Fifteen years is a long time.
How long? Well, in this time span, we’re about to have our fourth different president; we just witnessed the fourth Olympic Summer Games in Paris. 2024 was another leap year, and it took me 15 years to return to Lansdowne Resort!
I’ve been extremely fortunate to visit some of the greatest resorts and golf courses in the United States, even making return visits, as I did with Lansdowne Resort.
Although it took me a long time to return, I was equally impressed with the two beautiful courses and the resort, which was better than I remembered.
Lansdowne Resort: Discover yourself and enjoy unsurpassed spa, golf, and wellness experiences at this luxurious Northern Virginia resort.
Let’s start with the 45 holes of golf. That’s right: two outstanding 18-hole venues, the Norman course, the RTJ II course, and the fun Shark Bite 9-hole course. “We have about 670 golfing members, and we conduct about 67,000 rounds of golf,” said Director of Golf Dan Warnick. “The majority of our rounds are member rounds, but we host members, members’ guests, resort guests, and outings here at Lansdowne.”
“Lansdowne is unique in the sense that we offer two completely different experiences when it comes to golf,” said Warnick. “I don’t know of many facilities that have what we have. Two different course designers and two different grass types give you two completely different golf experiences.”
The Norman layout stretches to over 7,300 yards and features what Greg Norman called the “Hardest Mile in Golf.” Originally holes 15-18, before the nines were reversed, these four holes now comprise holes 6-9, combine to equal 1,760 yards (exactly one mile). Picture this: two par fours over 400 yards, a par-5 that reaches 663 yards, and the par-3 ninth at 247 yards. YIKES!
Not to be outdone, the Robert Trent Jones II course is just over 7,000 yards from the gold markers. Although the opening nine features a few challenging holes, the back nine is as good as it gets, with a plethora of dogleg rights, lefts, carries over water, and uphill and downhill holes. The 12th and 13th are two of my favorites. Bending to the left and climbing to the green, number 12 plays every bit of 441 yards, while the par-3 13th is downhill from 210 yards.
“RTJ II is known to be more player-friendly, especially on the front nine,” continued Warnick. “But beware: the back nine can be tough with elevation changes and a lot of risk/reward opportunities. The back nine of RTJ II is the favorite of the nines. It’s such a good layout.”
In addition, Norman created a nine-hole layout designed with the family in mind, the Sharkbite course. A fantastic venue to practice, Sharkbite is fun to walk and enjoy with the entire clan. From as little as 870 yards, perfect for juniors, to 2,319 yards, Sharkbite is a blast.
“Sharkbite is such a great addition to the facility and is super valuable to the membership,” added Warnick. “It’s a great, well-conditioned short course and is normally always available without needing a tee time. It’s a par 32 with four par 3’s and five par 4’s. It’s a great course for the family, beginners, or even a confidence booster for those better players.”
Just 30 miles from our nation’s capital, Lansdowne Resort—the 2024 Smart Stars Award winner in the Best Golf Resort category from Smart Meetings Magazine—is an oasis of relaxation, golf, fitness, and dining.
Speaking of food, Lansdowne offers three excellent choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not to be missed is the breakfast buffet at Riverside Hearth, which features, well, everything!!!
Piedmont’s, overlooking the Potomac River, is “the” spot for dinner. From the classic Caesar salad to a Charcuterie Board and a Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Pork Tenderloin, your meal is almost complete. Just toss in a chocolate-type dessert, and you’re all set.
If golf is not your thing, how about tennis or the ever-growing Pickleball? Lansdowne also has a 24-hour fitness center for you workout maniacs—treadmills, stair climbers, bikes, rowing machines, weights, yoga mats, etc. You get the idea. There are also hiking and biking trails throughout the property.
What else is there, you say?
Spa Minérale offers all kinds of enhancements and treatments for the soul.
For me, it’s the Therapeutic Deep Tissue massage for 80 minutes or the Fire & Ice massage, which can’t be beat. Facials, pedicures, acupuncture—heck, they’ll even trim your beard and cut your hair. Now that’s full-service.
But if it’s total relaxation you want, go no further than the three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and indoor hot tub. The Aquatic Center offers full-day private cabanas, perfect for the family, or you can just sit by the adult-only pool with a refreshing cocktail.
So, you’re within a dozen miles from Washington Dulles International Airport, just an hour from Baltimore and three from Philadelphia. What are you waiting for?
Lansdowne is a AAA Four-Diamond Award winner, with over 300 well-appointed rooms and suites that overlook the Potomac River, not to mention the beautiful views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Are you kidding me? Make the call!
Photos courtesy of Hunter Public Relations
