| Willow feathers |
While Maryland boasts critically acclaimed courses loved by players across the state, not all 18-hole courses are destined for golfing glory. Some tracks (whether due to poor air conditioning, confusing layouts or mediocre facilities) have developed a reputation for revisiting only when someone else insists on paying. Here are three who consistently get the lowest marks among real golfers.
1. Willow Springs Golf Course – West Friendship
The corrosion of expectations
Tucked away in rural Carroll County, Willow Springs has the hallmarks of a picturesque links-style golf 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, the greens as patchy or “crabgrass infested,” and bunkers more as dirt patches than places to escape – all of which leaves seasoned players lamenting their upkeep.
Players report features that feel unfinished and features that don’t meet 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 those just working on short game shots, but expect less polish than on higher-rated tracks.
2. River Run Golf Club — Berlin
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| River run |
Beach vibes, rough reviews
River Run Golf Club, near the Ocean City area, has a picturesque setting, but not many rave reviews. Traveler comments on Tripadvisor paint a picture of a course that doesn’t live up to what golfers in the region expect – with frustrations over maintenance, layout quirks and overall value compared to other nearby options.
If your Maryland golf tour consists solely of water views and rolling greens, River Run isn’t usually mentioned in the same breath as the state’s top-rated golf courses, like Rum Pointe Seaside or The Links at Lighthouse Sound.
Pro tip: Great drive for ocean vibes, but bring patience, no low handicaps.
3. Rattlewood Golf Course – Mount Airy
Misled by terrain
A recurring complaint from players who have ventured to Rattlewood is that this course offers anything but a smooth, enjoyable round. Reports on Tripadvisor show that play can feel haphazard: limited signage, minimal guidance on the course and few amenities leave many golfers wondering if the course even remembers that it wants to be a golf experience at all.
While it may have local charm and regular tee times, Rattlewood’s challenges stem more from lack of clarity and sophistication than from any grand strategic design—a course for which the phrase “it’s fine for a quick lap” is more common than “can’t wait to get back.”
Strongest suit: A budget option for a casual run, but not something you’ll brag about after dinner.
In short
Golfers exploring Maryland have many notable choices, but these courses often rank near the bottom of scorecards and online reviews thanks to maintenance issues, layout confusion, or simply unmet expectations.
Still, every course has its followers, and a bad round could just mean a great story for your next 19th-hole conversation. Want to choose from the best golf courses in Maryland to balance this out? Just ask!
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