Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, Va.: The premier daily-fee course near Washington D.C.
LORTON, Va. -- Laurel Hill Golf Club, which opened in 2005, sits on the site of the former Department of Corrections in Lorton, but after designer Bill Love's transformation, you would never be able to tell.
There aren't many trees and water only comes into play on one hole. Instead, the challenges on this 7,102-yard course come from the length and the elevation changes. Love also incorporated sprawling, asymmetric bunkers that both narrow the fairways and protect the greens.
The golf course's par 3s are especially memorable, with the most notable being the intimidating 11th, which offers a small glimpse into the location's former use. There are two teeing areas on this hole, one over a vegetation-filled ravine and the other next to three silos, remnants of the prison's farm.
A unique feature of the course that makes it accessible to a wide range of skill levels is that there are six sets of tees. Laurel Hill also has a practice facility that is comparable to that of a private club, including a driving range with target greens and grass and mat stations as well as a short game practice area.