A husband-and-wife team with deep roots at Northwest High School in Germantown officially opened Frederick Golf Exchange in New Market on Tuesday, turning what started as an online side hustle selling sports cards into a full-fledged golf retail shop. Ryan and Courtney Ples now run the store together at New Market Commons, blending used-club trade-ins with apparel from brands that have mostly lived online until now.
According to The MoCo Show, the shop officially opened November 3, 2026, at 11670 Old National Pike, Suite 202, inside New Market Commons. Ryan graduated from Northwest High School in Germantown in 2004 and Courtney graduated in 2006, per the same report. The two now co-own Frederick Golf Exchange together, with Courtney — who previously worked in software sales and reached the title of vice president of sales — overseeing daily customer service operations at the store.
Frederick Golf Exchange describes itself on its website as “a locally owned, family-run golf shop in New Market, Maryland, founded by husband-and-wife team Ryan and Courtney,” according to frederickgolfexchange.com. The shop's own account of its origin traces back to an online hobby: “What started as a hobby selling sports cards online grew into a community, built through live selling and lasting friendships,” the site states.
From Sports Cards to a Live Golf Audience
Ryan started selling sports cards in December 2024, per The MoCo Show's reporting, and the venture grew from there. He shifted his focus to golf accessories and equipment, and by the second half of 2025 he was hosting live golf shows five to seven nights a week — all while still working full time at Verizon. He also reportedly attended the PGA Show in Orlando in January 2026 to connect with manufacturers and expand golf-brand relationships.
Verizon laid Ryan off in late 2025, the outlet reports, a turn that coincided with a former Verizon retail space becoming available for lease near New Market over the summer. Ryan also won three golf clubs in another seller's giveaway during his time building an audience through live selling, according to the same account. The shop uses the Instagram handle @frederickgolfexchange and built part of its following through Whatnot, a live-streaming marketplace, per the MoCo Show report.
What's on the Shelves and the Trade-In Counter
The store carries golf apparel, hats, headcovers, golf balls, accessories and equipment, and stocks brands including Primo Golf Apparel, Pins & Aces, Breezy, Ghost Golf, Hinotori and Black Clover, according to The MoCo Show. Frederick Golf Exchange describes itself as Maryland's first Primo shop. The shop also sells its own YTFN merchandise line, which its website lists as including “hats, towels, tees, ball markers and putting discs.”
On the trade-in side, the shop buys used golf clubs and offers sellers cash or store credit, with trade-in values based on the PGA Value Guide, adjusted for condition and demand, per the shop's website. Frederick Golf Exchange also offers a 10% bonus for those who take store credit instead of cash. The business's site notes that its online shop isn't live yet, stating: “We're getting our online shop ready. Check back for updates.”
Earlier reporting from MoCoShow.com previewed the planned location and product mix back in August, when the outlet described plans to offer “a mix of apparel, accessories, golf lifestyle products and pre-owned equipment, along with the opportunity to trade in clubs.” That earlier preview said the store was expected to operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, though an opening date had not yet been announced at that time.
Owners Talk Community and Future Plans
The owners say they hope the shop gives golfers a physical place to discover brands that have traditionally lived online, while supporting smaller, locally owned golf businesses. They said they wanted a place beyond a screen where golfers could discover gear, talk golf and feel part of a community, and added that they are proud to call Frederick County home and look forward to welcoming customers, according to The MoCo Show's report.
Frederick Golf Exchange says it plans to expand its selections for women, junior golfers and families as the business grows. To mark the opening, the shop is running a giveaway: signing up for its email list online or in person, with no purchase necessary, enters customers into a drawing for an e-bike, with a winner set to be announced December 1, 2026. Frederick Golf Exchange can be reached at 240-687-9013.
