John Sanderson
John Sanderson
John Sanderson
U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club
U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club
64 Greenbury Point Rd
Annapolis, MD 21402-1108
United States
Overview
Located across the Severn River from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy course received a significant boost in variety and complexity following a 2019 renovation from Andrew Green. The course has a rich heritage, designed by William Flynn in the 1920s, but the holes had become worn down and simplified, with lackluster bunkers and small, tilted greens. Green rebunkered the course as Flynn might have, adding over 20 of them in enlarged, more shapely forms. He also removed unnecessary trees and expanded fairways and greens to capture more playing angles and hole locations. A major improvement.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked 13th, 2023-'26. (Previously unranked)
America's Greatest College Courses: 15th (2023).
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The Naval Academy Course is a historic William Flynn/Harry Collis design that received an extensive renovation from Andrew Green in 2020. The course sits on surprisingly hilly terrain just north of Annapolis and uses the land well, with a nice variety of holes playing up- and downhill throughout your round. Aesthetically, the elevation changes present nicely and Green's trademark bunkering style is very easy on the eye. While not the stoutest of tests, there are some tougher par fours out here, particularly 9 and 18, as well as a number of shorter par fours like 2 and 11 that are potentially reachable. This is an excellent college course and solid members' course that would be enjoyable to play on a daily basis."
Read More2025
Review
“This is an outstanding course located within three miles from the US Naval Academy's front gate. Andrew Green redesigned this William Flynn (original design in 1944) course in 2020 and he has created a beautiful test of golf. His unique bunkering and raised greens create challenges for all golfers. Although not an extremely long course from the back tees, his unique mounding and undulation on the green complexes makes a golfer have to think his or her way around the entire course. Running up shots on many holes are not an option due to his elevated green complexes - which makes chipping a necessary commodity throughout the round. If your ball striking isn't extremely precise - your short game will be put to the test most definitely."
Read More2024
Review
“This is an outstanding course located within three miles from the US Naval Academy's front gate. Andrew Green redesigned this William Flynn (original design in 1944) course in 2020 and he has created a beautiful test of golf. His unique bunkering and raised greens create challenges for all golfers. Although not an extremely long course from the back tees, his unique mounding and undulation on the green complexes makes a golfer have to think his or her way around the entire course. Running up shots on many holes are not an option due to his elevated green complexes - which makes chipping a necessary commodity throughout the round. If your ball striking isn't extremely precise - your short game will be put to the test most definitely."
Read More2024
Review
“A remodeled military/private course that has been remolded by Andrew Green."
Read More2023
Review
“Terrific restoration by Andrew Green of a wonderful William Flynn classic."
Read More2022
Review
“Designer William Flynn (with a 2019 renovation by Andrew Green) makes very good use of the rolling terrain, providing an exciting mix of downhill and uphill holes that move left and right and navigate around well-placed fairway and greenside bunkers. One has the sense that the course has been here for a while, and the design certainly has a 1940s-50s feel, which is fitting for the course associated with the U.S. Naval Academy. This is an interesting traditional layout with a great mix of short and long par 4s over excellent golf terrain that is the kind of course that a good golfer could play regularly without getting bored."
Read More2021
Review
“This William Flynn design has the bones of an excellent course and is slated to be renovated. It is needed, but don't be surprised if you fall in love with the course."
Read More2018
Review
“Pretty good for a military course with a bunch of civilian members. Course is over 100 years old and William Flynn (Merion) had a hand in the design. Amenities are adequate, but they did just do a significant upgrade to the practice area. Worth a round if you are invited. Course record is 59 by Billy Hurley - and the members will tell you he didn't putt well that day!"
Read More2018
