Improvement opportunities abound. Unfortunately, the overall experience has been disappointing. I come often since no tee time reservations are required and each time question my decision at arrival. Course maintenance is poor: tee boxes in bad shape, uneven fairways, rocky ground, and no aeration. The staff's service is lacking overall save for 1-2 people. Most staff seem indifferent - especially the very young one. The carts are filthy. I don't believe they are ever cleaned. Pace of play is abysmal. No marshals, groups skip ahead, and I've seen six people waiting at a tee box. I do like the layout and blind shots, which make it a challenging course at times. I also like that no reservation required. But with these issues, I probably won't return. read more

What a laid back, fun, casual course. The good: - The facility has nearly everything a golfer needs for a fun round. There is a small putting green for warmups before the round and a simple pro shop with great drinks and food deals. - The price for a round is very reasonable - they even give you a discount if you sign up for a round with another person (so bring a friend to save a few bucks) - The course itself is in solid shape; some holes need work but most are just fine to play on. It's a short course (in terms of yardage) but some greens and approach shots are very challenging. The great: - The staff is really wonderful; I felt right at home the moment I arrived. We were greeted warmly, the staff chatted with us as we waited to tee off. The starter was warm and friendly - we all started our round with a smile. - They have a free pitch and chip 9 hole course; this was a great option to use for a warmup as we waited for our round. Each pitching hole is about 30-40 yards and a great opportunity to practice short game shots. First pitch and chip course that I've seen in this area. - Overall atmosphere and other golfers were great; I met some other friendly golfers here. You can tell folks are there to have a good time, be social, and play some golf. This was a really fun and relaxing round partially because we encountered so many other down to earth and fun people. Needs work: - On the day we arrived, our tee time opportunity was delayed by about two hours. There was a tournament happening early in the morning that wasn't broadcasted or shared online. There were alot of hopeful players who ended up having to wait 2-3 hours before getting on the course. It would have been nice to know there was a tournament scheduled for the day and the first available tee-off time was XYZ. - The pace of play is SLOW - my round lasted nearly 6 hours. The skill level of a few groups ahead of us wasn't great (which is fine, we're all learning) - I would have expected a course marshal to step in and help quicken the pace. Waiting 10 minutes to tee off then another 5 mins for a green to clear makes for a LONG round (and kills your rhythm). All in all, a fun day. I would definitely return because of the good atmosphere created by golfers and staff. I'll definitely go on a fully clear schedule day in case play is super slow again. read more

When I played at gunpowder golf course, I found that it was beautiful. The course was very well maintained, the fairways were in great shape and the green were running great not too fast, but fast enough. The pace of play on a Saturday was good for having two groups of four in front of us. ( for a public course that is great). I found the golf practice areas to be very good: the putting and pitching areas are very good and the mini golf course is great for teaching or first timers. I found the staff at gunpowder golf course to be nice and friendly at the counter and giving advice about the rules and the golf course. - In conclusion, I think for the price to play the gunpowder golf course was great. - The holes are challenging from hole one to eighteen. - The golf experience at gunpowder was great I would tell everyone to play a round with your friends or come and play with someone you don't know and make new friends, which is easy to do there. - My rating for the course would be a 10 out of a 10. try it.... I think you will like the course and the people. Bryan F read more

The reason this place is great is because of the price, the chill ambiance, MD Classic, you feel you are at home, wide variety of beers along with the basic American beers. The place does need maintenance, but for the price its Amazing. There is little room for error so that becomes another pro if you are trying to improve your game. We absolutely love this place! The snack bar carries like hotdogs, popcorn, beers, wine, coffee, hot tea, chocolates, along with other snacks. You don't need to dress up and you will always have a good time. The golf course is hilly and challenging. Their store carries anything you may need during your game. There are no snack golf cart attendants. read more

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Paid $110 for 9 holes and a cart for two people on a Sunday. 40 bucks per person for 9 holes 15 bucks per person for a cart. Would not recommend this course to anybody. Played much nicer courses for much less... read more

Golf course is surprisingly in good shape if you can manage to keep it in fw and greens. Never found the bunkers, cant comment on conditions. Most tee boxes are in need of TLC but greens were in very good shape and on the tad slow side. Clowns behind us claimed we skipped holes and snitched on the marshal, but besides that, great day! Played on 8/28/22 at 6:30 (no tee times accepted at gp), 3rd group out, played in about 4 hours, never seen the group in front. Definitely recommend. read more

The pitch and putt is full of weeds, and management doesn't enforce the rules. One golfers used it like his personal driving range, and another who took over the ninth hole like it was his green. I couldn't finish my round because of these inconsiderate people. Employees don't seem to care. I received a rain check, but it was a waste of time. read more

Not much of a course. I'm not sure who gives this four stars. In addition, they never told me that it was a night where they had leagues everywhere. I definitely would not go there again read more

The nice feature about Gunpowder is that you do not need a tee time. Great for me when traveling to Maryland, I can go straight to the course from the airport and get out for a round. The course is short, 6061 and 5277 yards from the back and middle tees. There are a lot of elevation changes and numerous blind shots. I do not recommend walking the course. Greens were in good shape but slow. Some greens were small and most had more than one break, making the putting a fun challenge. Saw a lot of wildlife out on the course. Pro shop was well stocked and the staff was efficient. I might go back if it is the only place I can get out, but the track was too quirky and pace of play was slow due to people walking the course slowly. (Understandable in 90 degree heat yesterday) read more

​The Course Maintenance crew are totally unprofessional, they will cut grass while people are playing on the course , people has to wait till they finish take care of the green or the Fairway. You can hit the rock in the middle of the fairway and damage your Club. Tee boxes are horrible, not only no grass, but all the tee boxes are not flat, either uphill or downhill lie, make your tee shoots go left or right. read more

Great place to play excellent staff and awesome hot dogs Michelle was helpful with the course thank you I will be a regular thank you read more

There is no better golf course in the DC area that truly offers golf in 'the Scottish Highland Tradition,' than Gunpowder. The grass may not be mowed such that you can tell the fairway from the rough... the tee box markers may point the wrong way... the wildlife and smoke monster in the forest may want to take you out... the greens may be dastardly in their breaks and undulations... the signature (w)hole may leave you wanting to break a club... but the experience at Gunpowder can't be beat. Grab your buddies, go to Gunpowder, get yourself a bag of yuenglings, hop in one of their souped-up gas powered carts (sans windshield), and have a blast. read more

I really like going to this place there's no tee time its first come first serve fairly inexpensive and it's usually not very busy.. there are a couple holes that you have to shoot in the blind which makes things a little bit more challenging. But overall this is one of my go to courses. read more

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Today is the last time I will be playing Gunpowder Golf Course. After the pandemic I became some what of a regular at the course making friends and playing almost every weekend. However, today I was cursed out by the ranger on the 17th hole for slow play when we were well within the 3:45-4:00 time frame. He cited backups behind us as the reason, but under no circumstances should a golfer have to deal with VERBAL ABUSE by a ranger. If you want to ask us to pick up the pace that is fine. If you want to ask us to skip a hole that is also fine. That said, I draw the line when you are telling us to "pick up the fucking pace" and yell at us about "hitting fucking provisionals." DO NOT PLAY HERE. Save yourself the time and the money. read more

Dear God this is a magnificent golf course and at $15 to walk the best value in the DMV. It is extremely hilly so I would recommend riding - the holes really hug the landscape and it is truly like an Irish or Scottish parkland course. Because of the wet spring the course is in absolutely tremendous condition , the greens are all perfect - one or two tee boxes are a bit scruffy. I knew I would love this as soon as I had a birdie put on #1 - I even had a pin high five iron for an eagle chip in from 22 feet, which was a first for me. It's gonna get pretty beaten up over the summer so get there quickly ! read more

The course really is a good bargain. It rates well against some regional courses like Needwood. My only serious gripe is a desperate lack of yardage markers. You'll find yourself doing a lot of hunting for those. The pro is a super nice guy. My buddy asked about testing some used Ping G15's sometime and the pro let him take the clubs out on our very first round of the season. The course is VERY hilly. Be prepared to do some climbing if you're a walker. You'll be doing a lot of it. read more

Excellent course for the money - greens were in fantastic condition. Very much a positional golf course - fun to play and work around. Not very long but precision is needed with several domed greens with false fronts - highly recommend! read more

I agree with most of the pros and cons others mention but I still like this place. It's generally a little run-down, but that's part of the charm. It is definitely nestled in the natural terrain (very hilly and rocky) but it's also very pretty in places. The value is outstanding and the course is fun! I am far from experienced in either number of games or number of courses played, but I give GpG a strong recommend. read more

Nice 18 hole layout. Dogleg right and left. Over water shots. Down hill lies. Uphill lies. Postage stamp greens, but challenging to say the least. And the best kept greens in the area. Tees boxes will always be one nemesis of Gunpowder. There is just too much shade surrounding some tee boxes for grass to grow. If you played here several years ago and not since, you will be pleasantly surprised as to the course conditions today, 2017. Go to the Facebook page for pictures. And you can't beat the rates. The course draws many high handicappers and singles. Best times are early to mid weekday mornings. Late afternoons. On a beautiful day, you can't go wrong to play this course. read more

Great course for the last minute golfers, no Tee Time is required. This is probably one of the best deals for a round of golf compared to others courses. read more

I played this course this past week, 7/2011. The price is appealing, $25 for walkers. However, that is the only appealing aspect to this course. Gunpowder tries to replicate a Scottish style course with many hills and turns. The greens are extremely technical with sloping edges. This is a great concept for a course except that Scotland receives ample rain and has grass on their courses. With little to no irrigation, the greens and fairways are barren. A 200 yard drive becomes 250 as the ball bounces of the fairway, as if it's the beltway, and continues out of bounds never to be seen again. The sloping greens become so fast a great chip shot becomes another chip and another chip due to the ball rolling off the green every time. On two holes we gave up due the the fact that not one of the foursome could keep our ball on the green. This course turns great shots into frustrating failures. Even at $25 a round, the course conditions make this a rip off. read more

It has completely turned around. The first time I played it in the late '90 it was really really bad. Came back 2 years ago and it is wonderful. Not long but gives Evan throw handicappers a challenge. No tee ti.es required just show up an play. For my money it is the best kept secret in the DMV. Staff is very friendly and helpful also. read more

Please ignore the negative reviews and go play yourself a good round at a cheap course that is interesting, beautiful, and in pretty good shape. I'm glad I did and will be back. I just played here and really liked the course. It is very hilly so take a cart or you'll be getting a lot of exercise. The conditions were good. The course is beautiful and I really enjoyed the variety of terrain. It ranks as the most interesting course I've played on in the area. The starter was a very helpful old man - he even went looking for my first tee shot for me. They do not have tee times, which is a bit lame, but I got on right after I got there at 9:30 midweek. Pace of play was rather slow probably due to this (4.5 hours and I waited at virtually every hole, on the back 9 especially). I was a single paired with some guy. Later he split. Two singles after me caught up at the 10th hole and joined me. There is virtually no signage at all on the course, whether telling you distances, which hole you are on, or the shape of the hole. I use a golf app so it wasn't an issue, but still, I was glad to be playing with someone who knew which way to go to the next hole. They have no water on the course and no one drives by in a refreshment cart. There's a single port-a-potty at hole 9. With the variety of terrain, taking a whizz in a bush is a breeze. I paid $31 for 18 with cart in the morning (that's $17 plus a whopping $14 for the cart). $2.50 for a decent hot dog (rather big) for lunch. On the phone they said they don't have a range. First thing I see when I pull up is a range. I didn't use it but it looked like all hitting off the grass. I must disagree with most of the negative reviews, some of which are years ago. The girls in the shop are not pretty. The course is not rocky at all except for the paths, but what do you expect? Fairways are a bit narrow at times, so it could be a challenge. I happened to play the best golf of my life so it didn't phase me. read more

If you are looking for a solid course that won't kill your wallet, Gunpowder is the course for you. $12 to play on weekday afternoons, and $5 if you play 1.5 hours before sunset. My rounds as a single generally take 2.5-3 hours, and I'll occasionally pass a larger group in front. Why would you go to the driving range with prices like this? The back tees are really the only choice here, unless you are a beginner. It's a nice looking course with trees guarding almost every hole, so you'll be penalized for straying drives. There aren't a lot of signs telling you where to go but they provide a map and hole descriptions so it's not too hard to figure out. The posted distances on par 3's seem off, so that will take a couple of rounds to get used to. If you aren't a golf snob and enjoy playing at a good price, this is worth a try. read more

I played this course years ago and vowed never to come back because the conditions were so bad. A friend of mine talked me into going back and I couldn't believe the change. The fairways are lush and crosscut. The greens are fantastic. The price is unbelievable and the beer is cheap! Not a better deal in the whole area! And the staff are very friendly. They don't take tee times but they get you right out. Very impressed! read more

Great course for the money. ($15 after 5:00 with cart). The only reason it's not quite 5 stars is because some of the cart paths are not paved and can be a little rough. Golf carts are newer and pretty nice. Wasn't a lot of traffic on the course. Clubhouse was really nice. read more

This course is cheap, so you get what you pay for in this case. If you play on a weekday early its a good deal. Staff is friendly and the food & beer in the pro shop is reasonably priced. You can also practice on their 9 hole 50 yard practice greens for $5. This is not a good golf course and I would not recommend unless your cheap like me and you can play early on a weekday. Most fairways are short & tight and the greens are not well kept. The conditions are about what you'd expect at other par 3 courses in the area, such as Paint Branch in College Park. read more

This is probably the worst golf course in the area, if not the world. Parts of many fairways and tee boxes have little to no grass. What grass there is on the fairways is cut way to short; regardless of where you land, its like hitting your next shot from dirt. There is no rough to speak of. Instead, trees and brush line both sides of the course, so unless you hit very straight, you are going to lose a lot of balls. There is also a CONSTANT, never-ending stream of golfers playing the course. There is an unusually large number of singles playing (most are walking). There is no starter, so you will see every combination of golfers playing the course. The reason there are so many golfers is because the price is, unfortunately, unbeatable. A senior can play 18 holes, with a cart, for $21. But you get what you pay for; a poorly maintained and fairly crowded course. Other than the low price, the only other positives are draft beer for only $2.75 and friendly staff. But after having played this course for most of last year, I've decided to find something better. I'm wiling to pay more money for a better golf course; one that has grass on it. read more

Compared to other public courses, it is not that good. But you get what you pay for. The ground is so hard to hit off of. It's so hard that it actually broke my clubhead off my seven iron. I left after second hole read more

Obviously the greens fees have gone way up. I was here on a weekday at 3PM and I was told it would be $24 to play. For some stupid reason, twilight doesnt start until 5:45. Only nice thing about this golf course is they hire nice, pretty girls to work in the pro shop. Most of the fairways and tee boxes are in horrible condition. Anybody who pays more than $15 to play this course at any time is overpaying. read more

My experience here was terrible. The staff was rude and the golfers did not have any courtesy for the game. I played 9 holes and out of the 9, 4 holes i had to dodge a bullet. None of the golfers behind me or playing the whole from the side knew how to call "fore" or wait until it was safe to hit the ball. Luckily no one hit me. Also the staff was very stuck up and generally did not like the job they have. At least show some courtesy to the golfers who had high hopes for this place. I will say, if you are walking the course it is good exercise because there are a lot of hills. read more

Played here for the 1st time - visiting family here - was pleasantly surprised with everything about the course - plenty of up and down slopes, quick greens, tree lined fairways, sand traps were in good shape - staff was very nice and helpful with a nice selection of food, snacks, and drinks - pro shop had a little bit of everything and best of all the rates were very reasonable - will be playing this course a lot more whenever I am back in town - especially liked the little area near the putting green and #10 tee where you can just sit down and relax to enjoy your mid-round lunch break - thanks for an enjoyable experience - Walter B - Scranton, Pa. read more

Why 5 stars? Value. Is $14-$35 "as good as it gets" between the beltways? Gunpowder offers the best bargain in the area. Significant improvements have been made in the condition of the course in the past two years, yet bargain prices continue to prevail. The course is situated on rolling terrain in a lovely park like setting. While the par 70 course is not long, big hitters do enjoy their usual advantage on some holes. However, accuracy and cunning are coveted more than raw power by the golfer who would subdue Gunpowder. While birdie opportunities are abundant at Gunpowder, potential diaster is ever present. There are no cookie cutter holes at Gunpowder. While there are many holes to be had by the golfer in good form, calamity is most often the consequence of an errant shot. The short par 4 second offers a poignant example. The fairway is lined by trees left and right. The cautious may select a mid iron for the drive, The bolder golfer will be required to draw the ball to remain in what appears to be a fairway ample in width. However, any drive left of center of the fairway will require a knocked down approach to one of the larger greens on the course. This is because the branches of the trees left of the fairway over hang it obstructing the approach to the green. Hit your approach beyond the green and you'll be carding a 6 or more. The short par 5 3d is protected by a forest right of the fairway off the tee, and a stand of trees left. A well struck and precisely placed drive will leave no more than a mid iron to an elevated green. However, the prodigious, but indiscreet, slugger may find that he has driven into the pond which bisects the fairway. Safely away at the 3d, the approach is uphill through a tree lined fairway to a green set upon the crest of the hill. The right side of the green is tight to the tree line. The putting surface slopes sharply downhill from right to left. Any approach which lands on or before the green will pitch left due to the slope. Consequently, approach shots by those hunting eagle must fly along a flight pattern close to the trees on the right. An approach struck left of the center of the green from the bottom of the fairway is likely to end its journey below and to the left of the green from where the sober golfer will settle for par. The par 4 5th is perhaps most characteristic of Gunpowder as a whole. If the drive is firmly dispatched it must be deadly accurate to hold the fairway. A controlled fade is a most effective ally from the 5th tee. Anyone who holds the 5th fairway with a draw likely carries a low handicap. Any drive which misses the fairway right will have your party searching for your ball. Should it be found, do not expect to experience either gratitude or glee. If your drive wanders left your approach will be obstructed by the tree line, and any number of unanticipated horrors may be revealed upon your second at the 5th. When your drive does find the fairway the fun has only just begun. The tiny 5th green is set into a hillside which slopes left to right. There is a steep drop off the right side of the putting surface. Shots which err right may bounce slowly and horrendously toward the steeply pitched woods right of the green. Shots hit long and left, by some mysterious force of nature, remain long and left. Shots it short, however, will pitch right, and race away from the green toward the wood. When you realize that you have to hit your approach into a thimble for a prayer at birdie you will have come to an appreciation of the glories (or horrors) of Gunpowder. Yet another characteristic hole is the short, dog leg left 11th. Disaster lurks in the thick forest left of the fairway. Steer your drive too far right in an effort to steer away from the wood, and the fairway traps left, and your uphill approach will need carry a large tree which guards the front right of the postage stamp green. Any shot under the canopy of the tree is unlikely to hold the putting surface. The 11th fairway, however, is ample. I've played the 11th with many a fine golfer who, having split the fairway with a prodigious drive, stands with wedge in hand contemplating the next. As well one should. The 11th green is upon a hilltop and is steeply pitched from back to front. A shot just over the green most often leads to a monstrous number. Should you hit your approach to the front of the green or short of it, you may have the pleasure of greeting your ball as it rolls past your address position. The intensity of your desire to repeat the approach in that circumstance provides a splendid measure of your golfing courage. If you want pampering Gunpowder is not your gig. However, if you enjoy a variety of challenging shots you'll enjoy Gunpowder. Gunpowder offers a unique golfing experience at a bargain price. read more

Course in terrible shape. No grass, tee boxes were mud, no yard markers anywhere. Not even sure why there were open. Should just close for winter if they are not going to invest anything in maintaining course. Waste of money & time. Probably in better shape in-season but I'm not going back. read more

Had a great time playing here. Friendly staff, and some challenging lies for a poor golfer as myself. Price was great . Only problem was the slow play. read more

Nice course. I'm fairly new to golf but found the course challenging but fair. Although some of the holes demand accuracy, playing smart and conservative will usually do the trick. Greens were in good shape and fairways were solid. Staff was superfriendly. One downside, the course could use a bit more signage between holes. I'll definitely go back and would recommend the course to others. read more

Gunpowder GC is one of the most challenging layouts you will play in MD, not a long course but the elevations and "turtle back" like greens will challenge any skill level. The changes in elevation require accurate club selection. Once in the fairway, take the time to look back at the tee boxes, especially on holes 5, 8, 12, and 16. Bring your A game, plenty of holes that can jump out and bite you real good! Staff is always friendly, suggest you walk it to really appreciate the character of this course. read more