One of the most interesting golf courses around Frederick is just 20 minutes southeast of downtown. The PB Dye Golf Course in Ijamsville, Maryland, lies in a beautiful setting and provides creative holes that will challenge even low handicappers.
PB Dye has been rated both one of the best and one of the hardest golf courses in Maryland. Designed by famed architect P.B. Dye and opened in 1999, this is a must-visit course for golfers in the Frederick area.
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PB Dye Golf Course: Rankings
Here are some of the ranking for the PB Dye Golf Course in Ijamsville, MD:
- No. 5 Golf Course in Maryland. GolfPass 2023
- Best Golf Courses Near Frederick. Golf Digest 2023
- No. 26 Toughest Courses in America. Golf Digest 2007
PB Dye Golf Course Statistics and Rates
The PB Dye Golf Course ratings, at a glance, do not look overly challenging. But this is deceiving as this course can be very difficult.
The course features many features that can make your round interesting: pot bunkers, undulated greens, multi-level tees, and severe changes in elevation. But this is also what makes it fun.
PB Dye greens fees aren’t rock bottom but reasonable. You’ll get a very satisfying golf experience for your money.
The rates are not published on their website, but generally, you’ll pay $119 on the weekends ($94 after 3 PM) and $89 during the week ($74 after 3 PM). This is an 18-hole rate and includes a cart.
(Pricing is likely fluctuates throughout the year; check the PB Dye Golf Tee Times link for more details.)
Playing a Round at PB Dye Golf Course
Playing a round at PB Dye is a completely different experience than the other Frederick area golf courses. The setting, the landscape, and the creativity of the holes give PB Dye a different vibe.
When scanning the golf course from the first tee, it feels like an open course. But this is deceiving, as the drives and especially the approach shots on many holes require a high degree of accuracy and can harshly punish a miss.
One factor that makes PB Dye unique is the grass. This is the only course in Maryland that uses Penn G-2 bent grass, the same grass used at Pinehurst No. 2.
This grass, combined with the seclusion and rolling nature of the fairways and elevated greens, makes PB Dye feel like you’re really not in Maryland.
I’ve walked 18 holes at PB Dye before, and besides being exhausting (lots of ups and downs!), it’s one of my favorite courses to walk anywhere.
Some of the Most Creative Holes at PB Dye
Here are some of the most creative, memorable, (and difficult!) holes at PB Dye:
(Note, PB Dye in 2023 reversed its front and back nines.)
Hole 2. A signature par 3 from a very elevated green. Your knees will knock trying to hit this target green next to a pond. The walk to the green is across an old bridge.
Hole 6. Handicap No. 1 hole, with a cross-shot drive. If your drive is not straight, you will pay for it.
Hole 9. The approach shot is to the beautiful green under the clubhouse, guarded by a small pond.
Hole 11. Interesting par 3 to a green with landscape timbers all around it. If you hit one, your ball will ricochet into nowhere.
Hole 18. Gorgeous finishing hole, but hard! Blind tee shot, feels like a par 5, very long second shot to the green under the clubhouse.
What Else You Need to Know About PB Dye Golf Course
- PB Dye has great new electric carts with GPS systems built in, which are top-notch!
- The practice area is above average, with a natural grass driving range
- Decent bar and restaurant with sandwiches and drinks post-round (PB Dye Restaurant Menu)
- PB Dye has several levels of membership if you live close by and play often
- The terraced patio in front of the clubhouse is a perfect for a drink or meal after your round. And to count up your double-bogeys 🙁
