Penderbrook Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course belong in a comparison of public golf options in Northern Virginia. Penderbrook offers an 18-hole, par-71 course in Fairfax; Twin Lakes offers two 18-hole courses in Clifton. The right choice depends on your location, preferred layout, practice routine and available tee-time price.
Last reviewed: October 4, 2026. Rates and policies may change.
Penderbrook Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course are both public golf options in Fairfax County, but they offer very different golf days.
Penderbrook is an 18-hole, par-71 course in Fairfax. Twin Lakes is a 36-hole Fairfax County Park Authority facility in Clifton with two separate 18-hole courses, the Oaks and the Lakes.
If you are deciding between them, the most useful question is not which one is “better.” It is which facility matches the type of round you want.
| Comparison | Penderbrook Golf Club | Twin Lakes Golf Course |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Fairfax | Clifton |
| Public access | Yes | Yes |
| Holes | 18 | 36 total: two 18-hole courses |
| Par | 71 | Oaks 71; Lakes 72 |
| Course emphasis | Accuracy, water, bunkers, positioning | Oaks emphasizes accuracy; Lakes is longer and more forgiving |
| Driving range | No | Yes |
| Short-game / putting practice | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Dynamic online pricing | Dynamic; Fairfax County publishes maximum fees |
| 2026 published benchmark | Check live tee times | Max $71 greens fee + $21 18-hole cart |
| Food on site | Mulligans Pub on the Green | Twin Lakes Grill |
Course style
Penderbrook
Penderbrook was designed by Ed Ault and places a premium on accuracy and club selection. Seven holes bring water into play, and the course has more than 60 bunkers. The terrain rolls through the Penderbrook community, and the course’s current information emphasizes smart shot selection over simply hitting the ball as far as possible.
Golfers who enjoy working the ball into position and thinking their way around hazards may find that style appealing.
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes gives golfers two different choices.
The Oaks Course is a par 71 measuring 6,715 yards from the back tees. Fairfax County describes nearly every hole as tree-lined and says accuracy is the primary goal from the tee.
The Lakes Course is a par 72 measuring 6,695 yards from the back tees. The county describes it as a longer course that is more forgiving than the Oaks.
For golfers who like variety or want the option to play two different courses at the same facility, Twin Lakes has the obvious structural advantage.
Practice facilities
This is one of the clearest differences.
Penderbrook does not have a driving range. It has a warm-up net near the 18th tee and a chipping and putting green behind the clubhouse.
Twin Lakes has a driving range and practice area, with published bucket pricing. If your normal golf routine includes 30 or 40 full swings before the first tee, Twin Lakes may fit that routine more naturally.
If you prefer to arrive, putt, chip and play, Penderbrook’s more compact pre-round setup may be sufficient.
Pricing
Penderbrook uses dynamic online pricing. Rates can change by day, time, season, demand and availability, so the best comparison is a live tee time search.
Fairfax County’s 2026 fee schedule lists a maximum 18-hole greens fee of $71 at Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes lists an 18-hole power cart at $21. Because actual rates can vary, golfers should still check the booking system before making a decision.
Penderbrook also offers a 2026 Players Club for repeat golfers. The $110 program includes one free round, savings of up to $20 on eligible rounds, every 10th round free during March through October, and weekday rates on Fridays.
Location and convenience
Penderbrook is located in Fairfax at 3700 Golf Trail Lane. Twin Lakes is located at 6201 Union Mill Road in Clifton.
For golfers starting in Fairfax or Fair Oaks, Penderbrook may be the more convenient choice simply because it is in Fairfax. For golfers closer to Clifton, Centreville or the southern side of Fairfax County, Twin Lakes may be equally or more convenient.
Food and clubhouse experience
Penderbrook has Mulligans Pub on the Green in the clubhouse. Twin Lakes has the Twin Lakes Grill and a larger clubhouse built to serve a 36-hole facility.
Which should you play?
Choose based on what matters most for that round.
Penderbrook may fit better when:
- you want to play in Fairfax itself;
- you like an accuracy-first course with water and bunkers;
- you do not need a full driving range before the round;
- you are comparing dynamic tee-time pricing;
- you play often enough to use the Players Club.
Twin Lakes may fit better when:
- you want two different 18-hole choices;
- you want a full driving range;
- you prefer a longer course option;
- you want a Fairfax County facility with published maximum fee benchmarks.
Neither comparison requires declaring a winner. They are different public golf products serving different priorities.
FAQ
Are Penderbrook and Twin Lakes both public?
Yes. Both facilities are open to public play.
Which one has a driving range?
Twin Lakes has a driving range. Penderbrook does not; Penderbrook has a warm-up net plus putting and chipping areas.
Which course is in Fairfax?
Penderbrook is in Fairfax. Twin Lakes is in Clifton.
Which one has more holes?
Twin Lakes has 36 holes across the Oaks and Lakes courses. Penderbrook has 18 holes.
Want to Play Penderbrook?
Compare current Penderbrook tee times and pricing online.
Two different Northern Virginia golf experiences
For a Northern Virginia public-golf shortlist, include Penderbrook when you want a Fairfax location and an accuracy-focused round with water and bunkers. Include Twin Lakes when two course choices and a driving range are priorities. Neither course wins every category, and a useful comparison should make those tradeoffs clear.
Plan Your Round at Penderbrook
Current Penderbrook golf rates · Course information and policies · Official scorecard · 2026 Players Club · Annual memberships
Rate Sources
Fairfax County 2026 fee schedule · Pleasant Valley rates · Westfields seasonal rates · Herndon Centennial rates
2026 Players Club timing: Membership expires December 31, 2026. The every-10th-round-free benefit applies March–October 2026 only. Consider the remaining season before purchasing.
Explore our guide to public golf courses near Fairfax.