You’re driving up I-270, leaving the sprawl of Bethesda behind, and the landscape starts to tilt and roll. By the time you hit Clarksburg, you’re basically in the foothills. This is where most golfers make their first mistake. They see "municipal course" on the map and expect a flat, beat-up cow pasture with a few flags stuck in the ground.
Honestly? Little Bennett Golf Course isn't that. Not even close.
It’s a Michael Hurdzan design from 1994 that feels more like a mountain retreat than a county-run facility. If you show up expecting a relaxing stroll, the elevation changes will humble you before you even reach the third tee. It’s a beast. It’s scenic. It’s probably the most polarizing course in the Montgomery County Golf (MCG) portfolio.
The Hurdzan Factor and Why Elevation Matters
Michael Hurdzan doesn't do "boring." At Little Bennett, he used the natural topography of the regional park to create a layout that feels completely isolated from the outside world. You won't find houses lining these fairways. Instead, you get views of Sugarloaf Mountain and a lot of hardwoods.
The numbers tell part of the story: a par 72 stretching to 6,733 yards from the blue tees with a slope of 131. But numbers are kind of a lie here. A 400-yard hole playing straight uphill feels like 440. A 180-yard par 3 with a 100-foot drop plays like a 9-iron.
Navigating the "Blind" Shots
One of the biggest gripes people have—and I’ve heard this in the clubhouse plenty—is the number of blind shots. If it’s your first time out, you’re going to be guessing. A lot.
👉 See also: The Olympic Games 100m Final: Why Ten Seconds Changes Everything
Take the opening hole. It’s a 568-yard par 5 that immediately tells you what kind of day you’re in for. It’s the number one handicap for a reason. You’re hitting into a rise, and if you don't know the line, you’re effectively playing "where's my ball" for four hours.
- Tip for the first-timer: Download a GPS app or buy the yardage book. Relying on "feel" at Little Bennett is a quick way to lose a dozen balls in the tall fescue.
- The Sugarloaf View: On a clear day, the vista from the higher points of the course is unmatched in the DMV. It’s worth the price of admission alone.
A Course That Rewards Strategy Over Strength
We live in an era where everyone wants to bomb it like Kyle Berkshire (who, fun fact, actually filmed a round here once). But Little Bennett will eat a long, crooked driver for breakfast.
The fairways are generous in spots, but the penalty for missing is steep. We’re talking thick woods or deep meadow grass. It’s a "second shot" golf course. You have to put the ball in the right quadrant of the fairway to even see the green on several holes.
The Greens: Big, Bold, and Fast
The maintenance crew under the MCG umbrella generally keeps these greens in better shape than most private clubs in the area. They’re large, but they have subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—breaks.
A common misconception is that everything breaks toward the valley. It doesn't. You really have to read the grain and the slope of the hills. If you’re above the hole on #9 or #18, good luck. You’re just trying to keep it on the mowed surface at that point.
What to Expect at the Clubhouse
The vibe here is southern. The clubhouse has a massive wrap-around deck that’s basically the best place in Montgomery County to grab a beer after 18 holes. You can sit out there, look over the rolling hills, and watch other people struggle to finish their rounds on the 18th.
It’s managed by the Montgomery County Revenue Authority, so the pricing is fair—usually around $75 to $90 with a cart depending on the day.
Amenities at a glance:
- Full grass driving range (not those terrible mats).
- Three separate practice greens.
- A pro shop that actually stocks decent apparel and equipment.
- A snack bar that does a respectable burger.
The "Bug" Problem: A Fair Warning
Look, I’m being honest with you. This course is inside a massive regional park. That means nature is everywhere. During the peak of summer, the gnats and flies can be... aggressive.
If you’re sensitive to bugs, this might not be your favorite spot in July. Bring the heavy-duty spray. Better yet, play it in the spring when the mountain laurel is blooming or in the fall when the foliage turns. Little Bennett in October is arguably the most beautiful public golf experience in Maryland.
Is Little Bennett Right For You?
If you’re a total beginner who struggles to get the ball in the air, this course might be a nightmare. It’s a "target" course. There are forced carries. There are uneven lies. You’ll rarely have a flat stance, even in the middle of the fairway.
However, if you’re a mid-to-low handicapper who likes a challenge and hates "cookie-cutter" golf, you’ll love it. It forces you to use every club in your bag. You’ll hit high draws, low runners, and everything in between.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Round
- Book early: Tee times disappear fast, especially on weekends. MCG’s online portal is the easiest way to snag one.
- Check the wind: Because the course sits on a ridge, the wind can be a club-and-a-half difference. Pay attention to the flag on the range before you head to the first tee.
- Mind the deer: They are everywhere. They won't move for your Titleist, so just play around them.
- Embrace the cart: Unless you’re a marathon runner, take the power cart. The walk from green to tee on the back nine is a vertical climb that will ruin your swing for the finish.
Little Bennett isn't just another municipal track. It's a rugged, elevated test of golf that requires as much mental energy as physical skill. Pack extra balls, keep your head down, and don't forget to look at the mountains every once in a while.