Delaware’s 43 golf courses serve the nation’s second-smallest state with a range of quality that exceeds what the numbers suggest. Anchored by Wilmington’s historic private clubs in the north and a beach golf corridor near Rehoboth Bay in the south, Delaware’s compact geography means you’re never more than 90 minutes from the state’s best layouts — and green fees are among the most accessible in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Golf in Delaware splits naturally between the Wilmington corporate and private club market — home to Donald Ross’s Ed Oliver Golf Club and some of the region’s oldest clubs — and the coastal resort market near Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, and Ocean View, where beach-trip golfers fill courses from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The state’s small size makes it easy to play multiple courses in a single visit, often at prices well below Delaware’s neighboring markets in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Delaware Golf by Region
Wilmington / Northern Delaware
Delaware’s economic capital has a solid golf infrastructure anchored by several historic clubs. Ed Oliver Golf Club in Wilmington is a public Donald Ross design that offers one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best-value rounds — Donald Ross conditioning and design at municipal prices. White Clay Creek Country Club is an Arthur Hills design in the southwest part of the city with public access at $80–$100, offering an upscale daily-fee experience. Delcastle Golf Course, designed by Ed Ault, provides a popular public option with rolling terrain and scenic views through northern Delaware’s Brandywine Valley country.
Southern Delaware / Rehoboth Beach Area
The beach corridor from Rehoboth to Fenwick Island serves the summer resort market with a cluster of courses catering to vacationers and shore-house visitors. Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View is the top-rated public resort course in this area, with three distinctive 9-hole loops named Blackbear, Grizzly, and Kodiak. The Bayside Resort area near Fenwick Island adds a Jack Nicklaus-adjacent signature design to southern Delaware’s appeal. Summer weekends see the highest demand; early morning or late afternoon rounds on weekdays offer the best experience.
Top Courses in Delaware
- Ed Oliver Golf Club (Wilmington) — Donald Ross public municipal; exceptional value for a Ross design. Best everyday public value in the state. Green fees ~$25–$40.
- White Clay Creek Country Club (Wilmington) — Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest design; public access at a premium price but genuine country-club conditions. Green fees ~$80–$100.
- Delcastle Golf Course (Wilmington) — Ed Ault public design; rolling hills and natural beauty through the Brandywine Valley. Green fees ~$25–$45.
- Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club (Ocean View) — Three 9-hole loops through varied terrain near Rehoboth Beach; best public course in southern Delaware. Green fees ~$45–$70.
- Bayside Resort Golf Club (Fenwick Island) — Links-style resort course near the Maryland border; Jack Nicklaus Design. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- The Rookery Golf Club (Milton) — 36-hole semi-private complex near Rehoboth; one of the better everyday resort options in southern Delaware. Green fees ~$35–$60.
When to Play Golf in Delaware
Delaware’s golf season runs year-round in mild winters, with the practical season from March through November. Summers (June–August) are warm (80–88°F) with coastal humidity; beach-area courses are their busiest from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the best windows for uncrowded, comfortable golf — particularly in the beach corridor where summer crowds ease dramatically after Labor Day. Wilmington-area courses see more consistent year-round play; a mild winter day in January or February is entirely playable in Delaware’s Mid-Atlantic climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in Delaware?
Delaware has 43 golf courses in our database — modest in count but well-distributed between the Wilmington metro in the north and the Rehoboth Beach resort corridor in the south. The state’s small size means most golfers can access the full state’s offerings within a day trip.
What is the best golf course in Delaware?
Ed Oliver Golf Club (Wilmington) is Delaware’s most historically significant public course — a Donald Ross design at municipal pricing. White Clay Creek Country Club provides the state’s best daily-fee country-club experience. Bear Trap Dunes is the top resort public option in the southern beach market.
When is the best time to golf in Delaware?
April through June and September through October. Beach-area courses are peak-busy July through August; visit during shoulder months for easier tee time booking and lower rates. Wilmington courses are accessible year-round with only the coldest winter days posing problems.
How much does golf cost in Delaware?
Delaware is competitive value in the Mid-Atlantic. Budget public courses run $20–$40; beach resort courses charge $45–$70; and premium courses like White Clay Creek run $80–$100. Very affordable relative to neighboring Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets.
All Golf Courses in Delaware
Browse all 43 Delaware golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.