University of Maryland Golf Course

Overview: The University of Maryland Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 parkland layout on the north side of the College Park campus. George W. Cobb designed the course, which measures more than 7,000 yards from the longest tees and moves across rolling, wooded ground. Mature hardwoods, changes in elevation and a mix of tree-lined and more open corridors give the course a distinct campus setting. Bill Love’s 2008 renovation retained the original routing while rebuilding greens, improving drainage and updating bunkers and tees.

History: The project began with a 1954 university study led by athletic director James M. Tatum, supported by coach Frank H. Cronin and a committee that wanted golf to become part of the university’s physical-education facilities. George Cobb was appointed for specifications, construction plans and supervision, and the course was dedicated in May 1959. Funding included receipts from Maryland football bowl games. The course later became home to the Terrapins’ men’s and women’s teams and hosted the Melwood Prince George’s County Open, a Korn Ferry Tour event, in 2010 and 2011. A major Bill Love renovation began in 2008 and reopened the course for the next stage of its history.

Did You Know? Part of the university land selected for the course had previously been a U.S. Army anti-aircraft site. The official history also records that the property became a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2003, and describes roughly 150 acres of rolling, wooded terrain supporting birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and many tree varieties.