If you are a Frederick, MD, resident golfer, you’ve likely played Clustered Spires Golf Course. In fact, many Frederick residents consider Clustered Spires Golf Club their ‘home’ course.
Clustered Spires is a public course owned and operated by The City of Frederick, and has 18 beautifully laid out holes on land previously used as a dairy farm. Read on for our detailed review.
Have you played Clustered Spires? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.
Contents
Clustered Spires Golf Course Review: Rankings
Let’s look at some rankings that include Clustered Spires Golf Club.
- No. 1 in Frederick. FrederickMagazine ‘Best of Frederick 2023
- No. 17 Public Course in Maryland. GolfPass 2023
- Best Golf Courses Near Frederick. Golf Digest 2023
Clustered Spires is a public golf course that is unlikely to be included on many national ‘top 100’ lists. I would not consider it a ‘destination’ golf course, or even one of my top golf courses in the Frederick area.
But it’s a solid and enjoyable course, and it’s been a part of the fabric of the Frederick community since 1991. Plus being less than two miles from downtown Frederick, it really is the ‘home course’ of Frederick.
Clustered Spires Golf Course Basics
- Location: 8415 Gas House Pike, Frederick, MD 21701
- Distance From Frederick: ~2 miles from downtown, 8 minutes
- Designer: Audt, Clark & Associates
- Rates/Pricing: see below
- Course Statistics:
- White (Par 18 Length 6203 Men’s Rating 69.1/125 Women’s Rating 75.1/133)
- Red (Par 18 Length 5230 Women’s Rating 69.7/122)
- Walkable?: Yes, very!
- Tee Times: 1 week in advance, link
Clustered Spires Golf Rates (Green Fees)
Like most golf courses, Clustered Spires green fees vary based on season, day of week, and time and are subject to change. But in general, this is a very reasonable place to play golf. I like that there are separate rates for 9 holes vs. 18 holes and walking vs. riding. (These days, it’s very common not to discount either.)
You can generally play Clustered Spires for less than $80 on the weekend. During the week, you can play for under $60. A 9-hole walking round during the week (very typical for me when I need a break from working) will only set you back $39!
Juniors, Seniors, and military all receive discounts, and there’s a twilight rate after 4 pm ($45).
Characteristics of Clustered Spires Golf Course
Playing Clustered Spires feels like taking a walk around Frederick County. The course has a rolling hills feel, and several holes have slightly elevated tees that look out over hilly fairways.
I personally enjoy the back nine more than the front, and find the back nine more challenging, especially the two par 5s (#10 and #15). The finishing 18th hole is beautiful and tough.
The course was built on land previously used for farming and backs up to lots of wooded areas. Don’t be surprised if you see wildlife, anything from deer to turtles to foxes. In fact, the course is a certified ‘Audubon’ golf course
The Best Holes at Clustered Spires
Some of the notable holes at Clustered Spires:
Hole 6. This par 4 has a hidden pond on left (which I learned the hard way the first time playing). Green is hard to hit.
Hole 8. Very narrow fairway makes for a tough tee shot, and one of the more difficult greens.
Hole 9. It’s an elevated tee shot with a nice view. Don’t draw it left, there’s a stream. I birdied this hole the first time playing it.
Hole 10. Long par 5 with a notable barn. Handicap #1 hole.
Hole 18. Very difficult and long par 4. The approach shot is a bear.
What Else You Need to Know About Clustered Spires Golf Course
If you live in Frederick or are visiting in town for any reason, Clustered Spires is a solid, laid-back, nearby place to get a round in that won’t break the bank. Its beautifully laid out and has enough character to make a memorable round.
The clubhouse at Clustered Spires is fine and has decent snacks, food, and beverages. But after a round here, given the proximity to downtown Frederick, I’d recommend heading there for your after-golf drink and meal.
Refer to our list of restaurants in downtown Frederick for lots of options!
