Worthington Manor

Worthington Manor Golf Club is a public-access facility located near Frederick, Maryland, the point on the map that triangulates the state population centers of Baltimore and Washington D.C. Brian Ault and Tom Clark combined to create a modern 18 that crosses the rolling property, featuring a combination of large bunkers and occasional wetland carries.

The property is neatly divided down the middle by the north branch of Bennett Creek, separating the front nine on the west from the back nine on the east; the stream only comes into play during the No. 9 hole, where it will require a forced carry from players who aim to reach the par five’s green in two. The closer offers two fairways that run almost the length of the course; the left is easier to land off the tee, but will lead to a large bunker carry on the way to the green.

The land is almost entirely dedicated to golf, although players may spot a rare home at the far corner of the property, as part of an unrelated development. Stretching just pat 7,000 yards from the back tees, Worthington manor has frequently served as a U.S. Open qualifying site since its inception during 1998.