A Course You Can Play: Bulle Rock

Bulle Rock, Havre de Grace, Md.

Par: 72.

Length: Black tees, 7,375 yards; Blue, 6,845; White, 6,360; Red, 5,426.

Rating/Slope: 76.4/147; 74/139; 71.5/136; 71.1/127.

Designer: Pete Dye.

Most Distinguishing Trait: Each hole is unique at this plush setting, which has all the trappings of a country club. Renowned designer Pete Dye has done little to disturb the land -- "I did not undo God's work," he is fond of saying -- in creating this test, which is fair and demanding. That's a rare combination these days at many high-end courses. The result of Dye's care and attention means golfers of all skill levels will need every club in the bag to traverse the hilly fairways and deep rough. It's well worth the effort, though, to play perhaps the premier layout in Maryland and a course many golf publications have rated in the company of Pebble Beach and Pinehurst.

Most Difficult Hole: No. 5 plays 483 yards from the tips, but most golfers don't dare tee it up from there. Even from the more manageable tee boxes, fairway bunkers come into play on this dogleg left that features an elevation change of 100 feet. A drive landing in play leaves an uphill approach to a fast but true green that slopes in the front and back. Further complicating matters are greenside bunkers to the left and right.

Best Chance for a Birdie: Scoring chances are modest around this course, so take advantage of No. 14. It's a 372-yard par 4 from the championship tees and relatively tame, save for the handful of bunkers guarding the right side of the fairway. The green has bunkers protecting the front, so err on the long side. The back has a fairly ample landing area and, most important, no sand.

Practice Facilities: The driving range is natural grass, and range balls are stacked in a pyramid at each berth. A well-manicured practice green also is available.

Shoe Policy: Nonmetal spikes only.

Rates: $145 (caddie extra).

Directions: I-95 north to exit 85 (Aberdeen/Churchville). At top of exit, follow signs and bear right on to Route 22 east. Go 1.8 miles on Route 22 and bear right at entrance ramp to Route 40 east. Follow Route 40 east for 2.2 miles. Entrance is on the left.

Web Site:www.bullerock.com.

Phone: 410-939-8887 or 888-285-5375.

-- Gene Wang