Despite being known for its monuments, politics, and unforgivably humid summers, Washington, D.C., is also known for some of the finest golf courses in the region. And with summer in full swing in the Herndon, Virginia, area, that means plenty of local golfers are grabbing their clubs, polishing up their spikes, and practicing their short game in anticipation of some fun in the sun.
And if you are having trouble carving out time for a round or two, remember that golfing offers plenty of health benefits, from building muscle strength and helping to maintain hand-eye coordination to the natural benefits of relieving stress, strengthening mental focus, and getting some time to reconnect with friends — new and old.
So lace up your spikes, grab a big bottle of water, and dive right into our list of the Herndon area’s best golf courses.
Penderbrook Golf Club
3700 Golf Trail Lane
Fairfax, VA 22033
(8 miles from Herndon)
If you are looking for a reliable, playable, and picturesque 18-hole course that won’t break the bank, Penderbrook Golf Club is a solid pick. This course is professionally managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, and significant investments have gone into the facilities and course in the past couple of years. Just make sure to bring your entire set because those same beautiful lakes and topographical features also make this course a bit challenging.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club
1 Turtle Point Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155
(25 miles from Herndon)
Don’t let the distance scare you.; A 30-minute drive through a beautiful part of Virginia will land you at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, which was ranked No. 7 in the commonwealth by Virginia Business magazine’s 2020 listings. This course hosted the Presidents Cup in 1994, 1996, 2000, and 2005 and is accented with newly updated white sand bunkers surrounded by scenic long greenways and a nice view of Lake Manassas. Whether you make a day of your visit here or come frequently to take in the views (and the challenge), you won’t be disappointed.
Herndon Centennial Golf Course
909 Ferndale Ave.
Herndon, VA 20170
The accolades for Herndon Centennial could fill many pages, with golfers from around the region and of all skill levels boasting about its firm greens, well-maintained courses, and great putting green and driving range. And as if it couldn’t get any better, this 18-hole public course just off the Dulles Toll Road also has its own very popular restaurant.
Army Navy Country Club
3315 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030
(12 miles away from Herndon)
No list of Northern Virginia golf courses would be complete without the Army Navy Country Club. Known for its immaculate greenways, historically-inspired buildings, and modern amenities, the Army Navy Country Club is not only a great place to play a round of golf (if you have a membership or know someone who does), but it also a beautiful place for lunch, a wedding reception, or small reunion.
Jefferson Golf Course
7900 Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22042
(16 miles from Herndon)
For those who are looking to get back into the swing of the game, are short on time, or just want a new challenge, Fairfax County’s Jefferson Golf Course offers a nice nine-hole executive course. Though this course is a bit of a drive, it is a nice one for walkers, with a par five and a few tough par fours.
As with the rest of the Washington region, golfers in the Herndon area can enjoy a mix of old and new, classic or modern, and urban or more scenic, all in one place. So no matter your skill level, pick one from our list, book a tee time, and let us know what you think of our list of the area’s best golf courses.
And to learn more about how residents at Arbor Terrace enjoy an active, social lifestyle, read more of our blog here.
