Beautiful and Deceptive

Whiskey Creek, Ijamsville, Md.

Par: 72.

Length: Black tees, 7,001 yards; Blue, 6,525; White, 5,979; Red, 5,296.

Rating/Slope: 74.5/137; 72/136; 69.3/128; 70.5/121.

Designer: J. Michael Poellot.

Most Distinguishing Trait: The elevated tees and rolling fairways provide some of the most breathtaking vantages in all of Maryland. At No. 14, for instance, the fairway is some 60 feet below the tee box. But don't be fooled by the dramatic scenery; Whiskey Creek is among the most challenging golf courses in the Mid-Atlantic region. To help soothe the course's bite, golf carts come equipped with ProLink, an electronic satellite yardage system. And in case you were wondering, the course got its name because during Prohibition, moonshiners from at least one farm in southern Frederick County would float kegs of whiskey down Bush Creek to a brick building on Ijamsville Road. Ruins from that farm are some of the course's many highlights.

Most Difficult Hole: No. 9 is a 545-yard par 5 from the black tees, and trouble lurks on each shot. From the tee, the safe play is a drive left; long hitters may try to clear wetlands, bunkers and a menacing oak tree along the right. Most players won't have a chance to reach the green in two, despite the hole being downhill. A bunker approximately 60 yards in front of the green places a premium on club selection for the approach. Two bunkers are in play on the short left side of the green, as is a third beyond the green to the left side.

Best Chance for a Birdie: The shortest of the par 4s is No. 6, where proper ball placement is the key to scoring. A drive to the center of the bottlenecked fairway -- avoiding bunkers on the left and right -- leaves a short iron or wedge into the green. A bunker 15 yards in front of the elevated green can trick players into thinking the pin is closer than it really is.

Practice Facilities: Range balls are included with greens fees and, unlike many courses in the area, the driving range is natural grass, and there is a bunkered chipping green.

Shoe Policy: Nonmetal spikes only.

Rates: $75 weekdays, $90 weekends.

Directions: I-270 north to exit 26 (Route 80). Turn left onto Route 80 east and follow for approximately three miles to entrance on left at Whiskey Creek Boulevard.

Web Site: www.whiskeycreekgolf.com.

Phone: 301-694-2900 or 1-888-883-1174.

-- Gene Wang