Lodestone Golf Course
Lodestone Golf Course in McHenry, Maryland, presents a robust parkland challenge over 7,000 yards with natural terrain and strategic hazards. Its rugged conditions and varied layout offer a demanding test for golfers who prefer thoughtful play in an authentic setting.
Course Overview
Lodestone Golf Course offers a challenging experience, positioned in McHenry, Maryland, known for its rugged layout and natural terrain. This 18-hole public course stretches over 7,000 yards, playing to a par 72. The course’s design leans toward a parkland style with rolling fairways and a mixture of open spaces and wooded corridors that frame many holes, demanding strategic shot-making from players of all levels.
The overall landscape reflects a course that reveals both its beauty and its demanding nature. Elevated tee boxes send the ball into fairways that often slope and curve, while bunkers and water hazards punctuate the routing, creating tension around the greens. The opportunity to walk is available but requires sturdy footwear as drainage issues and uneven ground can make footing unpredictable after rain.
Lodestone’s scenery is defined by its natural Maryland surroundings, with dense stands of native trees and occasional glimpses of nearby hills. The wind can be a factor on exposed holes, testing tempo and club selection, while slower greens provide a true test of putting skills.
The course’s playability suits golfers who appreciate strategic challenges more than pristine conditioning. Lodestone has faced maintenance struggles in recent years, reflected in fairway conditions and bunkers that demand patience and adaptability rather than straightforward shot execution. This quality may appeal to players looking for an honest, rugged golf test rather than a groomed resort experience.
Facilities include a clubhouse serving as a central hub for players and guests, offering basic amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Golf carts are available, but many choose to walk to better engage with the course’s character. The club emphasizes member and guest access with an honest, familiar vibe.
Those planning a visit should prepare for varied course conditions and focus on managing shots rather than pure distance. Playing Lodestone is an invitation to engage with a demanding and authentic golf landscape, where the course’s character comes through in every step and swing.
Course Highlights
Lodestone Golf Course combines natural parkland features with a demanding layout that rewards strategic shot placement. The course’s routing integrates wooded sections and open fairways with elevation changes that affect club selection. While maintenance challenges persist, the course offers an authentic Maryland golf experience marked by its length and the variety of hazards encountered throughout the round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Max VanMeter
Aesthetically and layout wise, one of my favorite courses I’ve played. Conditions are TOUGH, though. New superintendent and it seems as though they are trending in the right direction (much better shape than a year ago), but still a good deal of work to be done. Fairways are BEAT UP on a good deal of the holes, drainage is a major issue, bunkers are bare, and the tee boxes are still a work in progress (many without grass/limited coverage). Greens in better shape than a year ago, on the plus side! Vacation here each year and I will continue to play at least one round in hopes that the course can return to its former glory. Rooting for the Loadstone Team - you got this!
Derek Finney
Not even 2-3 years ago this course was a gem. Fantastic course design and they maintained it very well, making it a very fun and challenging round of golf. I played it this weekend and the course is absolutely torn up and so far out of maintenance it’s hard to fathom. Not sure if ownership changed or what but the course was completely overgrown, unkept, etc. The greens were the only glimmer of hope but even they were rolling extremely slow. Course design is the only reason I’m adding 2 stars for this review because the layout is very good.
Max VanMeter
Aesthetically and layout wise, one of my favorite courses I’ve played. Conditions are TOUGH, though. New superintendent and it seems as though they are trending in the right direction (much better shape than a year ago), but still a good deal of work to be done. Fairways are BEAT UP on a good deal of the holes, drainage is a major issue, bunkers are bare, and the tee boxes are still a work in progress (many without grass/limited coverage). Greens in better shape than a year ago, on the plus side! Vacation here each year and I will continue to play at least one round in hopes that the course can return to its former glory. Rooting for the Loadstone Team - you got this!
William Brinegar
1 star would be 1 too many for the experience. Played June 7,2025 Wisp website claims tee boxes and greens were aerated first week in May, cannot tell. Website claims all bunkers were to be re faced before they opened for play in 2025. Did not happen. Hour and 20 minutes to play 3 holes on the back 9 as they sent groups off of 10 around groups making the turn. Course has severe drainage problems and money is clearly not being put back in course maintenance as stated. $109 plus convenience fee to book online and course is no better than a local muni yet claims and charges to be a premiere course.
Travis Blake
Memorial Day weekend, there are more maintenance crew on the course than there are golfers. Sanded fairways, sand prints on greens, 4 inch rough, 0% chance to play the ball down. Internet said it was one of Maryland’s top public courses. Publicly, I won’t be coming back without a detailed phone call asking about course conditions. There’s public course and there’s under repair. This course is under repair. Made a trip on my vacation to play in the sandy fairways when I could’ve been gone fishin instead. Give it a few months and I’m sure it would be a fine track. Course should be closed with the amount of maintenance that was underway today. 78* 05/26/25
Derek Finney
Not even 2-3 years ago this course was a gem. Fantastic course design and they maintained it very well, making it a very fun and challenging round of golf. I played it this weekend and the course is absolutely torn up and so far out of maintenance it’s hard to fathom. Not sure if ownership changed or what but the course was completely overgrown, unkept, etc. The greens were the only glimmer of hope but even they were rolling extremely slow. Course design is the only reason I’m adding 2 stars for this review because the layout is very good.
roman kretzer
No grass on tee boxes. No yard markers. Anything around the bunkers was 3 foot tall. Fairways looked like something was eating them. The manager was three hours late. Definitely not worth 95$ for 18
Nick Thomas
Max was so helpful. I made a mistake on my dates. He was more than helpful on allowing me to reschedule and putting the original credits toward new tee time. Ive been golfing for 20 years and i would 100% recommend this course. Great customer service. Ty
William Brinegar
1 star would be 1 too many for the experience. Played June 7,2025 Wisp website claims tee boxes and greens were aerated first week in May, cannot tell. Website claims all bunkers were to be re faced before they opened for play in 2025. Did not happen. Hour and 20 minutes to play 3 holes on the back 9 as they sent groups off of 10 around groups making the turn. Course has severe drainage problems and money is clearly not being put back in course maintenance as stated. $109 plus convenience fee to book online and course is no better than a local muni yet claims and charges to be a premiere course.
Brett Bowen
Course is in terrible condition for the price you pay. Also, aside from the lady running the snack bar, the course employees are ignorant.
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Course Details
Access & Location
Lodestone Golf Course, Club House Drive, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
Main clubhouse offering dining and pro shop services
Walking is permitted but footing can be uneven; appropriate footwear recommended due to natural terrain
Tee times available to the public; booking recommended, especially on weekends
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