Bulle Rock Golf Club-Havre de Grace, MD

Bulle Rock Golf Club is frequently listed as the best public golf course in Maryland. To be clear, it is really nice. It is also a Pete Dye course, so it is really, really hard. Unless your handicap is under 5, you probably just shouldn’t keep score. If you actually want to have fun and enjoy your round, that is.

Opened in 1998, the course was the first of two planned courses to be designed by Dye. Due to economic conditions, the second course never opened- which accounts for the seemingly odd placement of the practice range. The original owner also anticipated a resort hotel to be built on site- not the residential units that now line some of the holes (the hotel also didn’t happen). I agree with his philosophy that houses along a course detract from the game- especially mass produced units- but that is now the reality at Bulle Rock.

Constructed on a former horse farm, the course is named after America’s first thoroughbred racehorse. It takes full advantage of the property’s geography, so expect grassy ravines and undulating fairways. Flat lies are exceedingly rare here- so do your best to find them. Be forewarned- you should also bring extra balls. 

That said, it IS a beautiful course, which everyone should play at least once. Unfortunately, it’s in a bit of a no man’s land- with very few non-chain hotel options in the immediate area. That, paired with the the lack of other close course options, will limit most trips to a weekend. For those craving a dose of Dye in that (general) area, I would recommend his last project, The Links at Perry Cabin, a private course you can play by staying at the lovely Inn at Perry Cabin.