Langston Golf Course & Driving Range — Restaurant in Washington

Langston is probably the second-best of the National Park courses in DC. It's not usually my first choice, but there are times where it's less crowded than the other nearby public courses, and it's a little cheaper too.

The location is alright. It's a few blocks off 295, so if you live in northeast DC or PG County, it's not bad to get to, but traffic can make it pretty frustrating if you're coming from another part of DC or Virginia.

The prices are about as good as you'll find in the area. $33 for 18 holes is hard to beat around here. It's cheaper than the other DC public courses.

The driving range is okay, although it's inconvenient to have to schlep way out away from the clubhouse to warm up and then schlep all the way back to start your round. I usually don't hit on the range before I play here. Plenty of practice chipping and putting space though.

The course itself is decent. It has more variety in terms of the hole layout than the other DC public courses and has quite a few hills. There is some water on the course as well, although it doesn't always take full advantage of the challenge presented by its location right along the Anacostia. The first hole is a short par five, which is a great confidence builder, but the next few holes are pretty difficult. This is a more difficult course than the other two DC public courses, in my experience.

The conditions can vary a good bit, but its location right next to a river means it's prone to becoming very muddy if it's been raining recently. The fairways and greens are also of variable quality, with some being well-maintained and others in not-very-good shape. About what you'd expect from a muni course, I guess.

Like East Potomac, the fact that it's low-lying and near a river means mosquitoes can be a huge problem in the summer. Put some bug spray in your bag or you'll regret it.

This course doesn't really have the scenic value of some of the other local courses. It's in a fairly built-up area where most of the buildings are old and not very attractive. The views of the river are pretty nice, but the sight of the crumbling husk of RFK Stadium in the distance doesn't excite the imagination. It does have historical significance that can't be overlooked; it used to be the only public course in DC that admitted black golfers, and they've done a good job of incorporating that history into the course.

The staff have always been very friendly and helpful and the pace of play is usually a bit better than at some of the other nearby public courses since it's normally a bit less crowded. Things can back up a bit on the back nine though, especially the last few holes.

Overall, this is a pretty good place to get a round in. If you're in northeast DC or PG County, it's probably a pretty convenient place, but if you're in another part of the area, maybe a bit less so. The course conditions can be pretty variable, but on the whole, it's a pretty good place to play...

I am really excited for the future of this golf course. I watched a tournament here last May and finally played it recently in the off season. Lots of potential here for sure. The history of this place with the number of hall of fame athletes that have visited over the decades is incredible. There have been a good number of podcasts about his place recently that I highly recommend. Great mix of holes. Starts with a generous and get-able par 5. Open off the tee and the second (or third) shot is downhill to a green that's tough to hold from far away. The next hole is a par 4 where you have to strategize off the tee and into the green. It's a dogleg right where really long hitters can drive it into a cross hazard. On your second the hazard can be intimidating but there's a lot of space between it and the green. Very cool features that make you think on each shot. That's how it goes after that, a wide open hole followed by one where strategy immediately comes into play off the tee. The stretch of holes 10-16 were my favorite. I am glad they are cutting away the invasive plants that have obscured the views of the water. One would never know you're on a barrier island on the first several holes of the back 9. But they are starting to open those vistas up. But those seven holes are easily my favorites in DC.

The conditions weren't great in January. It's flat at times and we played in the middle of the winter, but I did see it in much better shape last May. Maybe not the best place to play during or right after a rain storm, but I am excited to play it when it's running firm and fast. The Trackman range is awesome and there is a way to access the range down Benning Road.

The last thing I'll say is keep a close eye on your clubs in front of the pro shop. A buddy had a wedge swiped after our round. Unfortunate that it...

Full disclosure: I may be biased. I've been playing this course for more than a decade and I have a certain fondness for it.

It's the best deal/value in DC golf. Period. $30ish for 18 holes? Yes, please! Massive chipping and putting area? Awesome. Accessible via public transportation? Even better!

The best time to play is in April/May when the rough gets super thick and makes hitting the (relatively narrow) fairways imperative. The front 9 is totally different than the back 9. Front is open and links-y. Back is parkland-esque and punctuated by hazards left and right.

I don't really understand the bad reviews for the course itself... what did they expect for $30 (or less)? TPC?! This course makes you hit shots and think strategy in a way that other "value" courses (e.g., East Potomac) don't.

I also don't understand the bad reviews for the staff... the people who operate and maintain this course are humans. Like any other human, when you treat them with respect, they'll return the favor. Many of the employees have been working there longer than the 10+ years I've been playing the course and are super helpful and friendly.

My recommendations: Walk, if you can. Don't ride. You won't regret it. Also, play on a weekday if possible... Tee shot on #10 gets a lot more interesting when you have to hit it over Kingman Lake. Channel your inner Joe Louis (who played here regularly) and #sendit. Finally, the hot dog (+cheese, +toasted bun) at the grill is...