A Golfer’s Guide to Ocean City

Beyond just sand and surf, Ocean City, Maryland, is also now one of the world’s best golf destinations. While many might know this coastal town for its famous boardwalk, Candy Kitchens, and amusement parks, it’s become a favorite among pro champions and golf amateurs alike. Today, there are more than 20 golf courses within 25 miles, all set in serene landscapes along Maryland’s lushly forested tidal marshes and waterways. Many also offer on-site restaurants, “stay and play” packages, and lessons with the pros.

So whether you’re hitting the green with friends, practicing your backswing with business partners, or putting in serious tee time over a long weekend, here are some of the area’s top courses, as well as where to rest up, cool off, and even save a few bucks while you’re at it.

Where to Tee Off A popular tournament spot just eight miles from Ocean City, overlooking Assateague National Seashore Park, Rum Pointe offers day rates during peak season ranging between $99 and $129 (which includes a cart fee and range balls). Its on-site restaurant, The Grille at Rum Pointe, serves up casual fare—steak-and-cheese egg rolls, wraps, burgers—and TaylorMade sets are available for rent at $65 for 18 holes.The city’s premier golfing destination, Eagle’s Landing overlooks both Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague Island National Seashore. Tee times include a golf cart to transport you around the 18-hole course and to the Pro Shop and Caddyshack Cafe. Bites are available from breakfast and beyond. Consider the hot dog-draft combo for just $8. With rates ranging between $102 and $125 per day for groups of two to four, Ocean City Golf Club consists of 36 holes of championship golf across two separate courses. You can also book instruction with a Master Professional at $60 per hour. The newly redecorated clubhouse has a full bar and TVs. Originally a historic horse farm site, GlenRiddle Golf Club now has two award-winning 18-hole golf courses just minutes from Ocean City. Day passes typically run between $55 and $180 per player during peak season, and rental clubs are available for $60 per day. The Man O’War course’s terrain is similar to those found in the British Isles (large greens, pot bunkers, dunes), while the War Admiral course is forest-laden with a rich tidal marsh. During the summer months, you can opt for triple-play packages that give you access to War Admiral as well as the affiliated Rum Pointe and Lighthouse Sound courses for $250 per player, along with discount vouchers for two of the courses’ on-site restaurants, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and the Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound.

Courtesy of Ocean City

Where to Refuel When evening hits… Seacrets, the area’s most popular bar and club, is a sprawling, sand-lined venue that transports you right to a tropical island. You can sip cocktails in rafts along the bay, watch the sun go down after a good meal, and when night falls, dance the night away at a series of stages and club spaces with live music and DJs. For a classic experience… Head over to sports-and-biker-friendly dive bar The Bearded Clam, grab a crab cake and a pint on the bayside at M.R. Ducks, or enjoy casual fare and live music at Hammerheads—all longtime Ocean City staples. For a bit more upscale vibes… Popular waterfront spot Fager’s Island serves up fresh seafood with live music every weekend (it also has an on-site hotel), while The Hobbit offers a fine-dining experience with upscale ingredients. For in-between meals… Grab breakfast on Ocean Gateway at the laid-back Bad Monkey or lunch and a signature orange crush at Harborside. Where to Rest Up There are several ways to stay and play, especially given the innumerable golf vacation packages at participating hotels. In North Ocean City, Best Western Ocean City Hotel and Suites offers customized golf packages with your choice of 17 championship courses with preferred tee times, a complimentary bag of tees, and group rates. For an oceanfront stay, there’s the Holiday Inn Ocean City, which links up in a package with Lighthouse Sound, a highly ranked golf course located off-site on the bay, as well as a driving range and putting green. The Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, the largest hotel along the OC coast, has special golf packages for guests that include three-round/two-night stays starting at $475 per person, while the Courtyard by Marriott (the newest oceanfront hotel, right on the boardwalk) offers its own stay-and-play golf packages—tailored to each guest—as well.

For a quick lineup of all the area’s golf courses, check out Play Golf in OC, or plan your entire trip with Pam’s Ocean City Golf, a full-service vacation powered by golf professionals, which has golf-specific packages and more than 75 Ocean City golf partners.