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Army Navy Country Club
Categories: Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Active Life Golf Venues & Event Spaces, Golf [Edit]
2400 18th St SArlington, VA 22204
(703) 521-6800
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Army Navy Country Club
4 reviews in English
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Review from Ian G.
Kensington, MD
12/18/2010
I love this place. My wife and I joined over the summer and I play golf at least twice a week here unless weather or business conflicts. I don't take part in any social activities or tennis, but do use the fitness center, pools in the summer and occasionally eat in the members grill.
Golf: The course is very technical, though short, and has fantastic personality and variety. Off the top of my head, the tips are about 6900 and whites are 6500, so if your game centers around distance rather than precision then you might suffer (as I continue to do). This course really punishes poor drives, often to the point of aggravation(trees, tall grass, and natural features are left and right in abundance - you can forget about recovering from a misplaced drive on most holes). On the other hand, having a lack of distance in your game is never a problem here. I could probably get away with hitting an iron off of every tee and still score similarly than I do hitting my driver. There are a few holes you can dominate with distance, but not many.
If you have a strong short game, you can score, although there are more than a few ridiculous small and fast greens, a lot of strategic bunkering, and plenty small streams that are in play on many holes. They just completed a huge renovation that looks great, there are some truly epic views from certain holes (look behind you as you putt on Red 9 and Washington DC - mall and the Washington Monument - are spread out before you.)
There are vey few holes without a particular challenge - either elevation changes (NOT downhill - there is one hole on the blue course that is pretty much straight uphill), perfectly placed bunkering or rough, or protected greens - in fact, out of 27 holes I can only think of about 3 truly easy holes. A perfect example is red 1. Seems like a fairly straight forward, short, par 4, about 320 straight away. Problem is, if you try to hit a bomb from the tee, you end up in a gully (that you can't see from the tee box) full of deep rough with about 100 vertical feet up to the green, which is protected by ruthlessly deep bunkers on each side. If you hit it left you are in the water, and if you hit it right you are in the woods. At the same time, if you are conservative it is an easy par... I like courses that give you choices and make you think.
The condition, as you would expect for a private club, is outstanding. The fairways are bermuda and usually in good shape. The greens are absolutely beautiful (with a few exceptions) and members do a good job policing green care(my pet peeve). The rough can be ruthless, although I think they are keeping it trimmed down more due to complaints.
The only negative I can think of: the range is irons only and does not have good distance measurement. I initially thought this was not a big deal but it is starting to bother me more and more. I hate not being able to warm up my driver before a round. On the other hand, hitting 100 balls at a time at no cost has been great for my game. Anyway, this will be rectified in the next few years with the new clubhouse project. The rest of the practice facility is great. (FYI the other location of the club, in Fairfax, has a great range).
Everything else: Clubhouse is old and the architecture is 1960's-post-office-esqe, but well maintained. It is being replaced with an amazing 60 million dollar facility that looks incredible. It will have absolutely ridiculous amenities - I can't wait. I never go upstairs to the formal part of the clubhouse because I usually show up and change into my golf gear and hit the course.
I am probably one of the youngest full members at 30. That being said, I have never had a negative experience - even playing golf with high ranking members of the government and Generals and Admirals - it is first name basis and very casual.
If you love golf and you are active duty military in the DC area, this place is a no brainer. Very reasonable dues and low initiation for 54 holes of golf any time you want. If you move away you pay absentee dues once a year and can still use the course and facilities when you are in town. It makes even more sense for families - great summer activities and sports, and the pools are unbelievably nice. I'm not really into the club "social scene" and that is no problem, everyone is very pleasant. While the older members are formal, many are truly heroes and it is amazing to pick their brains and hear their stories. -
Review from Ann D.
Washington, DC
8/18/2008
The Army Navy Country Club (ANCC) is a private country club very near the Pentagon. Most of the membership is connected to the military.
You can rent the ANCC out for weddings and parties, even if you are not a member. I had my wedding reception there, and it was very nice and a good deal. They have a ball room, smaller private rooms, and a roof deck with a view of the city.
Pros: Four swimming pools. One Olympic with lap lanes, diving boards etc, one "adults" only, one baby pool, and a "training" pool for little kids that are learning to swim. Lots of tennis courts, indoor and outdoor. Great gym, never crowded with lots of machines. I don't play golf, but I hear the golf is good.
Cons: While not a stodgy as most country clubs, there are certainly people who want the ANCC to be more formal, which I find annoying. Not coincidentally, the ANCC has a real problem with it's membership being really old, although the club has been trying to reach out to younger people and seems to be attracting younger families if not single people. The bar is dead, and the restaurant would be a good place to take your grandparents.
Overall the club gets 4 stars because the facilities are great, and there is nothing like it anywhere close to DC. -
Review from Rob O.
McLean, VA
12/22/2009
I'll add on to the two previous reviews.
-- The club has 54 holes of golf. 27 in Arlington and 27 in Fairfax. Both offer outstanding golf. The Arlington courses have been recently updated significantly around the $10 million range.
-- New $50 million dollar clubhouse is going to be built in the next two years in Arlington. This addition should make the club with one of the best facilities in the area once completed.
-- Membership initiation fees can be expensive for civilians. Upwards of 50k. I beleive anyone can apply to be a member provided you are sponsored by two current members. All services are generally inclusive of a monthly membership fee, e.g. greens fees, tennis courts, gym, etc. There are certain add-ons like a golf cart fee that are not covered.
I agree with the comment regarding the age of the members. They tend to be a lot older -- lots of retired military. However, I have seen a trend of younger families joining the club in the past 5 yrs. But that is just my perceptions, I certainly don't have metrics! I love this club because it offers unlimited great golf and tennis for a set price. Once the course renovations and clubhouse construction are complete, it will certainly be one of the premiere country clubs in the area.
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Review from Jake K.
The Wife and I went in for the weekly prime rib buffet. I have to say, for the price, it was well worth it. The servers gave generous portions of meat - none of the cajoling that I have to engage in to get a reasonably slice section at other joints took place. Otherwise, it was a buffet that got down to business - rolls, baked potatoes, and salad were on hand along with a light selection of desserts. Certainly a good place for a family style meal in the Grille Room.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2009
The Arlington campus is a beautiful set of golf holes, tennis courts, and pools surrounded by… Read more »
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