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Your guide to tee times, local courses,
coastal rounds, and golf days across the First State!
Delaware may be small, but its golf scene has plenty to offer. From scenic coastal courses near the beaches to laid-back public courses in Kent County and competitive club-style play up north, the First State is a great place to plan a round, sharpen your swing, or make a day out of golf with friends, family, clients, or coworkers.
Whether you are a longtime golfer, a weekend player, or someone just getting started, this Delaware Golf Guide is designed to help you explore courses throughout the state, with a special focus on Kent and Sussex Counties.
Golfing in Delaware: Small State, Big Variety
One of the best things about golfing in Delaware is how easy it is to experience different types of courses without traveling too far. In one state, golfers can find beach-area resort courses, public courses, par-3 layouts, private clubs, driving ranges, and courses connected to restaurants, communities, and event venues.
Southern Delaware Tourism describes the region as a Mid-Atlantic golf destination with a variety of golf experiences for different skill levels, including well-known courses like Bayside Resort Golf Club, Baywood Greens, Bear Trap Dunes, The Rookery, Heritage Shores, Hooper’s Landing, American Classic Golf Club, and more.
Quick Tip:
Before booking, check whether the course is public, semi-private, private, or resort-style. Some courses welcome daily public play, while others may require membership, guest access, or specific tee time availability.
Kent County Golf
Kent County is a great place to start if you are looking for convenient, central Delaware golf. The area offers options for players who want a full 18-hole round, a quicker practice session, or a more casual day on the course.
Kent County courses to explore:
Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club — Magnolia
A public course known for its marshland, links-style layout, rolling greens, elevation changes, and windswept views.
Eagle Creek Golf Course — Dover Air Force Base
An 18-hole course located near Dover and listed among the Dover-area public golf options.
Maple Dale Country Club — Dover
A longtime Dover golf option with roots dating back to a three-hole course built on Maple Dale Farm in 1922.
Garrisons Lake Golf Club — Smyrna
A Kent County golf course offering a scenic 18-hole layout with water features, open fairways, and a relaxed setting for golfers in the Smyrna area.
Sussex County Golf
Sussex County is where Delaware golf really shines for visitors, beachgoers, and locals looking for scenic courses. With courses near Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milton, Long Neck, Ocean View, Bridgeville, Seaford, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island, Sussex County offers everything from relaxed par-3 play to memorable resort-style rounds.
Sussex County courses to explore:
Bayside Resort Golf Club — Selbyville
Delaware’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, located just west of Fenwick Island.
Baywood Greens — Long Neck
A popular Sussex County course known for its scenic landscaping and memorable course experience. Visit Southern Delaware lists Baywood Greens as an 18-hole course located off Route 24 east of Millsboro.
Bear Trap Dunes — Ocean View
Located just a few miles west of Bethany Beach, Bear Trap Dunes features a scenic Rick Jacobson-designed course set on coastal terrain with sand dunes.
The Rookery — Milton
A beach-area course near Broadkill Road that incorporates wetland and links-style elements.
Southern Delaware Golf Club — Milford
Located in Milford, this course offers an 18-hole golf course, driving range, short game facility, pro shop, instruction, fitting days, and on-site dining.
Heritage Shores — Bridgeville
A public golf course and event venue in Southern Delaware. Heritage Shores also notes that it was ranked the No. 1 public golf course in Delaware by GolfPass Golfers’ Choice 2025.
Hooper’s Landing — Seaford
A public 18-hole course spread across 203 acres on the Delmarva Peninsula.
American Classic Golf Club — Lewes
A Sussex County golf course offering a relaxed, player-friendly layout with a classic coastal Delaware feel, making it a convenient option for golfers near Lewes, Rehoboth, and the beach areas.
Planning the Perfect Delaware Golf Day
A great golf day is about more than just booking a tee time. A little planning can make the whole experience smoother, especially during busy seasons.
Before you book:
Look at the pace of play.
If you are newer to golf or short on time, consider a par-3 course, 9-hole round, or driving range session.
Book early during peak season.
Spring, summer, and early fall can fill up quickly, especially near the beach.
Ask about rentals.
Some courses offer club rentals, carts, pull carts, or practice facilities.
Plan around food and drinks.
Many Delaware courses have restaurants, grills, clubhouses, or nearby local dining options, making it easy to turn a round into a full outing.
Golf Tips for Beginners
You do not have to be an expert to enjoy golf in Delaware. If you are new to the game, start simple and choose a course that matches your comfort level.
Beginner-friendly tips:
Start at the driving range.
A range session is a low-pressure way to practice your swing before booking a full round.
Try a par-3 course first.
Par-3 courses are usually shorter, more casual, and easier to navigate.
Do not worry about being perfect.
Golf takes practice. Focus on having fun, learning the flow of the game, and keeping up with your group.
Learn basic course etiquette.
Be ready when it is your turn, stay aware of other players, repair divots when needed, rake bunkers, and keep carts where they are allowed.
Play during less busy times.
Weekday afternoons or off-peak tee times can feel less rushed.
Golf Outings, Tournaments & Client Entertainment
Golf is also a great option for business networking, nonprofit fundraisers, community events, and client appreciation days. Many Delaware courses offer outing packages, event spaces, food and beverage options, and tournament support.
If your business is planning a golf outing, consider:
Location:
Choose a course that is convenient for your guests.
Skill level:
Scramble formats are great for mixed-skill groups.
Sponsorships:
Hole sponsorships, cart signs, banner placements, prize sponsors, and beverage sponsors are all common ways to include local businesses.
Giveaways:
Golf balls, tees, towels, water bottles, sunscreen, koozies, and gift cards make practical event items.
Post-round gathering:
A clubhouse meal, awards presentation, or casual networking hour can make the event feel more complete.
Final Tee-Off Thoughts
Delaware’s golf scene has something for every type of player, whether you are planning a competitive round, a casual afternoon with friends, a fundraiser, a client outing, or a golf weekend near the beach.
From Kent County to Sussex County and beyond, the First State is full of places to play, practice, and enjoy the game.
Ready to hit the green?
Explore local courses, book your next round, and make the most of golf season in Delaware.