Tee It Up in Ocean City: Golf, Sun, and Fun on Maryland's Eastern Shore By Brian Weis

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 1,145 Times

About: Brian Weis

Brian Weis is the mastermind behind GolfTrips.com, a vast network of golf travel and directory sites covering everything from the rolling fairways of Wisconsin to the sunbaked desert layouts of Arizona. If there’s a golf destination worth visiting, chances are, Brian has written about it, played it, or at the very least, found a way to justify a "business trip" there.

As a card-carrying 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), Brian has the credentials to prove that talking about golf is his full-time job. In 2016, his peers even handed him The Shaheen Cup, a prestigious award in golf travel writing—essentially the Masters green jacket for guys who don’t hit the range but still know where the best 19th holes are.

Brian’s love for golf goes way back. As a kid, he competed in junior and high school golf, only to realize that his dreams of a college golf scholarship had about the same odds as a 30-handicap making a hole-in-one. Instead, he took the more practical route—working on the West Bend Country Club grounds crew to fund his University of Wisconsin education. Little did he know that mowing greens and fixing divots would one day lead to a career writing about the best courses on the planet.

In 2004, Brian turned his golf passion into a business, launching GolfWisconsin.com. Three years later, he expanded his vision, and GolfTrips.com was born—a one-stop shop for golf travel junkies looking for their next tee time. Today, his empire spans all 50 states, and 20+ international destinations.

On the course, Brian is a weekend warrior who oscillates between a 5 and 9 handicap, depending on how much he's been traveling (or how generous he’s feeling with his scorecard). His signature move" A high, soft fade that his playing partners affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) call "The Weis Slice." But when he catches one clean, his 300+ yard drives remind everyone that while he may write about golf for a living, he can still send a ball into the next zip code with the best of them.

Whether he’s hunting down the best public courses, digging up hidden gems, or simply outdriving his buddies, Brian Weis is living proof that golf is more than a game—it’s a way of life.