Bulle Rock Golf Course, designed by the legendary Pete Dye in 1998, stands as a testament to accessible championship golf. Nestled in Havre de Grace, Maryland, this public course boasts a rich history, having hosted the LPGA Championship from 2005 to 2009. Renowned as a premier public golf destination in the region, Bulle Rock consistently garners accolades, solidifying its place among the best. Its accolades include being recognized as the #9 Best Course in Maryland by Golf Digest (2023), #7 Best Course in Maryland by Top100golfcourses.com (2020), and the coveted #1 Best Public Course in Maryland title by Golfweek (2024). For golfers seeking a top-tier experience without the exclusivity of a private club, Bulle Rock Golf delivers an exceptional round steeped in design pedigree and superb course conditions.
Bulle Rock Golf Course: At a Glance
Bulle Rock Golf presents a compelling package for discerning golfers, marked by its meticulous design and commitment to quality. The course conditions are consistently rated highly, ensuring a premium playing surface. Furthermore, the value proposition is undeniable, especially when considering the championship caliber layout crafted by Pete Dye. Below is a quick overview of what Bulle Rock offers:
- Designer: Pete Dye (1998)
- Location: Havre de Grace, Maryland
- Awards:
- #9 Best Course in Maryland – Golf Digest (2023)
- #7 Best Course in Maryland – Top100golfcourses.com (2020)
- #1 Best Public Course in Maryland – Golfweek (2024)
- Conditions: 8/10 (Excellent overall, featuring lush rough, pristine fairways and tee boxes, and fast greens)
- Value: 10/10 (Exceptional value, with peak summer weekend rates at $105 including cart and range balls. Off-peak rates offer even greater affordability, often under $100)
Scorecard:
| Tee | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7375 | 75.6 | 147 |
| Gold | 72 | 6925 | 73.1 | 141 |
| Gold/Blue | 72 | 6687 | 72.0 | 139 |
| Blue | 72 | 6410 | 71.0 | 137 |
| Blue/White | 72 | 6206 | 69.7 | 135 |
| White | 72 | 6055 | 69.2 | 133 |
| Green | 72 | 5507 | 66.0 | 127 |
| Red | 72 | 5320 | 71.7 | 139 |
| Teal | 72 | 4133 | 65.3 | 119 |
A Hole-by-Hole Experience at Bulle Rock Golf
Pete Dye’s design philosophy is renowned for challenging golfers of all skill levels, and Bulle Rock Golf is no exception. What sets Dye apart is the accessibility of many of his top-tier designs to the public, a characteristic deeply appreciated by golf enthusiasts. Bulle Rock has long been on the radar of avid golfers, consistently appearing on Top 100 lists and holding a strong reputation as a leading Maryland public course. Its convenient location, within easy driving distance from major Northeastern cities, further enhances its appeal. After experiencing Bulle Rock firsthand, the course’s merits are undeniable. While it may not possess the dramatic coastal settings of Dye’s famed Whistling Straits, Kiawah Island, or Harbour Town, Bulle Rock embodies the essence of a Dye championship layout. It presents a demanding yet rewarding test of golf, characterized by strategic routing and immaculate playing conditions. The undulating terrain, creating varied lies, and the narrow, strategically defended greens are defining features that demand precision and thoughtful approach play. Given its exceptional value and prestigious history as an LPGA venue, Bulle Rock stands out as arguably the best public golf option near Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. A round at Bulle Rock is highly recommended for any golfer seeking a memorable and challenging experience.
The 1st hole, a 335-yard par 4, offers a gentle opening handshake from Pete Dye. This slight dogleg left features a fairway that slopes from right to left. A prominent bunker guards the right at 225 yards, while two more lurk on the left at 170 and 230 yards. Driver might be too aggressive here, as numerous small bunkers protect the green on both sides. True to Bulle Rock’s character, the green is narrow and predominantly slopes right-to-left. While perhaps the least visually striking hole on the course, par is definitely attainable here – starting your round with a solid score is key.
The par 4 1st hole at Bulle Rock Golf Course showcases Pete Dye's strategic bunker placement and undulating fairway.
The 2nd hole at Bulle Rock is a true signature, a magnificent 555-yard par 5. From an elevated tee, the entire hole unfolds before you, beginning with a dramatic downhill tee shot to a fairway sloping from left to right. Out-of-bounds looms right, adding a visual challenge from the tee. While intimidating, the fairway offers ample room to the left, provided you avoid a left bunker around the 300-yard mark. The second shot presents an intriguing decision. A creek bisects the fairway about 90 yards short of the green. While a sliver of fairway exists beyond the creek, aiming for it seems strategically unsound unless you’re confident in reaching the green in two. The elevated green, sloping back-to-front, is fiercely protected by deep bunkers short and right, with scattered pot bunkers long. Despite being a par 5, the 2nd hole at Bulle Rock offers ample opportunity for both birdie and bogey, demanding strategic play and precise execution.
Bulle Rock Golf's par 5 2nd hole, a visually stunning and strategically challenging hole with an elevated tee and creek hazard.
The 3rd hole is Bulle Rock’s first par 3, and the shortest at 156 yards. Reminiscent of par threes at Dye’s Blackwolf Run, this hole is defined by a large tree overhanging the right side of the green, obstructing a right-to-left shot shape. Greater danger lurks left and long, with a steep drop-off, numerous bunkers, and fescue. The excellent green is narrow and plays with a Redan-esque character, demanding accuracy and precise distance control.
Bulle Rock Golf's par 3 3rd hole, showcasing a challenging green protected by a prominent tree and strategic bunkering.
The 4th hole, a strong par 4 measuring 380 yards, doglegs to the right. The tee box is cleverly concealed within the back right trees, encouraging a power fade off the tee. The entire fairway slopes from left to right and is flanked by imposing bunkers starting around the 225-yard mark. The approach shot plays slightly uphill to a long, narrow green, guarded by bunkers on both sides and a creek to the right. Precision and strategic shot placement are crucial to navigate this demanding par 4 at Bulle Rock Golf.
The par 4 4th hole at Bulle Rock Golf, a sleek dogleg right demanding accuracy and strategic tee shot placement.
At 405 yards, the 5th hole is a formidable par 4, justifiably earning its number 1 handicap. A dogleg left with a severely uphill approach, this hole begins with a short forced carry over a creek to a generous fairway. A large bunker guards the left side of the dogleg around 220 yards. Longer hitters must be wary of a bunker on the opposite side of the dogleg at approximately 270 yards. The approach shot climbs uphill, demanding at least an extra club, towards yet another narrow, right-to-left sloping green, surrounded by numerous small bunkers on either side. Par on this hole at Bulle Rock Golf is a truly excellent score, reflecting its challenging nature.
Bulle Rock Golf's lengthy par 4 5th hole, the course's number one handicap, demanding power and precision.
The 5th green at Bulle Rock Golf, illustrating the typical narrow, undulating putting surface protected by bunkers.
Following the demanding 5th, the 6th hole offers a welcome change of pace, a fun and memorable 387-yard par 4. The tee shot is semi-blind and plays steeply downhill towards a sloping fairway, protected by bunkers down the right. A creek marks the fairway’s end at around 310 yards and must be carried to reach the small, narrow green. This green slopes slightly left-to-right and is defended by a large bunker to the right. The 6th at Bulle Rock Golf is a visually appealing and strategically interesting hole that rewards bold and accurate play.
At 175 yards, the 7th hole is technically Bulle Rock’s longest par 3, although the 12th often plays longer due to wind conditions. This is a well-designed one-shotter, playing slightly uphill to a well-defended green. The green features multiple plateaus and is protected by four bunkers short right and a small pot bunker left. Precise club selection and accuracy are key to navigating the 7th at Bulle Rock Golf.
Bulle Rock Golf's par 3 7th hole, a longer par three with a multi-tiered green defended by strategic bunkering.
The par fives at Bulle Rock are a strong collection, and the 481-yard 8th hole is a standout, a dogleg left beautifully laid out. Playing essentially as a Cape hole, fescue lines the entire left side, demanding careful line selection off the tee. Large bunkers down the left at 250 yards and right at 300 yards mark the dogleg’s start. From there, the fairway slopes slightly uphill and progressively narrows, with thick rough right and bunkers and fescue left. The right-to-left sloping green is guarded by two deep bunkers on the left. The 8th at Bulle Rock Golf is a visually stunning and strategically complex par 5, rewarding thoughtful tee shot placement and precise approach play.
The 9th hole is a dramatic and intriguing dogleg right par 4, measuring 418 yards and ranking as one of the course’s most challenging holes. The tee shot is visually intimidating, with water directly in front and a 170-yard carry to reach the far left portion of the fairway. The ideal line dares to challenge the water, requiring a carry of at least 220 yards over a trio of bunkers. The entire fairway slopes severely from left to right, leading to a difficult approach to a small green defended by bunkers on both sides. The 9th at Bulle Rock Golf is a thrilling and demanding hole that requires courage and precision from tee to green.
The back nine at Bulle Rock Golf is longer than the front, commencing with the relatively easier 373-yard par 4 10th. A dogleg left turning around 270 yards, this hole initially plays straight over a plateau to a fairway lined by numerous bunkers left and fescue to the far right. The green, consistent with Bulle Rock’s design, is narrow and undulating, defended by bunkers on either side. The 10th provides a slightly more forgiving start to the back nine, but still demands accuracy and strategic play.
At a staggering 596 yards (and 665 from the Black tees!), the 11th hole is the longest at Bulle Rock, a true marathon par 5 demanding three well-executed shots. With nearly 20 bunkers dotting the landscape, this hole evokes a Whistling Straits-esque feel. The fairway initially doglegs slightly left, guarded by bunkers on both sides around 220 yards and fescue to the right. It then slopes downhill and narrows considerably, featuring a set of five bunkers down the right about 190 yards short of the green. The green, notable for its right swale, is defended by numerous pot bunkers on both sides and a large bunker right. Despite being a par 5, achieving par on the 11th at Bulle Rock Golf is a commendable accomplishment.
The 12th hole is arguably Bulle Rock’s signature hole, a stunning 174-yard par 3. A classic Dye template, nearly a carbon copy of Blackwolf Run’s 4th, this hole features water down the right that must be carried entirely if taking a direct line to the green. Three bunkers guard the left, providing bailout options for those wary of the water hazard. The green features tricky pin positions due to multiple plateaus. The 12th at Bulle Rock Golf is a visually spectacular and strategically demanding par 3, requiring both precision and nerve.
Bulle Rock Golf's par 3 12th hole, a signature hole with a dramatic water carry and strategically bunkered green.
A worthy number 2 handicap, the 13th hole is a difficult 428-yard dogleg right par 4. Featuring a tight fairway that turns right around 260 yards, missing right is severely penalized with a large bunker at 160 yards and a valley of rough and out-of-bounds beyond. After a well-placed drive, the approach shot is demanding, to a small, left-to-right sloping green, effectively defended by deep bunkers short and on either side. The 13th at Bulle Rock Golf demands both power and pinpoint accuracy from tee to green.
Bulle Rock Golf's par 4 13th hole, demanding accuracy and power with strategic bunkering and a tight fairway.
At 331 yards, the 14th is Bulle Rock’s shortest par 4, offering a potential birdie opportunity after some challenging holes. A downhill, semi-blind, slight dogleg right, the fairway is generous to the left but features bunkers down the entire right side. Around 280 yards, the fairway narrows dramatically with bunkers on both sides. The approach plays as much as a club less towards another small, narrow green defended by several bunkers on either side. The 14th at Bulle Rock Golf is a fun and strategic short par 4, rewarding precise tee shot placement and accurate approach play.
Bulle Rock Golf's fun par 4 14th hole, a shorter hole offering a birdie opportunity with strategic bunkering.
The approach to the 14th green at Bulle Rock Golf, showcasing the narrow green and surrounding bunkers.
The 551-yard 15th is the final par 5 on the course and one of the most interesting holes at Bulle Rock. Featuring a split fairway, the tee shot is fairly straightforward, favoring the right side to an uphill, generous fairway that ends around 260 yards with a bunker left. From there, golfers must carry a creek to access the second portion of the fairway on the left. Well-struck tee shots are rewarded with a potentially heroic shot to reach the green in two. The green is exceptionally long and narrow, sloping back-to-front. The 15th at Bulle Rock Golf is a strategic and risk-reward par 5, offering multiple playing options and a memorable experience.
The second shot view at Bulle Rock Golf's 15th hole, highlighting the split fairway and strategic choices for golfers.
The 16th hole plays similarly to the 6th, a 387-yard par 4 running steeply downhill. This hole is relatively straightforward, with bunkers down the right at 210 and 270 yards and trees to the left. The green again demands precision, being very narrow with four bunkers and a mound left and a single bunker right. The 16th at Bulle Rock Golf is a visually appealing downhill par 4, demanding accuracy on both the tee shot and approach.
The 17th is a 160-yard par 3 and perhaps the easiest hole at Bulle Rock. While not a poor hole, it feels somewhat less memorable, especially so late in the round. Playing level, this hole features a large green with multiple plateaus, defended by bunkers on either side. While offering a chance to relax slightly, the 17th at Bulle Rock Golf still requires a well-struck tee shot to find the correct portion of the green.
At a strong 459 yards, Bulle Rock saves one of its most memorable and challenging holes for last, the par 4 18th. Playing downhill, this demanding hole features water down the entire left side, while the right is guarded by a bunker at 310 yards and a large tree at 225 yards. The approach shot is perhaps the most intimidating on the course, with water wrapping around an undulating green left and long, and a bunker long right. The 18th at Bulle Rock Golf is a spectacular and demanding finishing hole, requiring both courage and precision to conquer.
The approach to the 18th green at Bulle Rock Golf, highlighting the intimidating water hazard and strategically placed bunkers.
Beyond the Fairways: Bulle Rock’s Amenities and Ambiance
Bulle Rock Golf provides a comprehensive golf experience extending beyond the course itself. The upscale clubhouse offers excellent amenities, and the practice facilities are top-notch, featuring a full grass driving range and a well-maintained short game area conveniently located near the clubhouse. Pace of play during a round is typically average. Interestingly, the course’s name pays homage to the first thoroughbred horse brought to the U.S. from England, adding a touch of historical significance to the golfing experience.
Bulle Rock Golf's driving range, superior to many private courses, offering excellent practice facilities.
Final Verdict: Is Bulle Rock Golf Worth It?
While Bulle Rock Golf might not be Pete Dye’s most iconic design, it undeniably stands as an exceptional, affordable, and challenging upscale golf destination. It rightfully earns its strong reputation as one of the top public courses in the region and beyond. For golfers in the Mid-Atlantic region and those visiting, Bulle Rock Golf is a must-play. Its combination of championship design, excellent course conditions, exceptional value, and rich history makes it a standout choice for a memorable and rewarding golfing experience. Book your tee time and discover why Bulle Rock continues to be celebrated as a public golf gem.
