Whiskey Creek Golf Club
Ijamsville, Maryland
A J. Michael Poellot design in Frederick County, Whiskey Creek is consistently rated the best public course in Maryland. The layout rolls through piedmont terrain with scenic views of the Catoctin Mountains, strategic bunkering, and bentgrass fairways in impeccable condition.
History & Heritage
Whiskey Creek opened in 2000, designed by J. Michael Poellot with two-time U.S. Open champion Ernie Els as design consultant — one of Els\'s first ventures into course design. Located near Frederick, MD at the end of a mile-long drive through forest and field.
The property features ponds, wetland areas, rocky outcrops, meadows, and pine forest, bordered by a high ridge of hardwoods with panoramic views of the Catoctin and Blue Ridge Mountains. Widely considered the best public course in Maryland.
Signature Holes
The tee shot from the highest point on the course offers panoramic 30-mile views of the Catoctin and Blue Ridge Mountains. A demanding par 4 despite moderate length due to elevation and wind exposure.
The iconic closer features old stone house ruins sitting in the middle of the fairway — a truly remarkable and unique finishing hole that demands strategy around the historic ruins while providing an unforgettable visual.
What to Expect
A par-72 through dramatically varied terrain where every hole demands a different type of shot. Elevation changes are the primary challenge. The setting feels private and secluded despite being fully public.
The stone ruins on the 18th are original to the property and were incorporated into the design rather than removed — one of the most unique finishing holes in American public golf.
Managed by KemperSports at $55-100.
Playing Tips
Elevation changes are extreme. Factor significant yardage adjustments, especially on downhill tee shots.
This is a thinker\'s course — club selection and shot shape matter more than raw distance.
The course plays harder than the scorecard suggests. Take one more club than you think on approach shots.
Conditions are typically excellent — trust your yardages once elevation is factored in.
Highlights
- ✓ Top-rated public course in Maryland
- ✓ Catoctin Mountain views
- ✓ Bentgrass fairways with impeccable conditioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really the best public course in Maryland?
What are the ruins on 18?
Who co-designed it with Poellot?
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