Over the past week, the golf world’s eyes fell squarely on Maryland.

The PGA Tour’s BMW Championship at Caves Valley transformed Baltimore County into the sport’s epicenter, and the results were undeniable. The course dazzled (and overcame a pounding thunderstorm), the crowds arrived in waves and the atmosphere proved that the state deserves to host more professional golf.

Caves Valley, with its renovated course and grounds that feature reworked holes, ripped-up greens and a 10-mile drainage system, showed it permanently belongs in the conversation. This weekend revealed that the infrastructure, rising fan base and regional passion all exist for Maryland to become a regular stop on the pro circuit.

The galleries told the story.

From the Gardner Heidrick pro-am round through the final p

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