Delaware may be one of the smaller states, but it packs a punch when it comes to top-tier golf courses. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the First State offers a variety of greens that cater to all skill levels.
From lush fairways to challenging water hazards, Delaware’s golf courses promise an unforgettable experience for every golfer.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best golf courses in Delaware that you absolutely need to check out. These courses not only boast stunning landscapes but also provide the perfect setting for honing your game.
Get ready to discover your next favorite golfing destination right here in Delaware. From the rolling hills of northern Delaware to the scenic coastline, each course offers unique features that stand out.
Whether you’re looking for a quick round or a weekend getaway, these courses have something for everyone.
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Delaware
Discover Delaware’s top 10 golf courses, featuring stunning landscapes, challenging designs, and premier facilities. These must-visit courses offer an exceptional golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
1. Yale Golf Course, New Haven
Yale Golf Course, designed by C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor with Charles Banks, opened in 1926 and became publicly available in 2022. This unique course winds through rocky, forested terrain.
Noteworthy holes include the 213-yard par-three 9th hole, “Biarritz,” with its double plateau green divided by a trench, and the par-four 12th hole, “Cape,” which requires precision and strategy.
The course offers a captivating experience for golf enthusiasts. Its blend of challenging layouts and scenic beauty makes it a top destination in Delaware. Golfers will appreciate both the historical significance and modern amenities, ensuring an unforgettable round.
2. Lake of Isles (North), North Stonington
Lake of Isles’ North Course, designed by Rees Jones near the Delaware border in Connecticut, is lauded as one of the state’s premier golf venues. Known for its rock-studded hills, wetlands, and dense forests, the course offers both visual appeal and challenging play.
Golf Digest frequently commends its design and pristine conditions, which enhance New England’s natural beauty. Golfers appreciate the strategic layout and water hazards.
However, within Delaware itself, there are ten excellent courses worth exploring, each offering scenic fairways and well-maintained greens that cater to all skill levels.
3. Keney Park, Hartford
Keney Park in Hartford stands out for its rich history and recent renovations. Originally designed by Devereux Emmet, this Golden Age course has been revitalized thanks to Matt Dusenberry and his team, including local design expert Bradley Klein, in 2016.
The park features a public setting and a design style that harks back to Emmet’s original front nine.
Golfers enjoy an experience rooted in tradition yet updated to modern standards. The course layout integrates perfectly with the natural surroundings, providing challenging yet enjoyable play for golfers of all levels.
Notably, Keney Park’s attention to both historical accuracy and modern enhancements places it high on the must-play list in Hartford.
4. Wintonbury Hills, Bloomfield
Wintonbury Hills offers a top-tier golfing experience in the Hartford-area, thanks to the expert design by Pete Dye and Tim Liddy for just $1 back in 2003.
This municipal gem features a blend of open and wooded holes, giving players a variety of challenges across its 6,711 yards from the back markers.
Fast, sloping greens ensure a competitive round, while the 90 acres of wetlands and 125 bunkers make the par-70 course a tough but enjoyable nut to crack.
Positioned alongside the picturesque Tunxis Reservoir, Wintonbury Hills provides both a visually stunning and technically demanding layout, ensuring it stands out as one of the best golfing experiences in the region.
5. Great River, Milford
Great River, located 11 miles southwest of New Haven, offers a 2001 Tommy Fazio design that balances beauty with challenges. Situated just off I-95, this course is now owned by Sacred Heart University.
Great River’s layout features two distinct nines: one is pure parkland, while the other exhibits a more linksy style, with water hazards influencing every hole.
The wetlands and various water features can challenge golfers, making each round unpredictable and exciting. This mix of parkland and links elements provides a unique and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
6. Shennecossett, Groton
Shennecossett Golf Course holds a storied history since its establishment in 1898 and offers a unique golfing experience. Nutmeggers in the know submerge at every opportunity to navigate the fairways of this 6,562-yard par-71 layout.
Sensational views of the Thames River and Long Island Sound enhance the course’s appeal, especially with the occasional sighting of a nuclear submarine.
From 1916 to 1919, the legendary Donald Ross worked his design magic, much of which remains. The more recent contributions, holes 15–17 at water’s edge designed by architect Mark Mungeam in 1997, resulted from a land swap with Pfizer.
This mix of classic and contemporary design provides both challenges and aesthetics, making Shennecossett a must-play for golfers in the region.
7. Richter Park, Danbury
Richter Park in Danbury is a mature gem at 51 years old. This 6,547-yard par-71 course, designed by Edward Ryder, is known for its variety and challenge.
Ryder’s design leverages rolling terrain and water features, incorporating West Lake Reservoir into four front-nine holes and Boggs Pond into the back nine.
Among its standout holes is the par-five 12th, featuring a peninsula green offering a picturesque challenge. Despite heavy play, the course has aged beautifully, providing an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The meticulous layout ensures a memorable round each time, highlighting its status as a treasured destination for golf enthusiasts.
8. Oxford Greens, Oxford
Located northwest of New Haven, Oxford Greens offers a serene golf experience in a woodland setting. Designed by Mark Mungeam in 2005, this course is nestled within the Naugatuck State Forest, providing a tranquil yet challenging game over 7,100 yards with undulating greens.
Notable features include an exceptional set of par threes, especially the famous “Redan” 13th hole. The course maintains a blissful isolation with minimal residential intrusion.
For those seeking great golf experiences in Delaware, Baywood Greens in Long Neck stands out with its meticulously maintained fairways and scenic gardens.
9. Gillette Ridge, Bloomfield
Critics initially claimed that the 7,191-yard Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay design opened prematurely in 2004, but after a decade-long closure, it reopened in 2017 and has flourished.
With refurbished greens, newly added forward tees, and overhauled bunkers, Gillette Ridge now offers a more enjoyable experience.
Nestled on a 600-acre CIGNA compound, the course challenges golfers with a landscape crisscrossed by lakes and streams, requiring accurate drives through wooded areas to reach bold, bunkered greens.
Its balance of playability and visual appeal has made it a standout in Bloomfield, regaining its status as one of the top courses in Delaware and receiving enthusiastic praise from golfers and critics alike.
10. Mohegan Sun, Baltic
Mohegan Sun, Baltic boasts a course originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish in 1960 as Pautipaug Country Club. Purchased by the Mohegan Sun Casino in 2008, it underwent major renovations by Robert McNeill in 2011.
Currently, Ron Garl is fine-tuning the layout. He has removed or moved fairway bunkers that overly punished casual golfers, making the greens more accessible by doing the same for fronting greenside bunkers.
Garl is shallowing some deep bunkers and softening the heavily sloping greens at the par-four 3rd and par-four 12th holes. With strategic risk/reward par fives and scenic crossing streams, it offers both aesthetic appeal and engaging gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top golf courses in Delaware?
Some of the premier golf courses in Delaware include Baywood Greens, Deerfield Golf Club, and Bear Trap Dunes. Each offers a unique golfing experience and excellent amenities.
Are there exclusive golf clubs in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware has exclusive clubs like Heritage Shores Club, Back Creek Golf Club, and Bidermann Golf Club. These clubs provide luxurious settings and unique features for members.
What is unique about Baywood Greens?
Baywood Greens is known for its meticulously maintained, visually stunning course, with flower-lined pathways and picturesque views, offering a memorable golfing experience.
Is there a newly accessible golf course near Delaware?
Yes, the Yale Golf Course in New Haven has recently become more accessible, offering a historic and challenging layout for golfers of all levels.
What makes the Lake of Isles’ North Course special?
The Lake of Isles’ North Course, located near the Delaware border, is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and challenging design, making it a top choice for avid golfers.
Conclusion
Delaware’s premier golf courses offer diverse and memorable experiences for golfers of all skill levels. From the visually stunning Baywood Greens to the historic Deerfield Golf Club, there is something for everyone.
Iconic courses such as Bear Trap Dunes provide challenging layouts, while exclusive clubs like Heritage Shores Club cater to those seeking a luxurious experience.
Back Creek Golf Club and Bidermann Golf Club add their unique charm with well-manicured fairways and strategic designs.
Yale Golf Course and Lake of Isles’ North Course, though not in Delaware, are noteworthy mentions for their challenging and scenic layouts. Each course presents distinct features, making Delaware a notable golf destination.
Rounding out the list, Rock Manor Golf Course provides a modernized yet classical experience, and Bayside Resort Golf Club stands out with its breathtaking coastal views. Enthusiasts will cherish these top picks.
Colin McCarthy