Comprehensive guide to 35+ public, private, and resort golf courses across the First State
Delaware offers diverse golfing experiences from championship layouts designed by legends like Robert Trent Jones Sr., Jack Nicklaus, and Michael Hurdzan to accessible public courses along scenic coastal terrain. Despite being the second-smallest state, Delaware features 35+ golf courses including elite private clubs in Wilmington, popular beach resort courses near Rehoboth and Bethany, and quality public tracks throughout.
Northern Delaware near Wilmington boasts some of the East Coast's most prestigious private clubs, while Southern Delaware's coastal region has become a year-round golf destination with moderate temperatures suitable for play even in winter months.
📍 Wilmington
Founded in 1901, Wilmington Country Club features two championship courses including the South Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. This prestigious private club hosted the 2022 BMW Championship won by Patrick Cantlay. The North Course was designed by Dick Wilson. The South Course is routed among rolling terrain with exceptional layout design and variety.
Access: Private club
Phone: (302) 655-6022
Visit Website📍 Selbyville (Near Fenwick Island)
Delaware's first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course features stunning holes along the Assawoman Bay coastline winding through magnificent pine forests. This public resort course measures 7,545 yards from championship tees, offering challenging golf just 4 miles from the beach. Consistently ranked among Delaware's best public courses.
Access: Public resort course
Green Fees: $75-$195 (seasonal)
Visit Website📍 Wilmington
Formerly the private golf course of the du Pont family, Bidermann ranks as Delaware's second-best course. Originally designed in the 1920s as a 9-hole course by Devereux Emmet, it has remained a highly private, secretive, and lightly played retreat. One of the most interesting layouts in the state with historical significance.
Access: Private club
📍 Ocean View (3 miles west of Bethany Beach)
Scenic Rick Jacobson-designed course set on coastal terrain with abundant sand dunes. Features three different nine-hole courses: Grizzly, Kodiak, and Black Bear. Voted by Golfweek as "top five best courses you can play in Delaware." This 27-hole championship facility offers a links-style experience near the beach.
Access: Public
Green Fees: $50-$95 (seasonal)
Visit Website📍 Greenville
Award-winning 18-hole championship course designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. The course lies on heaving landscape with dramatic elevation changes. Par 71 measuring 6,744 yards from the Black tees. Features exceptional design with varied hole layouts. Private club with top-tier conditioning.
Access: Private
Phone: (302) 658-2600
Visit Website📍 Newark
Delaware's top public course, known for beautiful scenery and excellent conditions. This championship layout offers challenging golf accessible to the public at reasonable rates. Consistently high ratings from golfers. Features well-maintained greens and fairways with strategic design elements.
Access: Public
Green Fees: $40-$65
Visit WebsiteSouthern Delaware's beach region offers championship golf combined with resort amenities. Moderate temperatures allow year-round play near Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island.
Selbyville - 7,545 yards, Par 72
Delaware's first Jack Nicklaus Signature course with stunning Assawoman Bay coastline holes. Championship resort course just 4 miles from Fenwick Island beaches.
Green Fees: $75-$195
Millsboro - Near Rehoboth Beach
Jack Nicklaus Signature course with seven dramatic holes set along Indian River Bay and Lingo Creek. Private club offering spectacular water views and challenging coastal golf.
Access: Private
Long Neck - 27 holes, Exclusively Public
Named best in Delaware by Golf Digest. Features Woodside Nine (traditional) and Waterside Nine (challenging with ponds). Minutes from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach with resort-style amenities.
Green Fees: $45-$85
WebsiteOcean View - Three nine-hole courses
Grizzly, Kodiak, and Black Bear courses on coastal terrain with abundant dunes. Located 3 miles west of Bethany Beach. Voted top five best courses you can play in Delaware.
Green Fees: $50-$95
WebsiteMilton - 18 holes, Par 71
Championship 18-hole layout in the Rehoboth Beach resort area, open to the public year-round. Challenging course with excellent conditioning. Hosts Delaware State Golf Association events.
Green Fees: $45-$75
Bethany Beach
Public course located in Bethany Beach area, offering accessible golf near the coast. Part of the beach region golf trail.
Access: Public
Lewes - 9 holes, Par 32
9-hole public course in Lewes. Hosts First Tee Delaware programs. Good option for quick rounds near the beaches.
Access: Public, 9 holes
Rehoboth Beach
Public course located in Rehoboth Beach. Convenient location near downtown and beaches.
Access: Public
Lewes - 18 holes, Par 3
18-hole Par 3 course with regulation-size greens. Minutes from Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach. Great for beginners and quick rounds.
Access: Public, Par 3
WebsiteDagsboro - Rated 4.8/5
Private country club near the beaches with exceptional ratings. Quality layout with full country club amenities.
Access: Private
Delaware features 22 public golf courses offering championship-level golf accessible to all golfers. Green fees typically range from $40-$75.
Newark
Delaware's top public course with beautiful scenery and excellent conditions. Championship layout consistently rated highest by golfers. Known for well-maintained greens and strategic design.
Green Fees: $40-$65
WebsiteWilmington
Designed by Ed Ault, one of Northern Delaware's finest public courses. Voted Delaware's top public course four years in a row. Excellent conditions and challenging layout accessible to public golfers.
Green Fees: $42-$68
Phone: (302) 995-1990
WebsiteWilmington
Public course in Wilmington featuring 12-station driving range with grass and mat options, spacious putting and chipping green. Good practice facilities complement challenging play.
Green Fees: $38-$58
WebsiteWilmington
18-hole course designed by renowned architect Lester George. Features two-tiered driving range with 30+ natural grass hitting stations, large undulating putting green, and short game area with 3 bunkers.
Green Fees: $40-$62
WebsiteDover Air Force Base
Military golf course at Dover Air Force Base. Open to military personnel, retirees, and authorized guests. Quality course with military pricing.
Access: Military/Authorized guests
Smyrna
Public course in central Delaware offering accessible golf with quality conditions at reasonable rates.
Green Fees: $35-$55
Magnolia
Public course in central Delaware. Good value golf with friendly atmosphere.
Access: Public
Townsend
Public course between Wilmington and Dover. Good option for central Delaware golf.
Access: Public
Seaford - Par 72, 6,707 yards
18-hole championship public course spread over 203 acres. Features driving range, putting green, and bar & grill open year-round, weather permitting.
Phone: (302) 629-2890
WebsiteMilford - 18 holes
Challenging but fun for all skill levels. Located at 6152 S. Rehoboth Blvd. Part of the Rookery community.
Phone: (302) 422-7010
Milford - 18 holes
18-hole course with driving range, short game facility, full-service Pro Shop, pickleball courts, restaurant and brewery (Big Oyster Brewery) on-site.
Access: Public
WebsiteNorthern Delaware is home to some of the East Coast's most prestigious private golf clubs, many with historical significance and championship pedigree.
Wilmington - Founded 1901
Two courses: South Course (Robert Trent Jones Sr.) and North Course (Dick Wilson). South Course hosted 2022 BMW Championship. Among Delaware's oldest and most prestigious clubs.
Phone: (302) 655-6022
Rockland - Three Courses
Features DuPont Course, Nemours Course, and Montchanin Course. Full country club amenities including pro shop, restaurant, and bar. Director of golf: John Burke.
Phone: (302) 654-4435
Wilmington - Historic du Pont Estate
Originally designed in 1920s by Devereux Emmet as 9-hole course for du Pont family. Highly private and secretive club. Ranked #2 in Delaware.
Greenville - Par 71, 6,744 yards
Award-winning Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry design on heaving landscape. Championship private club with exceptional conditioning.
Phone: (302) 658-2600
Dover
Private country club in central Delaware's capital city. Quality layout with full club amenities.
Newark
Private club in Newark area offering members-only golf and country club amenities.
Millsboro
Jack Nicklaus Signature course with seven dramatic holes along Indian River Bay and Lingo Creek. Private club near Rehoboth and Dewey Beach resort area.
Dagsboro - Rated 4.8/5
Private country club in southern Delaware with exceptional ratings and full amenities.
Semi-private courses offer both membership options and public tee times, combining exclusivity with accessibility.
Wilmington - Par 72, 7,007 yards
18-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills/Steve Forest & Associates near Delaware Park Casino & Racing. Semi-private with public tee times available.
Phone: (302) 994-6700
WebsiteMiddletown - Par 71, 7,113 yards
Championship semi-private course with membership and public play options. Full amenities including pro shop, restaurant, and bar.
Phone: (302) 378-6499
WebsiteMiddletown
Semi-private course with driving range and practice facilities. Offers membership benefits while welcoming public play. Green fees $30-$85 range.
Phone: (302) 376-6500
Middletown - Par 71, 6,883 yards
Semi-private facility offering both membership and daily fee play. Quality course with full country club amenities.
Phone: (302) 268-8888
Northern Delaware, centered around Wilmington, features the state's most prestigious private clubs alongside quality public courses. The region offers rolling terrain and traditional East Coast golf.
Central Delaware around Dover and Smyrna offers accessible public golf with good value green fees.
Southern Delaware's coastal region has become a premier golf destination with championship resort courses, moderate year-round temperatures, and beach proximity. The area features 16 courses within 15 miles of Rehoboth Beach.
Typical Delaware Green Fees:
Prices vary by season, day of week, and tee time. Spring and fall typically offer best value.
Year-Round Golf:
Coastal courses near Rehoboth/Bethany offer the most consistent winter play. Northern courses may have limited winter access.
Courses with Full Practice Facilities:
Most championship courses offer at least putting greens and basic practice areas.
How to Book:
Resort courses like Bayside often offer lodging/golf packages. Semi-private courses may have member tee time priority.
No state sales tax in Delaware - better value than neighboring states!
Delaware State Golf Association (dsga.org) manages amateur tournaments statewide.
Sample 3-Day Beach Golf Itinerary:
All three courses within 20 minutes of Rehoboth Beach. Book lodging near Route 1 for easy access.
Deerfield Golf Club in Newark consistently ranks as Delaware's top public course, followed closely by Delcastle Golf Club in Wilmington (voted #1 public course four years in a row) and Baywood Greens in Long Neck (named best in Delaware by Golf Digest).
For resort-style golf, Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville features Delaware's first Jack Nicklaus Signature course with stunning holes along Assawoman Bay, making it the premier public course in the beach region.
All four courses offer championship-level golf with excellent conditions, though Bayside commands premium green fees ($75-$195) compared to Deerfield and Delcastle ($40-$68). Choice depends on location preference: northern Delaware courses offer traditional rolling terrain, while beach courses provide coastal views and year-round moderate temperatures.
Green fees at Delaware public courses typically range from $40-$75, though rates vary significantly by course quality, season, and day of week:
Best Value Tips: Winter rounds (December-February) offer significant discounts with playable conditions, especially at coastal courses. Twilight rates and weekday play typically save 20-40%. Semi-private courses like Frog Hollow offer green fees in the $30-$85 range depending on timing.
Delaware's lack of sales tax provides better value than neighboring Maryland and New Jersey golf destinations.
Yes, Delaware's moderate climate allows year-round golf, particularly in the southern coastal region near Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. Winter temperatures are mild enough for comfortable play on most days.
Seasonal Breakdown:
Best Winter Golf: Southern Delaware beach courses like Bayside Resort, Baywood Greens, Bear Trap Dunes, and The Rookery offer the most consistent winter play. Hooper's Landing Golf Club in Seaford specifically mentions being "open year round, weather permitting."
Annual memberships at some courses run January-December, while others define prime season as April-October, reflecting that while year-round play is possible, spring through fall offers most consistent conditions statewide.
The Rehoboth Beach area features 16 golf courses within a 15-mile radius, with 12 public courses and 4 private clubs. This concentration makes southern Delaware a premier Mid-Atlantic golf destination.
Championship Resort Courses:
Additional Public Beach Courses:
Golf Trip Planning: All major beach courses are accessible via Route 1, with most within 20 minutes of Rehoboth Beach. Summer tee times fill quickly - book 7-14 days ahead. Consider golf/lodging packages at Bayside Resort for multi-day trips. The area's moderate climate allows comfortable play spring through fall, with winter rounds offering best value.
Delaware features several courses designed by golf's legendary architects:
Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses:
Robert Trent Jones Sr.:
Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry:
Dick Wilson:
Arthur Hills / Steve Forest & Associates:
Other Notable Designers:
The presence of Nicklaus, Jones, and Hurdzan/Fry designs demonstrates Delaware's commitment to championship-caliber golf despite its small size.
Booking Methods:
1. Direct Website Booking (Recommended): Most Delaware public courses offer online booking through their websites, often with best rate guarantees. Courses like Delcastle require full payment at booking with 24-hour cancellation notice for refunds.
2. Phone Reservations: Call pro shops directly for same-day tee times or special requests:
3. Third-Party Booking Sites: GolfNow, TeeOff, and GolfPass sometimes offer discounted rates, though direct booking often provides better prices.
Advanced Booking Tips:
Cancellation Policies: Most courses require 24-hour notice for refunds. Changes within 24 hours are typically non-refundable. Check specific course policies when booking.
Best Times for Availability: Weekday mornings and twilight times have better availability year-round. Winter months (December-February) offer easiest booking with discounted rates.
Yes, Delaware has several quality semi-private courses that welcome public play while offering membership benefits. These courses provide championship golf with country club amenities at more accessible rates than fully private clubs.
Delaware's Semi-Private Courses:
1. White Clay Creek Country Club (Wilmington)
Par 72, 7,007 yards. Designed by Arthur Hills/Steve Forest & Associates. Located near Delaware Park Casino & Racing. Championship course with full amenities including pro shop, restaurant, and bar. Phone: (302) 994-6700
2. Back Creek Golf Club (Middletown)
Par 71, 7,113 yards. Longest of the semi-private options with challenging championship layout. Full country club amenities with both membership and daily fee options. Phone: (302) 378-6499
3. Frog Hollow Golf Club (Middletown)
Features driving range and comprehensive practice facilities. Green fees range $30-$85 depending on time and season. Offers good value for quality golf. Phone: (302) 376-6500
4. The St. Anne's Club (Middletown)
Par 71, 6,883 yards. Quality championship course with full country club amenities including restaurant and bar. Balances member benefits with public accessibility. Phone: (302) 268-8888
Public Play Tips:
All four semi-private courses are concentrated in northern Delaware's Middletown/Wilmington corridor, making them convenient for regular play.
Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville is Delaware's longest golf course at 7,545 yards from the championship tees. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course opened in 2006 and features stunning holes along the Assawoman Bay coastline, offering a championship challenge just 4 miles from Fenwick Island beaches.
Other Championship-Length Courses in Delaware:
About Bayside Resort: Beyond its impressive length, Bayside features multiple tee boxes accommodating all skill levels. The course design takes advantage of natural pine forests and bay waterfront, creating both beauty and challenge. As Delaware's first Nicklaus Signature course, it represents the state's premier championship public golf experience.
The course is open to the public with green fees ranging $75-$195 depending on season. Peak summer rates reflect demand from beach tourists, while winter months offer significant discounts with year-round playability thanks to Delaware's moderate coastal climate.
For golfers seeking a championship test, Bayside's length combined with Nicklaus's strategic design and coastal elements provides Delaware's most demanding layout accessible to public play.
Several Delaware courses offer comprehensive practice facilities for warming up before rounds or dedicated practice sessions:
Top Practice Facilities:
1. Rock Manor Golf Course (Wilmington)
The most extensive public practice facility in northern Delaware:
2. Ed Oliver Golf Club (Wilmington)
Well-rounded practice options:
3. Southern Delaware Golf Club (Milford)
Modern full-service facility:
4. Hooper's Landing Golf Club (Seaford)
Complete practice area:
5. Frog Hollow Golf Club (Middletown)
Semi-private course with good practice options:
Beach Area Practice Facilities: Most major beach resort courses including Bayside Resort, Bear Trap Dunes, and Baywood Greens offer at least putting greens and basic range facilities, though specific details vary. Call ahead to confirm practice facility availability and hours.
Practice Tips: Arrive 30-45 minutes before your tee time to use practice facilities. Most courses sell range balls separately from green fees. Rock Manor and Ed Oliver provide the most comprehensive public-access practice options in northern Delaware.
Delaware offers several excellent options for introducing families and children to golf, from dedicated beginner courses to junior programs at championship facilities.
Best Beginner & Family Courses:
1. Midway Par 3 (Lewes)
Ideal family option near the beaches:
2. American Classic Golf Club (Lewes)
Another great beach-area beginner option:
First Tee Delaware Locations:
First Tee programs introduce youth to golf and life skills. Delaware locations include:
Family-Friendly Full-Length Courses:
Junior Programs: Most Delaware public courses offer junior clinics, especially during summer months. Contact pro shops for schedules and pricing. Many courses offer reduced junior rates for players under 18.
Family Golf Trip Combo: Combine Par 3 golf at Midway with beach time in Rehoboth or Lewes for the perfect family vacation. Kids can experience golf without the time commitment of full 18-hole rounds, leaving afternoons free for beach activities.
USA Golf: USA Golf Sites - Associations, Education, Juniors, News, Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
Last updated on November 24, 2025