Frederick Golf Exchange, a locally owned, family-run golf shop, officially opened Tuesday, November 3, at 11670 Old National Pike, Suite 202, in the New Market Commons shopping center in New Market, Maryland, according to a Frederick Pulse report.
The new business is owned by husband-and-wife team Ryan and Courtney Ples, who both attended Northwest High School in Germantown. Ryan graduated in 2004, while Courtney graduated in 2006. The couple has turned what began as an online hobby into a brick-and-mortar store focused on golf apparel, equipment, accessories and building a community of golfers.
According to Frederick Pulse, the business began in December 2024 when Ryan started selling sports cards through Whatnot, a live-streaming marketplace, from a poker table in his basement. The transition to golf happened unexpectedly after he won three golf clubs in another seller’s giveaway and began offering them to viewers during his live shows.
The golf giveaways proved popular, and Ryan eventually shifted his focus entirely to golf accessories and equipment. By the second half of 2025, he was hosting live golf shows five to seven nights a week, sometimes broadcasting from a golf simulator in his garage, while continuing to work full time at Verizon.
Frederick Pulse reports that Ryan was laid off from Verizon in late 2025, prompting him to focus on the growing online business full time. In January 2026, he attended the PGA Show in Orlando to connect with manufacturers and expand his relationships with golf brands. When a former Verizon retail space near New Market became available for lease over the summer, the couple decided to open their first physical store.
Courtney, who previously worked in software sales and reached the position of vice president of sales, will oversee the store’s daily customer service operations while helping grow the business.
Frederick Golf Exchange offers golf apparel, hats, headcovers, golf balls, accessories and equipment. The store carries brands including Primo Golf Apparel, Pins & Aces, Breezy, Ghost Golf, Hinotori and Black Clover, along with its own YTFN merchandise line. The business describes itself as Maryland’s first Primo shop.
The store also buys used golf clubs, offering cash or store credit. According to the shop’s website, trade-in values are based on the PGA Value Guide, with adjustments for condition and demand. Customers choosing store credit receive a 10% bonus.
The owners hope to provide a physical location where golfers can discover brands that have traditionally sold primarily online, while also supporting smaller and locally owned golf businesses. Plans include expanding selections for women, junior golfers and families. “We wanted a place beyond a screen, where golfers could walk in, discover great gear, talk golf and feel part of something,” the owners shared in describing the business. “We’re proud to call Frederick County home, and we can’t wait to welcome you in.”
As part of the grand opening celebration, customers who sign up for the store’s email list, either online or in person, will be entered into a drawing for an e-bike. No purchase is necessary, and the winner is scheduled to be announced December 1. Frederick Golf Exchange is located at 11670 Old National Pike, Suite 202, in New Market. The store can be reached at 240-687-9013 and followed on Instagram at @frederickgolfexchange.
