Golf
Get Ready To Tee Off At Some Superb Coastal Courses
Summon your inner Jack Nicklaus and tee off at one of the many first-rate courses that surround the Delaware Beaches. There are more than a dozen public courses in the area, each with a distinctive layout and atmosphere. From coastal marshes to farmland and forests, the Delmarva Peninsula's varying terrain creates a wonderful canvas for any golf architect. Famous course designers have lent their talents molding this seaside landscape into stunning fairways and greens, creating championship courses and many memorable holes.
Nature definitely defines Southern Delaware and Maryland golf. There are many fairways framed by towering pines, coastal wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams. Don't be surprised if you are joined by herons, deer and other wildlife, even just a few miles away from the bustling beaches. The natural beauty of this area shines through at all area courses, providing a serene environment for total relaxation.
But don't get too relaxed. There are definitely some challenging holes on area courses—challenging enough that golfers keep coming back again and again to lower their handicap. Of course, most courses were designed with both the professional and beginner in mind, so even a first-time golfer can enjoy a day out on the links at the nearby courses in Delaware and Maryland.
In order to be ready to tackle that Par 3 or fish your ball out of a fresh water wetland, you need to have the proper attire and equipment. Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the course by stopping in a pro shop to find all your favorite brands of golf clothing. If you left your clubs at home, many courses offer club rentals, or you can pick up some new ones at a pro shop if you're in the market. With help from the friendly staff and the great selections of golfing equipment, rest assured that you'll be the most perfected golfer on the course—and the best dressed as well.
Moderate temperatures provide weather suitable for golfing all year long, even in winter. Of course as the summer heats up, so do the courses. You may look like a pro and feel like a pro, but before you head out to the links, contact the course to arrange a tee time. Some local courses also have online booking options. Keep in mind that it's best to book ahead.
Most golf courses offer lessons for every level of golfer. Whether you need to tweak your swing or get a full introduction to this game of precision, onsite pros are there to help. Learn the basics from one of the expert instructors, or work on advanced techniques with a pro. In addition to teaching the fundamentals, lessons can offer swing analyses, general pointers for evaluating the course and tips for your short game. Some golf courses also have the additional benefit of an onsite driving range. Come an hour early to practice your swing and warm up your drive.
Top quality service and club houses are standard, so if you can't get your game up to par—or under par, we should say—stop in at the clubhouse for a tasty beer and meal. Some of the area's finest clubhouses feature deliciously fresh food and cold drinks in a casual setting. Take in the lakeside views, meet your golfing buddies, and make some new friends as you reminisce about golfing excursions and share techniques.
You can relax knowing that when you return after a long day on the green, you'll find top notch facilities and friendly staff ready to help you unwind. There is a great variety of hotel selections in the area for a mix of economy or luxury accommodations. No matter which place you choose to stay, you'll get a good night's sleep and be energized for a brand new game in the morning. Many hotels even offer complete golfing packages allowing you the privilege of trying out several different ranges of courses at various locations rather than playing the same course over and over. If that wasn't great enough, many of the packages may include free club cleaning and storage, breakfast, lunch and beverage vouchers, complimentary golf towels, tees, ball markers and guaranteed preferred advanced tee times.
Since the Delaware Beaches community is dedicated to golfing, and the courses vary to suit everyone from beginner to professional, there is an experience waiting for every golfer. So try one, try all—with beautiful weather and spectacular scenery, Southern Delaware and Maryland's golf is an experience all visitors will enjoy and continue to come back for year after year.
Golf Listings
Bear Trap Dunes
3 miles west of Bethany Beach
302-537-5600
www.beartrapdunes.com
www.golffreeman.com
Near Fenwick Island Directions: From Rt.1 in Fenwick Island, DE, turn west onto Rt.54, travel approximately 4 miles to the entrance of Bayside on the left at Americana Parkway. Take a left at Lakeview Drive and follow signs to Bayside Resort Golf Club.
www.golfbayside.com
www.golffreeman.com
Baywood Greens
32267 Clubhouse Way
Long Neck, DE
888-844-2254
or
302-947-9800
www.baywoodgreens.com
Deer Run Golf Club
8804 Logtown RoadBerlin, MD 21811
Just East of the Rt. 50/ Rt. 90 split
410-629-0060
www.golfdeerrun.com
Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club
100 Clubhouse Drive
Ocean Pines, MD
410-641-6057
www.Oceanpinesgolf.org
River Run Golf Club
11605 Masters Lane
Berlin, Maryland 21811
410-641-7200 1-800-733-RRUN
www.riverrungolf.com
The Rookery Golf Course
DE on Rt. 1
At intersection with Rt. 16,
entrance on Rt. 16 east
302-684-3000
866-313-GOLF
www.rookerygolf.com
Ruddo's Golf
18467 Coastal Highway,
Lewes, DE 19953
302-703-2555
9917 Stephen Decatur Highway
West Ocean City, MD
410-213-7100
www.Ruddosgolf.com