What are the Worst Golfer Courses in Maryland?

Описание: While Maryland boasts acclaimed courses beloved by players statewide, not all 18-hole stretches are destined for golfing glory. Some tracks — whether due to poor conditioning, confusing layouts, or lackluster amenities — have earned a reputation as the kind you’ll only revisit if someone else insists on paying. Here are three that consistently garner the lowest marks from real golfers.

1. Willow Springs Golf Course — West Friendship

The Corrosion of Expectations

Tucked in Carroll County’s countryside, Willow Springs has the bones of a quaint links-style course. But according to repeated player reviews, things don’t always come together on the greens. Many younger, local golfers on Yelp characterize the fairways as overgrown, greens as patchy or “crabgrass-ridden,” and bunkers more like dirt patches than places to escape — all leaving seasoned players lamenting the upkeep.

Players report amenities that feel unfinished and features that fall short of expectations for the price, making it a course that’s often described less in terms of fun and more as a cautionary tale.

When to play: Better for beginners or folks just working on short game shots — but expect less polish than at higher-rated tracks.

2. River Run Golf Club — Berlin

Beach Vibes, Rough Reviews

Down near the Ocean City area, River Run Golf Club has scenic surroundings, but not many rave reviews. Traveler commentary on Tripadvisor paints a picture of a course falling short of what golfers in the region expect — with frustrations about maintenance, layout quirks, and overall value relative to other nearby options.

If your Maryland golf tour is all water views and rolling greens, River Run usually isn’t mentioned in the same breath as the state’s highest-rated layouts like Rum Pointe Seaside or The Links at Lighthouse Sound.

Pro tip: Great drive for ocean vibes — but bring patience, not low handicaps.

3. Rattlewood Golf Course — Mount Airy

Misguided by Terrain

A recurring complaint from players who’ve ventured to Rattlewood is that this course offers everything but a smooth, enjoyable round. Reports on Tripadvisor reveal play that can feel haphazard — limited signage, minimal on-course guidance, and sparse conveniences leave many golfers wondering if the course remembers it wants to be a golf experience at all.

While it may have local charm and does host regular tee times, Rattlewood’s challenges come more from lack of clarity and polish than any grand strategic design — a course for which the phrase “it’s fine for a quick round” appears more often than “can’t wait to come back.”

Strongest suit: A budget option for a casual round, but not one you’ll brag about after dinner.

Bottom Line

Golfers exploring Maryland have plenty of standout choices — but these courses frequently find themselves at the bottom of conversational scorecards and online reviews thanks to maintenance issues, layout confusion, or simply unmet expectations.

Still, every course has its followers, and a bad round can just mean a great story for your next 19th-hole conversation. Want picks on the best courses in Maryland to balance this out? Just ask!