With weather that's actually quite mild all year, except in rare cases, southern Delaware has become a leading destination for year-round events that entertain people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The large and diverse number of courses available in Sussex County is a testament to years of development in the local community and an ever increasing amount of interest from travelers all across the country. For those visiting the area for the first time, there are some courses that simply must be enjoyed before departing for other parts of the trip, or other areas of the country.
Rehoboth Beach Country Club
There are few courses in southern Delaware that offer the same competitive nature and scenic wonder of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. It stands out as one of the most well-regarded memberships in the area, and offers an upscale experience that pairs a great game with great amenities.
Contact Information:
http://rehobothbeachcc.com
(302) 227-3811
Baywood Greens
Any serious player of the game knows that Augusta National G'olf Club is a big deal, which is why it's an even bigger deal that this Millsboro-area course was recently called the "Augusta of the North" by Mid-Atlantic G'olfer magazine. The course also ranks in the top 50 for women players of the game, making it great for the whole family and especially for women who are looking for a great place to train for bigger venues. The course is open daily, includes twilight hours, and requires tee times.
Contact Information:
http://baywoodgreens.com
(302) 947-9800
Bethany Bay G'olf Course
Bethany's beaches are often called the "quiet beaches," as life in the area is a bit more relaxed. As a testament to that, the Bethany Bay Course offers a relaxed environment for professional-level play of the game all year round. The course is located just off Route 26 in Bethany Beach, and features a 9-hole layout with par 3 and par 4 holes. With scenic vistas of the Delaware coast throughout the game, travelers will feel refreshed during their time on the course.
Contact Information:
http://www.bethany-bay.com
(302) 539-3833
Kings Creek Country Club
This Rehoboth Beach club features an 18-hole championship course that is specifically designed to look like the many courses found throughout North and South Carolina. With stunning natural beauty and a convenient location for beach travelers, this course is not to be missed.
Contact Information:
http://kingscreekcountryclub.com
(302) 227-7172
Bayside Resort G'olf
With more than 7,000 yards, a driving range, a chirping green, and a putting green, this course is for serious players of the game. Bayside Resort is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, enhancing its appeal to many travelers in the area. The course is located in the most southern reaches of the state, near Fenwick Island, and can be reached via Delaware Route 54.
Contact Information:
http://livebayside.com
(302) 436-3400
Bear Trap Dunes
With 169 acres of professional gameplay and scenic views, Bear Trap Dunes has been named one of America's best courses by a leading publication, as well as one of the 100 must-play courses in the Mid-Atlantic by another industry magazine. The course is decidedly more difficult, with a more winding series of holes that are surrounded by natural dunes. Traps and bunkers abound, presenting a significant challenge for even the most skilled player of the game. Bear Trap Dunes is located close to Route 26 in Bethany Beach, just west of the coast.
Contact Information:
http://beartrapdunes.com
(877) BEAR-TRAP
Hooper's Landing
This southern Delaware course is located away from the thriving coastal communities to the east, instead enjoying the surroundings of Seaford. More than 203 acres of excellent play comprise the Hooper's Landing resort, with 18 holes and 72 par. A driving range and putting green are also featured at Hooper's Landing.
Contact Information:
http://seafordde.com
(302) 629-2890
Heritage Inn & G'olf Club
Featuring a par-5 fifth hole, this Lewes golf course is one of the most unique in the area. The course is also home to a thriving golf club for locals and visitors alike, with a practice putting green for guests that will turn beginners into experts, and experts into the envy of the course.
Contact Information:
http://heritageinn.com
(302) 644-0600
Heritage Shores Club
Another of the "heritage" courses in coastal Delaware, the Heritage Shores Club is actually located in Bridgeville. Links-style golf is played at this club, which derives its appearance and layout from clubs in Nantucket and parts of New England. A series of unique hurdles await players at this course, which is more than 7,000 yards in size. That's a serious commitment to a day-long outing for most visitors.
Contact Information:
http://heritageshoresgolf.com
(302) 337-7514
The Peninsula G'olf and Country Club
This more than 7,000-yard course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that is sure to challenge players of all types who take it on. The course is located on Bay Farm Road in Millsboro, just a few minutes from the beaches.
Contact Information:
http://peninsula-delaware.com
(302) 947-4760
Sandbaggers Hook and Slice Driving Range
Just west of scenic Fenwick Island on Delaware Route 54, the Sandbaggers Hook and Slice Driving Range features grass tee areas, sand traps, putting greens, and fairways, which will challenge players of all ages. Season passes are sold each year, and play is permitted throughout the day and into the evening. The course is open every day during the summer, but has more limited hours during the early spring season.
Contact Information:
(302) 436-9922
Marsh Island G'olf Club
The Marsh Island club is actually one of the newest to open in coastal Delaware, featuring an 18-hole, par-65 course with unique scenery. Island greens, wetlands, and more, make for an interesting outing that will please even the most hardcore players of the game.
Contact Information:
http://marshislandgolfcourse.com
(302) 945-G-OLF
Sussex Pines Country Club
Located on Sussex Pines Road in Georgetown, the Sussex Pines Club features more than 6,600 yards of gameplay in a course that is surrounded by tall pines and natural beauty. An on-site "Pro Shop" offers everything from gear to lessons, giving players of all levels a chance to elevate their skills to new heights.
Contact Information:
http://sussexpines.com
(302) 856-6283
Midway Par 3 and Driving Range
For travelers spending a great deal of time in Rehoboth, the Midway course allows for excellent gameplay without leaving the confines of Delaware's most notable beach destination. The course features 18 holes, a driving range, and putting greens, and is conveniently located on Route 1, which just so happens to be the main route throughout the entire region.
Contact Information:
http://rehoboth.com/midwaypar3
(302) 645-7955
Old Landing G'olf Course
With an 18-hole, par-71 course near the Rehoboth Beach area, this course is a mainstay for travelers and locals of all skill levels. The course itself is located on Old Landing Road, and features an open front nine paired with a wooded back nine. Several challenges, including wind, are built right into the course for added excitement.
Contact Information:
http://oldlandinggolfcourse.com
(302) 227-3131
Rehoboth Golf Park
For shoppers who want to mix in their scouting of great deals with a great game on a great course, the Rehoboth park is ideal. It's located on Shuttle Road quite close to the Tanger Outlets Bayside, and features a course that is almost perfectly designed for those new to the game and looking to increase their skill set while they visit the beach.
Contact Information:
http://rehobothgolfpark.com
(302) 227-2500
Salt Pond G'olf Club
This Bethany Beach course can be founded on Cedar Neck Road, and features 18 holes and an extensive series of lessons in the sport. There are six par-4 holes, making this course a bit challenging for people of all ages.
Contact Information:
(302) 539-7525
http://saltpondgolf.com
The Rookery
Delaware Today Magazine recently polled its readers about the best course at the beach, and The Rookery came out on top by a pretty respectable margin. That might be because of its link-style gameplay with 14 cares of ponds and water features, as well as an island green. It might also be due to the course's convenient location on Delaware Route 1, very close to Lewes, making it easy for locals to play a game while meeting a new visiting faces in the process.
Contact Information:
http://rookerygolf.com
(302) 684-3000