Rocky Gap Golf Course
Rocky Gap Golf Course offers a scenic 18-hole mountain-style layout bordered by Lake Habeeb, combining rolling terrain with strategic water hazards. Designed for a wide range of golfers, this public resort course challenges shot-making while providing a full-service experience in a striking natural setting.
Course Overview
Rocky Gap Golf Course presents an 18-hole challenge set against the rugged backdrop of Maryland’s Appalachian foothills. This public resort course offers a distinctive blend of natural elevation changes alongside water hazards drawn from Lake Habeeb, which borders many holes and demands thoughtful navigation. The layout leans toward a mountain-style design, where rolling terrain shapes fairways and greens, rewarding strategic shot placement over sheer power.
From the first tee, players encounter a course that tests a range of skills. Elevation shifts influence club selection, while lake views invite moments of reflection amid competitive play. The presence of water both inspires caution and adds visual drama, particularly on mid-round holes where precision over water is essential. Bunkers appear sparingly but serve to protect the approach to several well-contoured greens, reinforcing a measured, tactical approach.
Rocky Gap appeals to golfers who appreciate a course that demands attention to detail yet remains approachable for a variety of skill levels. While the terrain can challenge mid-to-low handicaps, thoughtful tee positioning allows higher handicappers to enjoy a rewarding round without undue frustration. The pace of play has sparked mixed reviews; visitors should consider weekday rounds or early tee times to avoid congestion during busier weekend periods. Walking is feasible but expect some taxing uphill walks amid the natural terrain, making golf shoes with good traction a practical choice.
The resort setting complements the course, with golf carts equipped with GPS to aid navigation, though paths follow designated lanes due to terrain constraints. On-site amenities include a clubhouse offering dining and a pro shop, providing a full-service experience. The course atmosphere invites camaraderie amid the scenic mountain landscape, with staff members known for their friendliness.
While not without operational challenges, the layout’s distinct character and lakefront holes create an outing that rewards thoughtful planning and adaptability. Rocky Gap Golf Course stands as a noteworthy destination for golf travelers seeking a mountain-inspired venue with water features and a test of shot-making consistency in Central Maryland.
Course Highlights
The course features lakefront holes requiring precision over water, elevation changes that affect club selection, and well-placed bunkers protecting greens. Its mountain-style landscape, combined with resort amenities, offers a distinctive competitive and leisure experience. Signature holes capitalizing on Lake Habeeb’s shoreline stand out for their visual and strategic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Linda R
Trey Ralston
DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU EXPECT A FAST ROUND I recently played at Rocky Gap Resort Golf Course and, unfortunately, the experience did not live up to expectations. We booked our tee time through GolfNow, but when we arrived, we were told the course was fully booked—even though every tee time still showed as available online. Our time had been double-booked, and it took four different staff members and multiple explanations before anyone began to understand the issue. This disorganization created a frustrating and stressful start to our round. Once we got out on the course, things didn’t improve. We were placed behind a group of seven players. The marshal eventually split them up, but by hole 14 they had regrouped and were playing as a 7-some again. At one point we counted nine people on a single green—something I’ve never seen before. Every hole involved significant waiting, even before they formed a larger group, and it was clear that pace of play isn’t a priority here. The photos attached do not even showcase the amount of groups out there that were playing more than a foursome. To make matters worse, the carts—while appearing “fancy”—were more style than function. Ours couldn’t connect to Bluetooth, and the built-in charger ports didn’t work. The GPS on the cart was inconsistent, showing incorrect hole numbers more than once. And on top of all that, it was cart path only, which isn’t necessarily a problem—except the cart paths are poorly laid out and often far from where your ball would be, resulting in long, inconvenient walks between shots. By hole 17, as we waited yet again to hit, a group behind us pulled up blasting music. The lack of etiquette among players was noticeable all day. While the course itself is scenic and has potential, the overall experience felt chaotic, disorganized, and extremely slow-paced. I would strongly discourage playing here on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. It’s overbooked, poorly managed, and the on-course atmosphere is anything but relaxing. Between the poor pace of play, unprofessional booking process, long walks, and lack of etiquette from fellow golfers, I wouldn’t return—even if you paid me. PS shoutout to the Starter on hole 1, extremely helpful and kind.
Baron Riebel
Golfed on Saturday, June 21. Not worth $109. Not one sand trap was raked Abundance of clover around the greens. Green speeds were awfully slow. Outside of back to back par 3’s, layout was nice.
Trey Ralston
DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU EXPECT A FAST ROUND I recently played at Rocky Gap Resort Golf Course and, unfortunately, the experience did not live up to expectations. We booked our tee time through GolfNow, but when we arrived, we were told the course was fully booked—even though every tee time still showed as available online. Our time had been double-booked, and it took four different staff members and multiple explanations before anyone began to understand the issue. This disorganization created a frustrating and stressful start to our round. Once we got out on the course, things didn’t improve. We were placed behind a group of seven players. The marshal eventually split them up, but by hole 14 they had regrouped and were playing as a 7-some again. At one point we counted nine people on a single green—something I’ve never seen before. Every hole involved significant waiting, even before they formed a larger group, and it was clear that pace of play isn’t a priority here. The photos attached do not even showcase the amount of groups out there that were playing more than a foursome. To make matters worse, the carts—while appearing “fancy”—were more style than function. Ours couldn’t connect to Bluetooth, and the built-in charger ports didn’t work. The GPS on the cart was inconsistent, showing incorrect hole numbers more than once. And on top of all that, it was cart path only, which isn’t necessarily a problem—except the cart paths are poorly laid out and often far from where your ball would be, resulting in long, inconvenient walks between shots. By hole 17, as we waited yet again to hit, a group behind us pulled up blasting music. The lack of etiquette among players was noticeable all day. While the course itself is scenic and has potential, the overall experience felt chaotic, disorganized, and extremely slow-paced. I would strongly discourage playing here on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. It’s overbooked, poorly managed, and the on-course atmosphere is anything but relaxing. Between the poor pace of play, unprofessional booking process, long walks, and lack of etiquette from fellow golfers, I wouldn’t return—even if you paid me. PS shoutout to the Starter on hole 1, extremely helpful and kind.
Karen A
We had such a great time playing 18 holes at Rocky Gap. The course is lovely and the carts are great with maps, scoring, and other information. The other players were friendly and so was the staff with one exception... the very unpleasant woman working the desk. Don't ask her a question, she certainly won't answer it. However, the guys at the carts, or up by the first hole are all very nice, friendly and helpful. I will play at this course again.
mabi377
Nice, friendly, attentive people on staff but the course itself was not in great shape. Not managed well. First of all, they double booked morning tee times. We started an hour late and the course was crowded. Large bare spots on fairways... crab grass also. Some smaller bare spots on greens. Too many sand traps that weren't tended (raked)... so they were packed down. Not worth $99 / round. Also, they need to allow the golf carts to access the parking lot. Very inconvenient, especially for seniors.
John K
Really nice course, played right after a hard rain so course played pretty long. First time playing so finding some of the tee boxes was a bit of a challenge, just have to follow and trust the signs. Greens were nice and in great shape. Paced play wasn’t an issue as I played as a single and no one in front of me. Tough course for an old man.
Baron Riebel
Golfed on Saturday, June 21. Not worth $109. Not one sand trap was raked Abundance of clover around the greens. Green speeds were awfully slow. Outside of back to back par 3’s, layout was nice.
Mark W
Played a foursome today, Being this was my first time playing here I had a wonderful time. Course is top-notch. Couple bare spots but that's to be expected with the lack of rain we've experienced. Greens were super fast as that is what i pefer. I would definitely make the trip again to play such a challenging golf course. The staff were friendly and courtous.. My next trip I will be checking out the casino since I didn't get to today due to I was pressed for time. I GIVE THIS COURSE A 5 STAR RATING.
Sean Donavon
From the entire staff to the course itself A++
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Course Details
Access & Location
16701 Lakeview Rd NE, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
Rocky Gap Resort Clubhouse, featuring dining, pro shop, and locker rooms
Walking is allowed but involves moderate elevation changes; golf shoes with good grip advised
Open to resort guests and public players; tee times recommended, especially on weekends
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