Golf Course Review: PB Dye Golf Club, Ijamsville, Maryland

 PB Dye Golf Club

Ijamsville, Maryland

February 5, 2023

OVERVIEW

FACILITY TYPE: Semi-Private

YEAR OPENED: 1999

ARCHITECT: PB Dye

PAR: 72

LENGTH: 5,030 - 7,056

USGA RATING: 64.7 - 74.6

USGA SLOPE: 122 - 143

TEE OPTIONS: 5

WEBSITE: www.pbdyegolf.com

PHONE: (301) 607-4653

 

Part of what I’ve dubbed  The Frederick Five, PB Dye Golf Club is perhaps my favorite public golf course in the state of Maryland. And while I still have many courses I still need to play, every time I return to PB Dye, I’m reminded why I love it so much.

When I talk to others in the area about PB Dye, I often get a mixed response. It has the reputation of being a “hard” course, with greens that are “unfair” and while I’m not going to call is an “easy” course, I think it’s more accessible than most people give it credit for and choosing the correct tees to play from will undoubtedly make or break your round.

Something you should know about me is that I LOVE sloped and undulating greens, and PB Dye has just that. Each green contains slopes and little pockets that place a premium on shot placement and creativity when you inevitably miss the green. There are plenty of ridges and backstops to spin balls off and contours to funnel your ball close. It keeps the game fun and keeps me on my toes.

The fairways are generous though you’re not likely able to see your tee shot land. That’s because many of the holes have a blind, or semi-blind tee shot including holes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, and 18. The key is utilizing the GPS in the golf cars or your favorite app to pick a line and commit. Your first time or two playing the course may be a little intimidating but once you know what’s out there, there’s more room than you think and the fairways are quite generous. Where people get into trouble is trying to over power the course so play to the number and commit.

COURSE CONDITIONS RATINGS

FAIRWAYS: 3.5

GREENS: 3.5

BUNKERS: 3.5

SCENERY: 4

LAYOUT: 4.25

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OVERALL: 3.75

I was quite impressed with how good the course was, especially for the first week of February. Maryland has had some cold weather over the last for weeks but when you get a day in the 50s, you take advantage and go play. The greens, while slightly bumpy, still rolled fairly true and fairly fast. They were quite receptive and well struck shots had no problems spinning and stopping. 

The fairways, while slightly shaggy were what I expected given the time of year and the fact that grass simply isn’t growing. And while I’m happy to say I played a whole round without hitting a bunker, I did poke my head into a few to check out the conditions and found them slightly firm but nothing unexpected during winter.

Over the years, the course has evolved and the layout changed to make it more fun and more fair to golfers of all abilities. Ponds and bunkers have been moved or removed altogether. Landing areas and collection areas have been expanded, giving golfers a better opportunity to save par, and the introduction of GPS in the golf cars and the ability to stream music via Bluetooth makes the game more fun and accessible.

ACCESSIBILITY

COURSE DIFFICULTY: 4

WALKABILITY: 3

The course was cart path only and I was told it was going to remain cart path only for the remainder of the winter season, regardless of weather conditions. This is in an effort to preserve the turf and create consistent playing conditions not only now, but throughout the season as well, giving the grass an opportunity to remain healthy despite the cold weather that’s been attacking it.

While I haven’t yet walked the entire course, I have walked a good amount of it and find as long as you’re hitting the ball well, it’s an easy walk with short distances between holes and only a few hills to navigate. If you’re crooked off the tee however, you may have your work cut out for you as most of the holes pitch up and over or around slopes and contours.

There are a number of forced carries off the tee, moderate to long par 3’s (especially from the back tees) and tall grasses to navigate. There isn’t a lot of water on the course but the water that is present tends to present a challenge such as on the signature par 3 number 11 which is a downhill peninsula green surrounded by water on 3 sides and a large hill with a deep bunker embedded into it on the right side. Take into consideration the wind and elevation, choose a club, and commit.

AMENITIES

GOLF SHOP: 3.5

PRACTICE FACILITIES: 4

COMFORT STATIONS: 2

FOOD & BEV: 3

PB Dye Golf Club has everything you’d want out of an upscale daily fee golf course other than restrooms on the course. While they do have water coolers every few holes, there are no restrooms other than at the turn so be sure to take advantage while you can.

The golf shop is usually well stocked and has anything you might need before a round. The practice facilities are sufficient and include a driving range, practice green, short game area, and learning academy. The practice areas open to the public are more than sufficient to get you prepped before a round and the learning center has even better amenities for those looking to take a more comprehensive look at their game with one of the clubs professional coaching staff.

While I didn’t grab any food this most recent round, you can usually count me in for a hot dog or breakfast sandwich. 

SUMMARY

Great land makes for great golf courses. Add to that one of the most respected names in golf course architecture and you know you’ll be in for a special round. The rolling hills, forced carries, unique green complexes, thoughtful layout, and consistent conditions make for one of the best golfing experiences in the state and one of my absolute favorites to play.

Located just outside Frederick, Maryland, the course is accessible to players from all over Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. If you haven’t been there yet, add PB Dye to your list this year and experience one of the most unique courses in the Mid-Atlantic.

MOVE BETTER - PLAY BETTER

COACH BLAINE ⛳🏌️‍♂️

For more, visit www.TourShotGolf.com