It’s in the little nuances that Worthington Manor gets its charm.
From the way the 18-hole championship layout nestles itself into the rolling hills of the Frederick County countryside to the authentic feel of the refurbished 19th century clubhouse and rustic cart barn, there’s a natural beauty to the property.
For a club celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the old-school touches go a long way.
“We will get first-time players come into the pro shop and comment about the house and I’ll tell them, well you should see what’s in the backyard — an unbelievable championship golf course,” said head golf professional Ed Coyle, who has been on staff since the course opened in 1998. “But it really does have a homey feel and that atmosphere is what I think really sets it apart.
“We pride ourselves on this being a home to great golf.”
Worthington Manor’s par 72 course can stretch to play over 7,000 yards from the back tees and has garnered dozens of accolades and hosted nearly as many United States Golf Association qualifying events over the last two decades. Next year, the facility will host its 10th US Open qualifier and will also serve as the site for the Maryland Open for the first time.
It’s a tournament line-up showcasing that the course layout and conditions have been and continue to be some of the best in the region.
“The thing that I think speaks volumes is that over the years, leading up to these tournaments, they have never really asked us to do anything to change or alter the course. It’s a testament to the superintendents that we’ve had here over the years that whether it be for a major qualifier or just your typical general public play, the quality of the course and the challenges it provides have remained the same,” Coyle said.
Smooth greens and lush fairways have a lot to do with regular appearances on lists like “Best Courses You Can Play in Maryland” according to Golfweek Magazine and a recent distinction as one of the “Top 25 Course Conditions in the United States” according to Golf Advisor. But the holes themselves have enough character to making a lasting impression as well.
In fact, the first three holes — all par 4s with dog legs, elevation changes, unique greens and trouble left — set a great tone for what is to come. Golfers come to find pretty quickly that the natural rolling farmland on which the course sits offers very few flat areas.
“The opening three holes are as demanding as anything on this golf course, ending with the third which is [basically] a par four and a half. But I think it really showcases the course well,” Coyle said. “A lot of courses will let you ease into your round, but not out here.”
The par 3 sixth, surrounded by a large pond, is the signature hole. And the finishing stretch is memorable as well, with the 17th and 18th holes navigating through one of the few wooded areas on the property.
As an added bonus, the general public will have plenty of opportunities to play the course this summer at discounted rates. As part of the 20th anniversary festivities, a promotion is running through the end of August where one person in a foursome can get $20 off their round of golf during certain time frames (See full promotion details HERE).
Also, the course is a participant in the newly instituted Youth on Course program, which affords junior golfers that register for a membership online the opportunity to play for $5 daily after 5 p.m.
But the allure of Worthington Manor goes beyond the golf itself. The foundation of the clubhouse is the original Worthington home built in 1848 and the pro shop sits where the old living room was. The rustic barn out back, built in 1877, holds the carts and maintenance vehicles.
There are several additional original structures still in place as well next to the driving range and putting green.
There are also updated features, though, including the Bar 19 area that opened in April and overlooks the back deck and golf course. The expansive bar features plenty of seating and three large televisions, the middle of which streams a live feed of the green on the 18th hole.
To go along with an indoor seating area that can still accommodate up to 150 guests — ideal for outings — the newest addition has been well received thus far.
“For our daily players, it’s been wonderful and really encouraged them to stick around a little bit longer after their round. It’s truly a great setting that really fits the space,” President and Owner Robert Sturges said.
There have been additional subtle changes over the years, including some renovated and reshaped bunkers. Coyle and Sturges said that a few more may get touched up in the coming years.
But as for major changes or additions on the horizon, the general consensus is that the facility has been managed and maintained so well that not much else is needed.
“It speaks to the original design and it’s use of the land that after 20 years now, not much has changed or really needs to be changed,” Coyle said.
Address: 8329 Fingerboard Rd, Urbana, MD 21704
Phone: 301-874-5400
Website: https://www.worthingtonmanor.com/
Miles from downtown Baltimore: 51
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WORTHINGTONMANORGOLF/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorthingtonGolf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worthingtonmanor/
Driving Range: Yes (22 stations for both mats and grass; grass tees open Thursday thru Sunday weather permitting from April to October; range included with greens fees)
Putting Green: Yes (large green behind clubhouse)
Chipping Green: Yes (Below putting green, next to cart barn with balls provided)
In-season weekday morning round 18 holes with cart and range: $65
In-season weekend morning round 18 holes with cart and range: $85
Membership opportunities: https://www.worthingtonmanor.com/golf-membership-frederick-md
Locker room: Yes (Upstairs, 40 lockers, one shower with towels provided)
Best Par 3: 6th hole
Regarded as the signature hole on the course, this par 3 has a little of everything — large bunkers, an undulating green and a huge lake wrapping around the putting surface. With the water particularly in play on the left side, players will often bail out right and leave themselves with either a long putt or a tricky chip.
Best Par 4: 3rd hole
This may also be the hardest hole on the course, playing over 400 yards from three of the four tees and stretching even further for players who favor the right side to avoid the environmental area down the left. It’s a large landing area, but the way the fairway snakes it’s way off to the right makes it look smaller than it actually is. The green is elevated and features plenty of undulation, making this a true test from start to finish.
Best Par 5: 18th hole
On a course that is generally wide open, this tee shot is incredibly tight as it comes out through a chute of trees toward a large fairway moving toward the left. After the drive, players are faced with a split fairway guarded by some large bunkers down the right side and in front of the green. And for a little extra pressure, the green is featured on a live feed on a large television in the newly renovated bar area so everyone can watch the finishing hole.
Overview: It’s rare to find a golf club that is only a couple decades old, yet feels as if it’s been a part of the land for closer to a century. But Worthington Manor, with its refurbished buildings, sloping fairways and multiple vantage points overlooking the property, is a course made for the ground upon which it sits. The golf itself is difficult, particularly in those 100 yards closest to each of the putting surfaces — with uneven lies, strategically placed hazards and fast greens. But it’s also a fair test, which explains why the USGA keeps coming back to have the facility help decide which of the area’s best players will get to play on the game’s biggest stage.
