You’ve seen the footage. A high-ranking official or a sitting President hops off Air Force One, waves to the cameras, and within twenty minutes, they are standing on a tee box. That’s the reality of the Joint Base Andrews golf course. It is arguably the most politically significant patch of grass in the United States, yet most civilian golfers in the DMV area have never stepped foot on it. It’s exclusive. It’s historical. Honestly, it’s a bit of a time capsule.
Joint Base Andrews (JBA) isn’t just a runway for the most famous plane in the world. For those with the right credentials, it’s a sprawling 54-hole complex that has hosted everyone from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack Obama and Donald Trump. But don’t let the prestige fool you into thinking it's some manicured, soft-as-silk country club like Augusta National. This is a military facility. It’s rugged in places, meticulously kept in others, and always, always loud when the engines start to roar.
Why the Joint Base Andrews Golf Course is Different
Most golf courses worry about slow play or a stray dog on the fairway. At Andrews, you’re worrying about whether a C-17 Globemaster is going to drown out your backswing. It happens. Frequently. The noise is part of the charm, or the frustration, depending on how much you value a quiet putt.
The facility actually consists of three distinct 18-hole courses: the East, the South, and the West. Each has a different personality. If you’re looking for the "Presidential" experience, you’re usually talking about the East Course. It’s the championship layout. It’s the one that tests your ability to handle long par 4s and undulating greens that can be surprisingly slick during the humid Maryland summers.
The South and West courses are a bit more accessible for the average weekend warrior. They’re shorter, slightly more forgiving, and popular with the airmen and officers stationed on base. You’ll see plenty of retirees out there too. The military golf community is tight-knit, and Andrews is their crown jewel.
The Presidential Connection
It isn't a myth. Presidents really do play here constantly. Barack Obama was a fixture at Andrews during his two terms, often playing with staffers or guests on the East Course. The logistics are fascinating. When a Commander-in-Chief decides to play, the Secret Service has to coordinate with base security to ensure a "bubble" exists. Unlike a public course where you might get stuck behind a group of four drinking beer, a Presidential outing at Andrews moves with military precision.
The history goes back decades. Eisenhower loved the game, and his influence is felt throughout the facility. There’s a sense of gravity when you play here. You aren't just hitting a ball; you’re walking the same paths where massive policy decisions were likely debated between chips and putts.
Breaking Down the Three Courses
Let’s get into the weeds. If you’re lucky enough to get a tee time through a military sponsor or your own service record, you need to know which course to pick.
The East Course is the big dog. It’s a par-72 beast that stretches out over 7,000 yards from the back tees. It was designed by Brian Ault and Tom Clark, and they didn't make it easy. The fairways are lined with mature trees, and if you miss, you’re punching out of thick rough or navigating around trunks that have seen decades of flights overhead. The greens are well-guarded by bunkers.
Then you have The South Course. It’s a bit more "classic" military golf. It’s shorter, around 6,700 yards, but don't think it’s a pushover. It requires more strategy than the East. You can't just bomb it down every fairway. There are doglegs and elevation changes that require you to actually think about your club selection.
Finally, The West Course. This is the shortest of the trio. It’s great for a quick round or for those who aren't trying to grind out a USGA handicap score. It’s generally considered the "easiest," but on a windy day at Andrews, no course is truly easy.
Course Conditions and Maintenance
Military courses often get a bad rap for being "dog tracks." That’s definitely not the case here. Because of its visibility and the high-profile guests, the Joint Base Andrews golf course is maintained to a very high standard. Are there better-manicured private clubs in Potomac or Bethesda? Sure. But for a facility that sees this much traffic and sits on an active military base, the turf quality is impressive.
The greens are typically bentgrass, while the fairways are a mix of grasses that can handle the brutal heat and humidity of the Mid-Atlantic. In the fall, the place is stunning. The changing leaves against the backdrop of the flight line is a view you won't find anywhere else in the world.
The Access Problem: How Do You Actually Get On?
This is the question everyone asks. "Can I play at Andrews if I’m a civilian?"
The short answer is: Usually, no.
The long answer: You need a Department of Defense (DoD) ID card, or you need to be the guest of someone who has one. This isn't a "pay a higher green fee and get in" situation. It’s a secured military installation. You have to go through the Visitor Control Center, have your car checked, and provide valid identification.
- Military Personnel: Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members have primary access.
- Retirees: Career military retirees are a huge part of the membership base.
- DoD Civilians: If you work for the Pentagon or another defense agency, you’re usually in the clear.
- Guests: A member can bring you on, but they have to stay with you. You can't just get dropped off at the pro shop.
There are occasionally charity tournaments or civilian-military outreach events that allow the public to play, but these are rare and highly sought after. If you ever get an invite, don't say no.
The Experience: More Than Just Golf
The clubhouse at Andrews is exactly what you’d expect: functional, clean, and filled with memorabilia. It’s not flashy. There are no gold-plated faucets. But the food at the snack bar—The Courses at Andrews—is surprisingly good and remarkably affordable. It’s a "burger and a beer" kind of place.
One thing that surprises people is the pace of play. Because it’s a military environment, there’s an unspoken rule about keeping things moving. People show up on time. They play ready-golf. It’s refreshing compared to the five-hour slogs you find at many public courses in Maryland.
Logistics and Etiquette
If you do get on, remember where you are. This isn't the place for loud music or obnoxious behavior. You’re on a secure base. Follow the dress code—collared shirts are a must—and be respectful of the staff. Many of them are military family members or veterans themselves.
Also, pay attention to the "No Fly" zones on the course. Not for balls, but for people. Stay within the boundaries of the golf facility. Wandering off toward the hangars because you want a closer look at a jet is a very quick way to get your golf outing ended by a security forces patrol.
Why It Matters in the Golf World
The Joint Base Andrews golf course represents a specific intersection of American culture: the military and the game of golf. For decades, golf has been the preferred recreational outlet for the American officer corps and the Executive Branch.
Critics sometimes complain that military golf courses are a waste of taxpayer money. However, these courses are almost entirely self-sustaining through user fees, cart rentals, and food sales (known as Non-Appropriated Fund or NAF activities). They provide a vital mental health outlet for service members who are often under immense stress.
At Andrews, that stress relief is amplified. It’s a place where a general can play a round with a sergeant, or a President can escape the White House press corps for four hours. The anonymity—at least within the gates—is a powerful draw.
Comparing Andrews to Other Military Courses
If you’ve played at the Army-Navy Country Club or some of the Navy courses in Norfolk, you’ll find Andrews feels "bigger." It’s the sheer scale of 54 holes. Most bases are lucky to have 18. Having three full courses allows for a level of variety that is rare in the military golf system.
Is it the best military course in the country? Some would argue for Fort Belvoir or the courses at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. But Andrews has the "it" factor. It’s the prestige of the zip code and the neighbors.
Actionable Tips for Playing at Andrews
If you find yourself with an opportunity to play, keep these practical points in mind to make the most of it:
- Arrive early for security: Do not show up 10 minutes before your tee time. Getting through the gate can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour depending on base security levels.
- Check the flight schedule: Not that you can change it, but knowing there’s a major exercise or a VIP arrival/departure can help you prepare for the noise.
- Walk the South Course: If you want a bit of exercise, the South is much more walkable than the East, which has some long transitions between holes.
- Visit the Pro Shop: They have some of the most unique "Joint Base Andrews" branded golf gear you can find. It’s a great conversation starter at your local muni.
- Respect the "Presidential" Greens: On the East Course, the greens are often kept faster than the other two. Practice your lag putting before you head out.
The Joint Base Andrews golf course isn't just about the score you post. It’s about the environment. You’re playing in the shadow of history, quite literally. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone who struggles to break 100, the experience of hearing a jet engine spool up while you’re lining up a birdie putt is something you won't forget.
If you have the credentials or know someone who does, make the trip to Camp Springs. It’s worth the security check. It’s worth the noise. It’s a piece of American history that just happens to have 54 holes and some really tricky bunkers.