Maryland offers a fantastic range of public golf courses that deliver both challenging play and stunning scenery.
Here are five of the best public courses: Bulle Rock, Links at Perry Cabin, Worthington Manor, Whiskey Creek, and Musket Ridge—all known for their unique designs and memorable layouts.
Keep reading for a detailed look at what makes each course worth visiting.
Bulle Rock Golf Course
Bulle Rock Golf Course, located in Havre de Grace, MD, stands out as Maryland’s premier public golf destination.
Established in 1998, this course blends scenic beauty with expert design, making it a top choice for golfers seeking a challenging yet enjoyable round.
Location and Brief History
Nestled in Havre de Grace along Maryland’s scenic Chesapeake Bay, Bulle Rock was designed and opened to the public in 1998.
From the start, it was crafted to bring a championship-level golf experience to players without the exclusivity of a private course.
Its accessibility paired with elite-level design has made Bulle Rock a well-loved choice for golfers from Maryland and beyond.
Designer Spotlight – Pete Dye
Bulle Rock’s designer, Pete Dye, is a legendary name in golf course architecture, known for creating some of the most challenging and visually distinct courses in the world.
His signature style often includes dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and intricate greens.
Dye’s design at Bulle Rock reflects his philosophy of making players think critically about each shot.
He integrates natural landscapes seamlessly into his layouts, making Bulle Rock both demanding and rewarding for golfers of all levels.
Key Course Features
Bulle Rock boasts several features that set it apart, providing an unforgettable experience for golfers:
- Championship Pedigree: This course is built to championship standards, having hosted the LPGA Championship from 2005 to 2009. This prestigious history is a testament to its high-quality layout and conditioning, giving players the chance to test their skills on a course that meets professional standards.
- Course Layout: The terrain at Bulle Rock is both picturesque and challenging. Its rolling fairways and undulating greens are surrounded by mature trees and natural water features, adding layers of complexity to the game. The strategic bunkers force golfers to carefully consider shot placement, while the fairways provide just enough space to reward accuracy. The layout includes long par fours, reachable par fives, and a range of hole designs that keep players engaged throughout their round.
Why Golfers Love It
Bulle Rock is widely celebrated as Maryland’s top public golf course, and for good reason.
It offers a rare combination of accessibility and championship-level quality, making it a bucket-list course for many players.
Golfers are drawn to its challenging yet fair layout, which pushes them to improve their game.
The course’s high standards of maintenance and conditioning make each visit a first-rate experience.
Golfers who enjoy strategic play and a variety of hole types will find Bulle Rock an exciting and rewarding course that brings them back again and again.
Links at Perry Cabin
The Links at Perry Cabin in Saint Michaels, MD, is a standout golf destination that combines history, beauty, and the legendary touch of designer Pete Dye.
Established in 2018, this course is both the newest and the final masterpiece from Dye, offering a distinct and memorable golfing experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Location and Brief History
Located in the charming waterfront town of Saint Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Links at Perry Cabin offers a unique blend of coastal scenery and carefully crafted holes.
Opened to the public in 2018, this course has quickly gained a reputation as one of Maryland’s top public courses.
Its serene, scenic surroundings make it feel like a private getaway while remaining accessible to all golfers.
Designer Spotlight – Pete Dye’s Final Design
The Links at Perry Cabin holds a special place in golf history as the final course designed by the legendary Pete Dye.
Known for his challenging, visually captivating designs, Dye brought his career to a close with this exceptional layout, blending the signature elements he perfected over decades.
The course’s design emphasizes strategic thinking and varied shot-making, with Dye’s classic features like sharp bunkering, contoured greens, and risk-reward elements that require players to bring their best.
Unique Course Characteristics
The Links at Perry Cabin presents a thoughtful combination of parkland and links-style holes, delivering a fresh experience for golfers who appreciate variety:
- Blend of Parkland and Links-Style Holes: Dye's layout combines the lush, tree-lined aspects of a parkland course with the open, windy conditions often associated with links courses. This hybrid approach keeps each hole fresh and challenging, requiring a mix of power, precision, and adaptability. Water hazards and Dye’s signature bunkers strategically guard many of the holes, demanding smart shot planning and accuracy from tee to green.
- Eastern Shore Scenery: Set against the natural beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the course weaves through wetlands, woodlands, and open areas that reveal scenic views and abundant wildlife. The coastal atmosphere adds an extra layer of tranquility, allowing golfers to enjoy the game while being immersed in nature.
Why Golfers Love It
Golfers are drawn to the Links at Perry Cabin for its unique blend of design and scenery.
As Pete Dye’s last creation, the course feels like a tribute to his legacy, filled with strategic elements that challenge golfers while offering a picturesque, memorable experience.
The balanced design caters to players who enjoy both the scenic relaxation of a waterfront course and the strategic depth that Dye’s work is famous for.
The Links at Perry Cabin is a destination that delivers both a satisfying game and an unforgettable experience on every round.
Worthington Manor Golf Club
Worthington Manor Golf Club, situated in Urbana, MD, has earned a stellar reputation since its opening in 1998.
This course is widely known for its challenging layout and pristine conditions, drawing golfers who enjoy competitive play and a true test of skill.
Location and Brief History
Located just outside of Frederick, MD, Worthington Manor brings championship-level golf to the heart of Maryland.
Open to the public since 1998, the course quickly gained recognition as one of the region’s premier golf destinations, attracting both locals and visitors with its thoughtfully designed and challenging layout.
Designer Spotlight – Ault, Clark & Associates
Worthington Manor was designed by the highly regarded firm Ault, Clark & Associates, known for creating layouts that are both challenging and accessible.
The firm’s philosophy balances playability with strategy, making courses that can be enjoyed by a wide range of golfers while still pushing them to refine their skills.
At Worthington Manor, the designers incorporated natural rolling terrain and strategically positioned hazards, giving players an exciting and memorable golfing experience.
Key Course Features
Worthington Manor is packed with features that cater to those seeking a top-level round:
- U.S. Open Qualifying Site: As a frequent U.S. Open Qualifying site, Worthington Manor is respected for its difficulty and its ability to challenge even highly skilled golfers. The course’s reputation as a qualifier location speaks to its rigorous standards and the rewarding experience it offers to those who appreciate a competitive edge.
- Course Layout: The layout at Worthington Manor incorporates rolling terrain, which adds both aesthetic appeal and a degree of difficulty to the game. Fast, meticulously maintained greens demand accuracy and thoughtful approach shots, while the course’s varied holes test all aspects of a golfer’s game, from driving to short play. The design balances long, open fairways with tighter, hazard-laden sections that call for precision and smart decision-making, creating a dynamic experience from start to finish.
Why Golfers Love It
Worthington Manor attracts golfers who enjoy a challenge and seek a high-quality course that pushes them to perform their best.
With its combination of fast greens, rolling terrain, and a variety of hole designs, it’s ideal for players looking to sharpen their skills on a course that has hosted competitive qualifiers.
Known for its exceptional conditioning and welcoming atmosphere, Worthington Manor is a must-play for those who appreciate a tough yet rewarding round.
Whiskey Creek Golf Club
Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, MD, has been captivating golfers since it opened in 2000.
Known for its scenic elevation changes and unique historical features, this course provides a memorable round that combines natural beauty with thoughtful design.
Location and Brief History
Located in the picturesque countryside of Ijamsville, Whiskey Creek brings golfers closer to nature with its expansive views and tranquil setting.
Established in 2000, the course quickly became popular for its dramatic landscape and innovative features, making it a must-visit for golfers in Maryland and beyond.
Designer Spotlight – Ernie Els and J. Michael Poellot
Designed by major champion Ernie Els and architect J. Michael Poellot, Whiskey Creek is a testament to Els’ keen sense of strategy and aesthetics.
Els brought a golfer’s perspective to the course, combining open, scenic fairways with carefully placed hazards that challenge even experienced players.
Poellot’s architectural expertise complements Els’ vision, resulting in a layout that merges technical challenges with breathtaking views, creating a course that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to play.
Unique Course Features
Whiskey Creek stands out for its combination of challenging play and memorable aesthetics:
- Scenic Layout with Elevation Changes: The course is set on rolling hills, which offer significant elevation changes from tee to green, adding complexity to shot planning and club selection. These natural rises and dips not only make the game more engaging but also provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the experience for golfers of all skill levels.
- The 18th Hole’s Old Farmhouse Ruins: One of the course’s most iconic features is the 18th hole, which incorporates the ruins of an old stone farmhouse into the design. This historical element gives Whiskey Creek a unique character, blending past and present in a way that’s rare in modern golf. The farmhouse ruins serve as both a visual landmark and a strategic consideration, challenging golfers to navigate around this unexpected obstacle as they finish their round.
Why Golfers Love It
Golfers are drawn to Whiskey Creek for its memorable design and excellent conditioning, making it a top choice for those seeking both beauty and challenge.
The course’s historical charm, highlighted by the 18th hole’s farmhouse ruins, adds a distinctive touch that sets it apart from more conventional layouts.
With its mix of sweeping vistas, strategic elements, and well-maintained greens, Whiskey Creek offers an engaging experience that combines the best of modern and classic golf design.
Musket Ridge Golf Club
Musket Ridge Golf Club in Myersville, MD, is a remarkable course that showcases the beauty of Maryland’s landscape along with an expertly crafted layout.
Established in 2001, this course has become a favorite among golfers who appreciate challenging play in a scenic environment.
Location and Brief History
Located in the town of Myersville, Musket Ridge opened to the public in 2001 and quickly gained recognition for its stunning views and meticulous design.
Surrounded by the rolling hills of western Maryland, the course offers a peaceful escape, making it an ideal destination for golfers looking to enjoy both the game and the area’s natural beauty.
Designer Spotlight – Joe Lee’s Final Course
Musket Ridge is notable as the last course designed by the highly respected architect Joe Lee.
Known for creating layouts that are both accessible and demanding, Lee’s design philosophy emphasized course flow and strategic depth, rewarding thoughtful play over brute force.
Musket Ridge encapsulates these principles, making it a fitting capstone to Lee’s long and successful career in course architecture.
Distinctive Course Attributes
Musket Ridge’s layout features a blend of visual appeal and carefully designed challenges, catering to a variety of golfing skills and preferences:
- Scenic Vistas and Rolling Hills: The course is set against a backdrop of Maryland’s rolling hills and natural wetlands, providing breathtaking views that change with the elevation of each hole. This natural topography enhances the golfing experience by immersing players in the region’s landscape, while the scenic vistas add a unique element of relaxation and enjoyment to each round.
- Strategic Bunkering and Layout: Lee’s design integrates strategically placed bunkers and hazards that demand careful shot planning. The bunkers are situated to encourage golfers to think critically about each shot, requiring accurate placement from tee to green. The layout offers a diverse set of holes, including open fairways that invite longer shots and narrower areas that test precision, allowing players to exercise a range of skills throughout their game.
Why Golfers Love It
Musket Ridge is beloved for its beautiful and thoughtfully challenging layout, appealing to golfers who enjoy both the mental and visual aspects of the game.
The course’s blend of natural scenery and strategic design makes it engaging for golfers of all levels, from beginners looking for a rewarding round to seasoned players seeking a fresh challenge.
The variety in hole design, combined with the spectacular views, ensures that each visit to Musket Ridge is an experience to savor.
Conclusion
Maryland’s public golf courses offer a diverse and memorable experience for golfers of all levels, from championship-level challenges to scenic, strategic layouts.
Each course—Bulle Rock, Links at Perry Cabin, Worthington Manor, Whiskey Creek, and Musket Ridge—brings unique features and stunning landscapes to the game.
Whether you're seeking a competitive edge or a beautiful round, Maryland's top public courses deliver an exceptional golfing experience.
