factor

Design Quality

Don't miss

Don’t miss the sweeping views back toward the clubhouse from the elevated 17th green—locals say it’s the best photo spot at sunset.

At a glance

Quick facts

Longest Hole

Hole 17, Par 5, 568 yards

Number of Par 5s

Six (unusual for an 18-holer)

Primary Grass Types

Bentgrass greens, ryegrass fairways

2022 Renovation

Andrew Green added bunkers, enhanced surrounds

Signature Closing Stretch

17th and 18th are true local tests

First Club Champion

Mr. Herschel Bailey (1961)

Club Location

1335 East MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD

The design

The architecture

Maryland Golf & Country Clubs delivers a classic member’s course experience, with William F. Gordon’s original routing taking full advantage of rolling, mature Maryland countryside. The six par 5s and demanding finishing stretch blend with updated bunkers and green surrounds from renowned renovation architect Andrew Green, ensuring the layout retains tradition while adding sharper modern shot values. Natural elevation shifts and varied hole lengths keep every round fresh—a traditional test, updated for today’s game.

William F. Gordon’s portfolio features strong traditional routings, while Andrew Green’s updates bring modern green surround creativity.

Defining features

Six full par 5s across the routing
Well-defended bentgrass greens with strategic bunkering
Rolling terrain shaping approach shot demands
Recent Andrew Green design enhancements
Classic, walkable tree-lined corridors

Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 4

The Three-Shot Temptation

PAR

YARDAGE

546

This mid-front-nine par 5 might seem like an early birdie chance, but at 546 yards from the Golds it's a genuine three-shotter for most. The drive favors a smart placement in the fairway, and the approach sequence intensifies with well-placed bunkers near the green.

Play it smart

Lay back off the tee to avoid trouble, advance with a precise second, and carefully pick your line for the wedge third into an angled green.

Where it bites

Aggressive lines risk bunkers and awkward angles; a misplayed layup can bring bogey into play quickly.

Course management

Shots to think about

Playing into elevated greens on rolling holes

Add a half club and stay below the hole when possible—over-aggression can run long and turn a probable par into a scrambling bogey.

Approaching tight par 5s (especially 4 and 17)

Lay up short of trouble for a controllable full wedge rather than getting too greedy with fairway woods.

Challenging par 3 tee shots

Club up and trust your swing—most par 3s play longer than the card due to wind or uphill slopes.

Opening drive nerves on Hole 1

Place your drive in the widest part of the fairway to open up your second; forcing it invites early trouble.

Second shots on long par 4s

Don’t attack back pins—focus on finding the center of the green and accept a putt from distance.

Closing stretch pressure (17/18)

Play within yourself—two safe, smart swings often score better than riskier hero attempts.

On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Expect member-level conditioning with manicured bentgrass greens and firm ryegrass fairways, especially in peak season.

Pace

Moderate but steady; traditional pace prioritizes enjoyment and camaraderie for members.

Vibe

Classic, tight-knit members’ club with a friendly but reserved clubhouse atmosphere.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

Brush Up Uneven Lies

MGCC's rolling terrain guarantees you’ll face sloping stances on approaches—practice from uneven lies before your round.

Pack an Extra Club

Par 3s and uphills often play longer, so bring options, especially for long irons and hybrids.

Check the Wind

Elevated holes make swirling wind a factor for club selection—watch the flag early and adjust accordingly.

The lore

How it came to be

1961
Maryland Golf & Country Clubs founded in Bel Air
1961
Mr. Herschel Bailey wins inaugural club championship
2022
Clubhouse and course renovation led by Andrew Green enhances bunkers and green surrounds
2023
Major clubhouse interior renovations completed
2024
Pool area resurfaced as part of amenities upgrade

Stories & legends

What makes it special

origin-story

Rise of a Local Icon

Since its founding in 1961, Maryland Golf & Country Clubs has been the heart of private golf in Bel Air. The club’s traditions, including stories of legendary opening tournaments, still echo through its fairways.

club-lore

The Champion’s Legacy

Mr. Herschel Bailey etched his name in club lore as the first men’s club champion. His victory remains a proud piece of MGCC history, often recounted by longtime members.

renovation

A Modern Tune-Up

The club’s most recent renovation, led by Andrew Green, refreshed its bunkers and green surrounds for the next generation. Subtle changes now offer more options (and a few extra risks) to challenge both newcomers and regulars.

For the group chat

Fun facts

MGCC has an uncommon par-73 layout with six par 5s.

The club’s founding club champion, Mr. Herschel Bailey, is still celebrated in club lore.

Renovations by Andrew Green brought new visual and strategic dimensions to the green complexes.

The club’s address, 1335 East MacPhail Road, has been its home since opening day.

Build the trip

A Bel Air Base for Maryland Golf

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip

Bulle Rock Golf Course

Public

Consistently ranked among Maryland’s best and a true big-stage layout.

Mountain Branch Golf Club

Semi-Private

Playable, modern design with great views and strong value.

Geneva Farm Golf Course

Public

Casual, affordable option to round out your trip just north of Bel Air.

Winters Run Golf Club

Private

Another storied Bel Air club if you can snag an invite.

Bel Air/Abingdon for central access; Havre de Grace for fast public golf and Chesapeake Bay charm.

Course DNA

If You Like Maryland Golf & Country Clubs

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.6

Tequesta Country Club

Tequesta, Florida

Why it matches: If Maryland Golf & Country Clubs is your kind of course, Tequesta Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match8.0

Columbia Country Club

Chevy Chase, Maryland

Why it matches: If Maryland Golf & Country Clubs is your kind of course, Columbia Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match8.2

Crag Burn Golf Club

East Aurora, New York

Why it matches: If Maryland Golf & Country Clubs is your kind of course, Crag Burn Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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