Today we are talking about one of the hottest spots on the east coast. This place is one of America’s most popular summer destinations. The resident population of 7,000 increases by 50x and swells to over 350,000 people on peak weekends. That is right, we are talking about Ocean City, Maryland.
Part of the city’s charm is that there is a little bit of something for everybody at Ocean City. Copious amounts of crab, miniature golf and souvenir stores dominate the main drag. A lengthy boardwalk of several miles provides constant amusement and there are restaurants in just about every direction. Most importantly, everything resides on a tiny strip of land tucked neatly in between Maryland’s Atlantic coast and the Isle of Wight Bay.
But let’s keep it real, you need to find out the best places to play golf. If you are on a buddies trip or even with your family, this guide is for you. You can’t go wrong with any of the courses listed here. The quality is high and the value is even better. Just click on the link in the header of any course to book your tee time.
The first hole at Glen Riddle’s Man o’ War course
#6: Ocean City Golf Course: Newport Bay
Almost all of the golf in Ocean City is priced affordably and nobody on our list has a higher value proposition than Ocean City Golf Course. There are 36 holes at Ocean City Golf Course, but you want to play the one designed by Lester George that plays right along the water called Newport Bay.
A dramatic overhead view of Ocean City’s Newport Bay course
The finishing hole at Ocean City Golf Club.
Ocean City provides a glorious mixture of golf and marsh
I like all of my golf courses named after eagles to have actual bald eagles living in the trees. Fortunately, Eagle’s Landing follows this protocol and plays host to several eagles on the 7th hole.
More importantly, the Michael Hurdzan design places a premium on playability and fun. With several holes playing along the marsh, there are some great views and low country vibes. No home sites on the property allow the golfer to experience the course without the distraction of local real estate.
The 6th hole provides the golfer a great chance to shorten the hole considerably with a drive to the left.
The eagle at Eagle’s Landing takes off
Sunrise over the 16th
The green site on the 7th hole sits out gloriously alone in the middle of a marsh field.
#4: Glen Riddle Golf Club: Man o’ War
With two great golf courses at Glen Riddle, this is an obvious destination for those looking for a day of 36 holes. Both courses are of comparable quality and personally, I give a slight edge to the War Admiral course. The Man o’ War course offers a more exposed links style experience.
Both golf courses are named after the world class race horses that were housed at Glen Riddle farm nearly a century ago. Man o’ War was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Several sports publications voted Man o' War as the best American racehorse of the 20th century and the New York Times honored the horse alongside Babe Ruth as the two most outstanding athletes of 1920. During his racing career, Man o' War won 20 of 21 races. The only race that he lost was because he started running in the wrong direction at the beginning of the race.
#3: Glen Riddle Golf Club: War Admiral
The War Admiral courses features many more holes surrounded by trees. Fortunately, the corridors are wide and only the truly horrid golf shots will find their way into the forest. The result is a great atmosphere and a playable golf course.
The 9th hole finishes right in front of the clubhouse and restaurant which used to be the old race horse stables
The War Admiral course is named after the champion thoroughbred and the fourth winner of the American Triple Crown. War Admiral was also the 1937 Horse of the Year and well known as Seabiscuit’s rival in the "Match Race of the Century" in 1938. The golf course itself has won far fewer awards but manages to win the hearts of visiting tourists every year.
The opening hole on the War Admiral course is one it’s best.
Wide forest corridors dominate the War Admiral course.
The 18th on War Admiral at sunrise.
#2: Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links
Rum Pointe is one of the player favorites in Ocean City. I received a lot of direct messages on Instagram during my visit and at least a dozen of them were in response to how much golfers love Rum Pointe. Designed by the father son team of Pete and PB Dye, Rum Pointe bears all of the hallmarks of a classic Dye course. Railroad ties, pot bunkers, and a finish alongside a big imposing water hazard.
The 18th hole at Rum Pointe finishes right up next to the clubhouse.
Many golfers complain that Pete Dye courses can be too difficult for the average golfer and for the most part, I am inclined to agree. However, PB’s influence at Rum Pointe has provided a much more player friendly design. There are plenty of opportunities for birdies and only a handful of the golf holes are really tough pars.
There are plenty of layers to the goodness at Rum Pointe
The 8th hole at Rum Pointe is one of the finest golf holes on the property.
There is a bald eagle’s nest above the par 3 14th hole. I was able to confirm that is a golf ball in the nest with them. It appears that the urethane cover has been picked off by the eagle. The j
The bald eagle nest on #14 has a golf ball in it.
#1: The Links at Lighthouse Sound
The number one golf course on our list is a pretty unanimous decision from almost every golfer polled. This Arthur Hills design is the most scenic golf course in Ocean City and winds through a number of different landscapes. The first seven holes spend the majority of the time along the water and after the golfer crosses the bridge before #9, they are treated to a much different golf course with a lot more trees. The natural diversity makes for an enjoyable round of golf.
The 18th hole at Sunrise over the sound.
The marshland at Lighthouse provides a dramatic setting for golf
Sydney smokes one on 7
Below is the longest cart bridge in America. The bridge connects the two different sections of the golf course and spans 1500 feet. It is quite obviously the Golden Gate Bridge of golf.
The Links at Lighthouse Sound and it’s historic cart bridge.
Early morning action at the par 5 2nd.
The green site on 7 finishes right against the water.
If you are in Ocean City and looking for some golf, you can’t go wrong with any golf course on this list and I am willing to bet that you will be pleasantly surprised by your experience. Golf in Ocean City provides a splendid mixture of views, fun and quality conditions. You don’t have to work hard to let the good times roll in Ocean City.