Golf has always been synonymous with scenic beauty, tradition, and luxury. The sport’s long history, dating back to 15th-century Scotland, has only grown stronger, with millions of players across the globe and a growing number of spectacular courses being developed in the most stunning locations. In Worcester County, Maryland, golf has not only become a pillar of the local economy but also a key driver of tourism and real estate development, extending the tourist season well beyond the summer months and attracting high-end buyers to the area.
The Growth of Golf Along Maryland’s Coast
Worcester County, Maryland is home to some of the best golf courses on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, many of which have been designed by renowned professionals, making them highly sought-after destinations. Whether it’s Ocean City Golf Club’s history, Gary Player’s signature design at River Run, or the links-Scottish-style challenges at Rum Pointe, these courses have become major players in the local tourism industry.
Worcester County’s golf courses are part of a thriving golf destination, hosting over 315,000 of the 650,000 rounds played annually in the broader Ocean City and Southern Delaware region. These rounds attract visitors from key states like Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Many of these golfers stay for multiple rounds, boosting local tourism through lodging, dining, gaming, and shopping. To enhance the experience, many courses partner with nearby resorts and hotels to offer stay-and-play packages, appealing to both avid golfers and casual players alike.
The Impact of Professional Golf Designers
Maryland’s Coast has earned its reputation as a premier golf destination, thanks in large part to its association with renowned professional golfers and course designers. Their involvement has brought a blend of tradition, modern design, and natural beauty to Worcester County’s courses, enhancing the region’s credibility and appeal to golfers of all skill levels.
- Gary Player: One of the most recognizable figures in golf, Player designed the River Run Golf Club, incorporating the natural beauty of the St. Martin River into his strategic course layout. The course’s peaceful setting and challenging play make it a favorite among golfers seeking both relaxation and a test of skill.
- Pete and P.B. Dye: The legendary father-son duo designed Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links, a Scottish-style course that features bent-grass on fairways and greens alongside stunning views of Assateague Island. Known for their work on championship-level courses worldwide, the Dyes brought their design expertise to Maryland’s Coast, creating a course that appeals to golfers looking for both aesthetic beauty and competitive challenge.
- Robert Trent Jones, Sr.: The iconic designer of Ocean Pines Golf Club, Jones crafted this course with his signature mix of wide-open fairways and challenging water hazards. As the only Robert Trent Jones-designed course on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ocean Pines offers a unique draw for golfers familiar with his work.
Unique Qualities of Maryland’s Coast Golf Courses
Each course in Worcester County, Maryland has its own distinctive characteristics, contributing to the area’s appeal as a golf destination:
- Ocean City Golf Club: With two courses—Newport Bay and Seaside—Ocean City Golf Club is a cornerstone of the county’s golf history. Newport Bay, in particular, offers stunning views of coastal marshlands and wildlife, providing a tranquil backdrop for a round of golf. Seaside, on the other hand, provides a more traditional layout, ideal for both casual golfers and professionals.
- Eagle’s Landing Golf Course: Known for its commitment to environmental stewardship, Eagle’s Landing is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This course’s design prioritizes natural habitats, integrating water conservation efforts and wildlife protection into the golfing experience. It’s a top choice for eco-conscious players.
- GlenRiddle Golf Club: Situated on a former horse farm that was home to legendary race horses like Man O’ War and War Admiral, GlenRiddle offers two courses that reflect the property’s storied past. The War Admiral course, with its narrow fairways and dense forests, provides a challenging and historical experience for golfers.
- Links at Lighthouse Sound: Positioned along the scenic shores of Assawoman Bay, Links at Lighthouse Sound offers breathtaking views of the Ocean City skyline and the surrounding natural beauty. The course is renowned for its unique design, featuring the only consecutive holes in America that play to the same double green, as well as the country’s longest cart bridge—stretching nearly 1,500 feet across wetlands. With its coastal setting and exceptional course conditions, it’s a must-play destination for golfers seeking a blend of challenge and stunning scenery.
Boosting Tourism: A Year-Round Destination
Golf tourism in Worcester County, Maryland extends well beyond the summer months, making the region a year-round destination. The mild climate of Maryland’s Coast allows for golfing from early spring through late fall, and many visitors take advantage of off-season rates to enjoy the area’s top courses during these shoulder seasons. In fact, Worcester County’s courses attract thousands of visitors during the fall, a time when many coastal towns experience a tourism lull.
The golf tourism industry generates over $60 million in annual revenue for the destination. In addition to green fees, visiting golfers spend money on accommodations, dining, gaming and local attractions. Many of the courses offer on-site restaurants and clubhouses, further boosting the local hospitality industry. The area’s connection to nearby Ocean City also encourages longer stays, as visitors can combine a round of golf with beach activities, fishing, or exploring historic towns like Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke.
Golf and High-End Real Estate Development
One of the most significant economic impacts of golf in Worcester County is its ability to attract high-end real estate buyers. Luxury homes near golf courses are highly desirable for those seeking both privacy and convenience. Properties near golf courses like River Run, GlenRiddle, and Lighthouse Sound offer not only access to top-tier golfing but also stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and proximity to Ocean City and Assateague Island.
Many of these homes are part of larger residential communities, offering resort-style amenities such as pools, fitness centers, marinas, and dining options. GlenRiddle Golf Club, for instance, is located within a gated community in Berlin, MD, featuring three- and four-bedroom homes with a coastal ambiance. These residences attract buyers looking for both vacation homes and permanent residences, offering luxurious features like sunrooms, covered porches, and fireplaces. The community also boasts resort-style amenities, including a private clubhouse, a 96-slip marina, a golf course, tennis courts, and a neighborhood pool, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. The availability of high-end real estate near these courses has contributed to the county’s overall economic development, as more affluent buyers are drawn to the region.
Maryland’s Coast as a Golfing and Tourism Hub
Worcester County, Maryland, unique mix of history, coastal beauty, and professional influence has made it a favorite among golfers, while its ability to attract tourists and luxury real estate buyers continues to drive economic growth. For those looking to extend their stay, the region’s golf courses are more than just a place to play—they’re a gateway to high-end real estate, luxurious amenities, and the scenic charm of Maryland’s Coast.
