Jack Nicklaus firmly believes that if he and his golf course design team have created enough variety, enough interest and enough spice so that you – the golfer – won’t see it all the first time you play it, then they have done their job.

At Bayside Resort Golf Club, Nicklaus and company nailed it – with a little help from Mother Nature.

With its setting along the Assawoman Bay, the layout actually needed very little land manipulation to make it work. Its creator – the greatest golfer of all time – realized that from the get–go. Fortunately for golfers everywhere, he stayed the course. As Delaware’s first Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, this Carl M. Freeman facility, now managed by Troon Golf, is located just outside of Fenwick Island off Route 54 and features gorgeous views along the coastline. The Golden Bear designed this venue to highlight the unspoiled beauty of Bayside’s natural setting.

Nicklaus took the existing landscape and maximized the site’s sheer natural beauty by developing a test of golf that will have you convinced it has been around forever. The 7,545 yard Bayside course plays from salt marshes to meadows to woodlands and includes exciting views across the water to the Ocean City skyline. It is truly three courses wrapped into one. The course, since its opening, has racked up numerous awards and has grown into a favorite among local golfers. Though it can be a bit intimidating the first time across it, those who return seem to uncover little by little the keys to success. Bayside provides all the demands a Nicklaus course naturally requires, though it is advisable to play it from the appropriate tees.

The opening four holes require accuracy and lead you past one of the most spectacular views on the course overlooking Assawoman Bay and stretching out across to the Ocean City skyline. The remainder of the front nine, which does not return to the clubhouse, moves back out into the openness of the meadows before returning to the woods. You must play around a lake on the seventh hole and then across a combination of everything on holes eight and nine.

Inspired by the surrounding salt marshes, meadows and magnificent woodlands, the course provides a trio of uniquely different golf experiences rarely found in one course. This pristine and exquisitely manicured masterpiece is the ultimate golf test.

After you have finished testing your golfing skills, continue your extraordinary experience by sampling the best in casual dining in their new Signatures Restaurant.

If you prefer to stay where you play, ask Pam’s about their exceptionally appointed condos, townhomes and single family homes!

12021 North Haven Dr., Selbyville, DE 19975

Located on Route 54, just 5 miles (10 Min) over the Delaware/Maryland line. A chip shot away from Bear Trap Dunes, River Run, Ocean Pines and Lighthouse Sound.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Bayside Resort Golf Club.

Links at Lighthouse Sound

Ocean Pines Golf Club

River Run Golf Club

There’s no secret as to why Baywood Greens, with its arboretum-like setting, is often called the “Augusta of the North.” The theme – and the legend – will only grow with time.

But for now, golfers can enjoy the meticulously manicured Woodside and Waterside nines that showcase eight timbered bridges and 27 acres of man-made ponds, two tunnels and more than 300,000 flowers, plants, shrubs and trees. These two existing nines create two entirely different experiences for the golfer, with each hole having its own distinctive character. Though the topnotch conditioning is the same, the back nine has a different feel in that there’s more water, a little more elevation change, a few islands and more vibrancy in terms of flowers on certain tee boxes. The 18th tee, in fact, was described by one player as being, “the prettiest I’ve ever seen.”

Despite all of the fancy touches, the original 18 holes at Baywood Greens are based on solid golf principles. The initial layout and design of the Baywood Greens course was done by renowned architect, Bill Love (formally of Ault, Clark and Associates). Final design was completed by land sculptor extraordinaire Larry Dewitt and owner/developer Robert Tunnell, who turned original hand sketches into a definitive work of superior artistry.

Baywood’s simplistic elegant design isn’t one to be taken lightly. The generously large, flat fairways, created to fit the overall terrain, will test your skill as they wind through and around created lakes, mounds, and some 70 strategically placed bunkers.

If you are to succeed at Baywood Greens, you must learn to manage the front nine. And if you aren’t afraid of water (why else would you come to the beach?) then the back nine can be a little easier. With so much going on both visually and architecturally at Baywood, it can be difficult to concentrate on your game the first time you tee it up at this memorable championship course.

One thing to note while playing Baywood, you get a free drop out of any flowering area. But be aware, the abundance of sand and water on the layout can more than make up for that reprieve.

In addition to the outstanding playing grounds, the facility is home to the Baywood Clubhouse Restaurant that is open for lunch, dinner and lite fare. Slicers’ Snack Bar is open for a light breakfast and lunch. Delivery service is also available.

Located in Long Neck, Delaware, Baywood Greens is just minutes from Rehoboth Beach and the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and is a must play on your way to and from Ocean City

32267 Club House Way, Long Neck, DE 19966

Located in Long Neck, DE approximately 20 Miles (45 Min) from North Ocean City. You will find The Peninsula just around the corner and Bear Trap Dunes only a short drive away.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Baywood Greens. 

Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club

The Rookery

“What a stunningly landscaped course, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush shrubbery! The practice facility is excellent. For us NY/NJ residents, it’s a slightly shorter drive to kick off our golf vacation. We also enjoy dinner there after our round, with a fantastic selection of food at reasonable prices. And let’s not forget the golf—it’s exceptional as well. The course presents a challenge, particularly on a windy day. The golf staff are friendly and accommodating. Remarkably, this is the first year in a long time that I didn’t lose a ball on the 14th hole!” – Dan B., 2025

As long as the ocean continues to touch the sand, there will be treasure hunters searching for worldly riches. For those looking for bounties of the golfing variety, look no further than Bear Trap Dunes, located just a few miles inland of some of the East Coast’s most popular beaches.

Bear Trap Dunes, designed by Rick Jacobson, a former associate of Jack Nicklaus and a Midwesterner who found more than his share of riches in coastal Delaware, is the best 27-hole golf course on the Eastern Shore and boasts a 4-star rating from Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play. Jacobson has described Bear Trap Dunes as “visually unique because of its ample use of sand dunes — adhering to the coastal area’s natural terrain.”

In essence, Jacobson took a flat, featureless piece of farmland and turned it into a unique inland dune concept. What he came up with was a golf experience that winds through wild, twisting bentgrass fairways, natural dunes and impeccably groomed oversized greens. Of course, this means you must stay out of the sandy buffer areas to be rewarded. Those who keep the ball in the fairway at Bear Trap Dunes will have many scoring opportunities. Those who don’t will find it much more difficult to conquer.

The visually apparent narrowness and the constantly bending fairways are the biggest factors with which to contend on the three distinct nines at Bear Trap Dunes, appropriately named Grizzly, Kodiak and Black Bear. No matter which nine you are tackling, there always seems to be some sort of a hazard to avoid, including grassy hollows and water. But what Jacobson did on many holes was put trouble on one side of the green, while allowing plenty of room on the other side to bail out. Most of the landing areas have plenty of space; it’s just the way they are positioned that makes them visually intimidating – a mark of a truly great design.

Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club offers one of the area’s most unique and memorable golf experiences on the Eastern Shore and features all the hallmarks of Delaware golf. Winding bentgrass fairways lined with native wetland grasses drifting into natural sand dunes. With four strategically placed sets of tees, Bear Trap Dunes is sure to beckon golfers of every skill level. Play this Carl M. Freeman facility, now managed by Troon Golf, it will quickly become a favorite.

The clubhouse offers the perfect space to unwind after your round. Relax in the comfortable lounge, grab a delicious meal in the open-air restaurant, or let the management know in advance and they will reserve the Coastal Kitchen at Bear Trap Dunes for your large group.

And if your group prefers to stay where they play, ask The Girls at Pam’s to reserve one of their luxury condos, townhomes or single family homes!

7 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean View, DE 19970

Located in Ocean View on Route 26, just off of Route 1 and about 10 miles (20 Min) from North Ocean City.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Bear Trap Dunes. 

Bayside Resort Golf Club

Links at Lighthouse Sound

“The course is in excellent condition, with the service and location being significant advantages. Both the fairways and greens are well-maintained. The course staff were exceptional, and the bar and restaurant area provided a great experience.” – Steve C., 2025

Built in the wetlands at the eastern edge of the mainland by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Eagle’s Landing is a beautiful seaside paradise with sweeping vistas of land, water and sky. The best way to describe this ecological wonderland is fragile – to the point where golfers are asked to abandon any balls hit into the wetlands and to leave nature undisturbed.

Of course, it is this challenge of keeping your ball in play around Eagle’s Landing that makes it so memorable. Still, Hurdzan doesn’t torment you with thoughts of balls lost to the local wildlife all the way around this circuit, though it does have a way of building to a crescendo at the end.

The first six holes offer only glimpses of what is to come in the way of wetlands. Still challenging, the mixture of four lengthy par fours along with a meaty par five and a mid-range par three has the potential to spoil a round without one ball being sprayed into the marsh. It is at the seventh hole where its creator introduces the coastal wetland, the natural beauty of the land and wildlife will begin to distract your mind from your game. A sharp dogleg left par five, this hole requires not one but two shots over marsh with the ultimate target being a shallow green.

For the remainder of your round, it is difficult to evade the wetlands. The tenth hole is almost completely guarded, the 11th encounters wetlands down its left side, and the 17th and 18th holes are surrounded by tidal impacted areas. The tees on 17 are actually built on an island in the marsh that goes on to bisect the 18th fairway around the 150-yard markers.

In all, Eagle’s Landing’s 18 holes meander through the saltwater marshes of the serene Sinepuxent Bay and overlooks the unspoiled beauty of Assateague Island National Seashore and boasts one of the most scenic and challenging golf courses on the Eastern Shore. This beautiful seaside championship golf course is the first certified Audubon cooperative sanctuary in Maryland and features 2,000 lineal feet of bridging with peninsula-type tees, a wide variety of links style and marsh land holes of rolling Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens.

Since opening in 1991, this masterpiece has received numerous awards from all of the major golf publications. Golf Digest rated Eagle’s Landing Golf Course 45th in the top 75 most affordable public courses in America in 1996 and most recently named it “Best in State.”

In addition to Eagle’s Landing’s superb conditions, this championship course also features a hospitable staff trained to meet the needs of the traveling golfer. Their other amenities include a well-equipped clubhouse with an abundantly stocked pro shop and the Caddy Shack Café with a full service bar and putting and chipping greens.

12367 Eagle’s Nest Road, Berlin, MD

Located 5 miles (9 Min) from the Ocean City Inlet off Route 611, on the way to Assateague Island and close to Ocean City Golf Club, Rum Pointe, GlenRiddle and The Bay Club.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Eagle’s Landing. 

GlenRiddle Golf Club – Man O’War and War Admiral

Ocean City Golf Club – Newport Bay & Seaside

Rum Pointe

“Located near Rum Pointe, Eagle’s Landing is a close second on our list of favorites. It boasts a fantastic layout, stunning views, and is in excellent condition. With no houses nearby, I truly appreciate a course that retains its natural charm. Plus, $7.50 pitchers of beer after the round made me feel like I was back in the 1980s!” – Scott B., 2025

World-renowned architect Arthur Hills, the creator of Heritage Shores located in Southern Delaware, has a simple design philosophy.

“Go with what we are given,” he said. “If it’s flat, then the course will tend to be flat. This piece of property was generally open, but our philosophy is to go with what we are given and not try to contrive something that’s obviously unnatural or forced.”

Ideally situated on the way to Ocean City, Heritage Shores offers an exciting, interior links style golf course and a Nantucket-inspired clubhouse for a comfortable and inviting retreat with every visit. Experience this Hills designed championship golf course stretching 7,005 yards from the back tees — providing golfers of every ability scenic surroundings and unique challenges.

Heritage Shores features a signature design with water flanking a majority of the holes. It is a wonderfully created links impersonation with plenty of room on each hole and forced carries held at a minimum. Still, the course is no pushover. The ponds, natural wetlands, some existing woodlands and artistic bunkering make up a design that is both memorable and exciting. With an array of strategically incorporated bunkers and undulating fairways, coupled with the water obstacles, this par-72 layout will challenge and test every player’s ability.

Ask Pam’s about a FREE lunch with your round.

1 Heritage Shores Circle, Bridgeville, DE 19933

Located in Bridgeville, DE, just off of Route 13 and approximately 40 miles (1 Hour) from North Ocean City. Closest courses would be the Rookery North and South.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Heritage Shores. 

The Rookery

“Excellent course” – Patrick C.

Test your skills at the Links at Lighthouse Sound, an exquisite Arthur Hills designed 18-hole championship course overlooking the Ocean City skyline and the St. Martin River. For years prior to its opening, developers continually promised that the site was one of the best left on the East Coast for golf. Turns out, they knew what they were talking about. The architect’s goal from the beginning was to create a course that allowed Mother Nature to show off her beauty.

Now known as the “Pebble Beach of the East,” this course features marsh, river and bay views on 15 of the 18 holes. Though it doesn’t have the high bluffs of the Pacific Ocean to roam above, the Lighthouse Sound routing does cozy up to the Assawoman Bay in a dramatic fashion all its own.

The first three easily playable holes at Lighthouse Sound will boost your confidence and prepare you to take on the sturdy par-4 fourth hole, where you will need to carry to a spot where you are still left with a good poke to a green protected by more marsh. As you step up to the 5th tee box, the course’s “signature hole”, you will be awestruck by its outward beauty and spectacular views of the Ocean City skyline. This par three plays from 89 to 218 yards directly over the marsh, to a green surrounded by water on three sides and is the 5th most challenging hole on the course, especially when the wind is blowing. In addition to some exquisite views of Ocean City, the front nine also features the only consecutive holes in America playing to the same double green. The par-5, 2nd playing 508 yards and the par-3, 3rd 190 yards play to a 16,000 square foot green set along a tidal marsh of the Assawoman Bay.

From the bayside side holes on the front nine, you will ride across America’s longest cart bridge, stretching nearly 1,500 feet, to the pristine marsh side. The back nine takes shape as it plays along the St. Martin River and winds through the ancient trees and marshland that have been undisturbed since the beginning of time.

Still, there are enough breaks in the trees to provide wonderful water views over the rivers and bay, though the only thing keeping these holes from a course built back in the last century are the large greens and wonderfully sculpted bunkers.

This truly unforgettable experience closes by bringing you back to the natural wetlands setting and another breathtaking view of the Ocean City skyline on the par-5 challenging finishing hole. After your last putt on this masterpiece, stay for dinner at the Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound offering a wide variety of dishes from filet mignon to delicious seafood specialties. Make plans now to visit Lighthouse Sound — “Your Country Club for the Day.”

12723 St. Martins Neck Road, Bishopville, MD 21813

Located on St. Martins Neck Road, 4 miles (7 Min) from Ocean City on Route 90. Other nearby courses are River Run, Ocean Pines and GlenRiddle.

Click here for Google Maps directions to the Links at Lighthouse Sound. 

GlenRiddle Golf Club – Man O’War and War Admiral

Ocean Pines

River Run

“Lighthouse Sound offers a stunning and challenging course nestled in nature, featuring homes on just a few holes. You’ll adore the breathtaking views of Ocean City across the bay. Additionally, it boasts excellent practice facilities and a welcoming golf staff.” – Dan B., 2025

This horse-to-course legend began to materialize with the modern routing of the Man O’War Course by lead architect Joel Weiman. That effort was followed up a few years later by the development of the War Admiral Course, a joint venture between Weiman and former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk (who consulted on the project). Suddenly, the saga was complete. Together these forces have strung together a 36-hole golf wonderland that is a crowning jewel of the Ocean City golf inventory.

To add to the truly spectacular golf experience, the GlenRiddle Golf Club, a division of Ruark Golf, features a practice range with a dual grass tee area, chipping and putting greens, full locker room facilities, fully stocked pro shop and is also home to the GlenRiddle School of Golf and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. How’s that for a prestigious closing act?

As the legendary horse it is named after, Man O’War has fast become a champion along the Eastern Shore. Located on the GlenRiddle Farm just five miles west of Ocean City, this gem of a course will provide a truly spectacular golf experience and the supreme challenge for the seasoned golfer, while offering those new to golf an opportunity to fall in love with the game.

Man O’War plays 7,163 yards from the back tees and challenges golfers with distinctive double fairways, large greens, pot bunkers, and sand dunes. To preserve the beauty and significance of the historic racetrack, used to train so many champion thoroughbreds, designer Weiman incorporated the track as a strategic cross hazard on three holes. These pure, windswept links of golf also feature bentgrass tees and greens and Bermuda fairways.

11501 Maid at Arms Way, Berlin, MD 21811

Located on Route 50, just 5 miles (11 Min) over the Route 50 Bridge. In addition Ocean City Golf Club, Lighthouse Sound, Eagle’s Landing, River Run or Ocean Pines are all within 15 minutes of this facility.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Man O’War. 

Eagle’s Landing

Lighthouse Sound

Ocean City Golf Club – Newport Bay and Seaside

Ocean Pines

River Run

“Man O’War is an exceptional golf course. We appreciate that they provide range balls, along with excellent carts and attentive starters.” – Joseph P., 2025

This award winning track has been a popular choice for golfers of all abilities and became an instant favorite amongst golfers since its redesign in 1998. While playing this challenging course, you will experience golf at its finest with a wide variety of scenic views that accompany well-manicured fairways and greens. With breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands and the relaxing vistas that are prevalent throughout your round of golf, your golf experience is bound to be special. Golf Digest ranked Newport Bay as one of the best places to play, earning a high 4-star rating.

Before or after a round of golf, you can enjoy cocktails and lunch at the club’s large full service restaurant. It also features two practice greens and a driving range that you can use to warm up before you play.

Ocean City Golf Club offers players at every level of experience, age and ability a round of golf with solitude and beauty that will inspire you to challenge the course and evaluate both your play and enjoyment of the game.

11401 Country Club Drive Berlin, MD 21811

This 36-hole facility is located just off of Route 611 on the way to Assateague Island, just 9 miles (16 Min) from the Ocean City Inlet and close to Rum Pointe, Eagle’s Landing and GlenRiddle.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Newport Bay.

Eagle’s Landing

GlenRiddle – Man O’War and War Admiral

Rum Pointe

“Newport Bay is both a stunning and demanding course. It’s one of our favorite courses to play.” – Martin C., 2025

Ocean City is a land of wonderful coastal terrain, great golf ambiance and many big-time designers/design teams. That tradition continues to this day at Nutters Crossing Golf Club – the course that serves the public as the perfect choice on your way in or out of town. The Ault, Clark and Associates championship par-72 design is just 35 minutes from Ocean City.

Nutters Crossing completed a renovation in 2017 that converted hole #7 & hole #18 to par fives and added almost 400 yards in length to the course. The course also added a set of senior tees to each hole increasing the number of tees per hole.

Beautiful lush fairways roll over gently sloping hills at Nutters Crossing, as you play past eight water hazards and a maze of more than 50 bunkers, to rolling greens built to USGA specifications. With water lurking on no fewer than a dozen holes, even the most advanced player will be severely tested. Consistently recognized as one of the area’s best-conditioned courses, Nutters Crossing offers two distinct layouts: the front side, which is wide open, gives players the chance to let out a little shaft on the tee, while the back side trails through woodlands and will provide a test of accuracy all the way home.

Nutters Crossing offers a lighted practice range and full service restaurant with a recently remodeled bar overlooking the ninth hole. For your next golf outing come and experience one of the Eastern Shore’s best-kept secrets

30287 Southhampton Bridge Road, Salisbury, MD 21804

Located in Salisbury, MD, 30 miles (35 Min) from the Ocean City Inlet. Fantastic course to play on the way in or out of Ocean City.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Nutter’s Crossing. 

“Excellent Course” – Patrick C., 2025

As the only Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed golf course on the Eastern Shore, Ocean Pines is truly something special. With 18 newly restored greens, this timeless classic is sure to win you over as you make your way across treelined fairways.

Be sure to schedule a round of golf on this challenging championship course on your next Ocean City Golf Vacation and as Robert Trent Jones, Sr. said, “Experience golf as it was meant to be played.”

Ocean Pines is nestled amid natural wetlands and scenic woodlands. This course dares players at all levels, ages and abilities to test their skills, which cuts through the native pines leaving a fair but demanding course for all golfers!

This championship course is located just across the Assawoman Bay and is only 9 miles outside of all that Ocean City has to offer. The golf staff at Ocean Pines provides an exceptional experience from the moment you arrive.

Practice your swing on their double-ended grass driving range with sheltered hitting stalls. Perfect your short game on their practice chipping and pitching greens, two putting greens and practice bunkers.

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Located in the Ocean Pines community, which is 9 miles (16 Min) from the center of Ocean City and just 2 miles from River Run. Other courses close by are Lighthouse Sound, and GlenRiddle.

Click here for Google Maps directions to Ocean Pines. 

GlenRiddle Golf Club – Man O’War and War Admiral

Lighthouse Sound

River Run

“Excellent Course” – Patrick C., 2025