Tee It Up in Ocean City: Golf, Sun, and Fun on Maryland's Eastern Shore
By Brian Weis
Ocean City, Maryland, is a seaside gem with 10 miles of sandy beaches, an iconic boardwalk, and an impressive lineup of golf courses. Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone whose game resembles the local wind-swept dunes, Ocean City has a mix of challenging fairways, jaw-dropping views, and top-notch accommodations to make your golf getaway unforgettable. Add in excellent seafood, craft breweries, and an abundance of attractions, and you've got the ultimate destination for a golf vacation.
Where to Play
1. Baywood Greens
Location: Long Neck, DE (a short drive from Ocean City)
Why Play Here: Known as the "Augusta of the North," Baywood Greens is a meticulously maintained course that feels like walking through a botanical garden. Its 18 holes feature flower-adorned fairways, dramatic water hazards, and elevated tee boxes. The "18th Island Hole" is a showstopper that will test your nerves and your short game.
For More Info: Baywood Greens Website
2. Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links
Location: Berlin, MD
Why Play Here: Designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, this Scottish-style links course hugs the shorelines of Sinepuxent Bay, offering stunning views of Assateague Island. The fast greens, strategically placed bunkers, and no-houses-allowed atmosphere make it a purist's paradise. Don't miss the par-5 18th hole for a dramatic finish.
For More Info: Rum Pointe Website
3. Bayside Resort Golf Club
Location: Selbyville, DE
Why Play Here: A Jack Nicklaus Signature design, Bayside features jaw-dropping views of Assawoman Bay and natural wetlands. Expect dramatic elevation changes and risk-reward holes that will keep your strategy sharp. The par-3 7th hole, perched on the edge of the bay, is an Instagram-worthy must-play.
For More Info: Bayside Resort Golf Website
4. Lighthouse Sound Golf Club
Location: Bishopville, MD
Why Play Here: If panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline aren't enough, the immaculate conditions and varied terrain will win you over. The par-3 5th hole is one of the most photographed in the area, with a tee shot that requires precision over marshland. Bonus points for the on-site restaurant, which offers stellar post-round dining.
For More Info: Lighthouse Sound Website
5. Bear Trap Dunes
Location: Ocean View, DE
Why Play Here: With 27 holes of championship golf, this Rick Jacobson design provides variety and challenge for all skill levels. The three nine-hole courses (Grizzly, Black Bear, and Kodiak) weave through scenic dunes, water hazards, and forests, ensuring you won't get bored even after multiple rounds.
For More Info: Bear Trap Dunes Website
Where to Stay
Ocean City offers a range of accommodations, from oceanfront resorts to cozy golf villas. Here are some standout options:
The Carousel Oceanfront Hotel
A family-friendly resort with direct beach access, spacious rooms, and unique amenities like an ice-skating rink. It's also conveniently located near many of the top golf courses.
Website: Carousel Oceanfront Hotel
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
For a luxurious stay, this all-suite hotel offers stunning ocean views, private balconies, and an upscale ambiance. Relax in the indoor and outdoor pools or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant after your round of golf.
Website: Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Bear Trap Dunes Vacation Rentals
For groups, the vacation rentals at Bear Trap Dunes offer spacious homes with full kitchens and easy access to the course.
Website: Bear Trap Dunes Rentalspams
Things to Do Along the Way
Not every moment of your Ocean City trip has to involve golf (though we wouldn't blame you if it did). Here are some activities to fill your itinerary:
* Explore Assateague Island: Famous for its wild horses, this nearby national park is perfect for hiking, kayaking, or relaxing on pristine beaches.
* Visit the Ocean City Boardwalk: Stroll through the classic three-mile boardwalk featuring arcades, shops, and the iconic Thrasher's French Fries.
* Craft Beer Tasting: Check out local breweries like Ocean City Brewing Company or take a short drive to Burley Oak Brewery in Berlin.
* Casino Fun: Hit the slots or try your luck at the live tables at Ocean Downs Casino.
Booking Golf Trips
Planning your Ocean City golf getaway is as easy as sinking a 3-foot putt (well, almost). The experts at Pam's Ocean City Golf Getaways specialize in customizing packages that include tee times, accommodations, and even dining recommendations. Whether you're planning a buddy trip or a couples' retreat, they take the stress out of booking.
Website: Pam's Ocean City Golf
Phone: 800-4-PAMS-GOLF
Getting There
Ocean City is easy to reach by car or plane:
Closest Airport: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), about 30 miles away.
By Car: It's approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Baltimore or Washington, D.C., and about 3 hours from Philadelphia.
Ocean City isn't just a beach town; it's a golfer's paradise with something for everyone. Pack your clubs, book your trip with Pam's Ocean City Golf, and prepare for a golf getaway that will have you planning your next visit before the final putt drops!
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Revised: 12/03/2024 - Article Viewed 403 Times
About: Brian Weis
Brian Weis is the Publisher of GolfTrips.com, a network of golf travel and directory sites including GolfWisconsin.com, GolfMichigan.com, ArizonaGolfer.com, GolfAlabama.com, etc. Professionally, Brian is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA), International Network of Golf (ING), Golf Travel Writers of America (GTWA), International Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA) and The Society of Hickory Golfers (SoHG). In 2016, Brian won The Shaheen Cup, an award given to a golf travel writer by his peers.
All of his life, Brian has been around the game of golf. As a youngster, Brian competed at all levels in junior and high school golf. Brian had a zero chance for a college golf scholarship, so he worked on the grounds crew at West Bend Country Club to pay for his University of Wisconsin education. In his adult years, his passion for the game collided with his entrepreneurial spirit and in 2004 launched GolfWisconsin.com. In 2007, the idea for a network of local golf directory sites formed and GolfTrips.com was born. Today, the network consists of a site in all 50 states supported by national sites like GolfTrips.com, GolfGuide.com and GolfPackages.com. It is an understatement to say, Brian is passionate about promoting golf and golf travel on a local, regional, national and international level.
On the golf course, Brian is known as a fierce weekend warrior that fluctuates between a 5-9 handicap. With a soft fade, known as "The Weis Slice", and booming 300+ drives, he can blast it out of bounds with the best of them.
Contact Brian Weis:
GolfTrips.com - Publisher and Golf Traveler
262-255-7600