Delaware’s meetings-friendly destinations offer many picturesque and exciting golf courses where planners can arrange a one-stop networking outing that includes a competitive teambuilding activity and a meal function.
Following are several courses throughout the state for groups with attendees who enjoy hitting the links and toasting to all their great shots after the scorecards are tallied.
Greater Wilmington
DuPont Country Club
DuPont Country Club, located in Wilmington, offers three golf courses, including the Nemours Course and the DuPont Championship Course.
“We have held specialty clinics for some of our outings and some groups have hosted trick shot performances,” said Kent Thomas, the country club’s golf pro. “We also provide a number of food and beverage stations on course for our outings, from cool beverages to snacks to freshly cooked food from the grill.”
The country club features a terrace with terrific views, where groups can network over breakfast or lunch before hitting the course, and a ballroom that’s perfect for an awards ceremony complete with a buffet after play.
“The ballroom features high ceilings and a view of the course,” said Jessica Bittmann, CMP, director of sales for the Greater Wilmington CVB. “My favorite part of their facility is the balcony overlooking the ballroom, which is perfect for groups that like to have a VIP option at their galas or large events.”
Deerfield
Newark-based Deerfield enjoys a beautiful location tucked into White Clay Creek State Park, according to Jeffrey Robinson, the course’s general manager.
“The golf course is a fun and hilly layout over rolling terrain,” he said. “Each hole is very secluded and private. Our signature hole is certainly No. 10, an amazing par 5 where you tee off from the top of a hill to a fairway that lies several stories beneath the tee box.”
Deerfield prides itself on partnering with clients to provide full-service event support, from contest design to fundraising strategies to sponsorship opportunities.
“We’ve also included amazing food and beverage elements, with on-course grill stations, martini bars, margarita and craft brew stations, and more,” Robinson said.
Deerfield also accommodates group gatherings. Its clubhouse features five banquet spaces, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom.
“Outings of all sizes can find the perfect space for a barbecue, dinner or cocktail party following play,” Robinson said, adding that the patio overlooking the golf course provides easy access to the putting green where attendees can compete in friendly contests.
Kent County
Garrisons Lake Golf Club
For planners worried about the meeting’s bottom line, Smyrna-based Garrisons Lake Golf Club is the most affordable option in the state, according to John Doerfler, sales and event manager at the Kent County Office of Tourism.
Groups made up of attendees with varying skill sets will appreciate a round here, Doerfler added, as the course offers well-groomed links that appeal to both novice and serious golfers.
The course accommodates groups with up to 144 players and personalizes tournaments with customized scorecards and cart signs, as well as professional announcements during play.
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A dedicated event manager at the club will assist with those special touches and more, including helping with a meal function in the outdoor covered picnic area, where golfers may enjoy a box lunch.
“Groups can also bring in outside caterers to serve any dining options they may need,” Doerfler said.
Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course
Both Garrisons Lake and nearby Magnolia-based Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course specialize in making each group’s time and budget work, according to Doerfler.
“The Jonathan’s Landing clubhouse transforms into a Blues Hall on Thursday nights, giving your group a fun and cost-effective way to incorporate live music into your program,” Doerfler said.
Jonathan’s Landing can also host banquets for up to 150 people in its replica of the Port Mahon Lighthouse.
And during the tournament, players will enjoy marshland scenery that’s unique to Delaware’s coast.
“You’ll want to time your drive in between the sounds of frogs and water birds playing in the background,” Doerfler said.
Rehoboth Beach Area
The Rookery
Situated near Rehoboth Beach are the two courses of The Rookery, including the Milton-based South Course and the Milford-based North Course.
“Both courses are fun and challenging and at the same time offer different experiences,” said Butch Holtzclaw, director of golf. “The South Course is more open but water-laden, and the North Course is a more traditional tree-lined golf course.”
The two courses can accommodate tournaments and outings of all sizes, including multiday events that take advantage of both and same-day packages during which groups will play one course in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
“We can customize your tournament package to fulfill your golfing needs,” Holtzclaw said.
The North Course’s clubhouse is larger than the South Course’s, but both are great for functions before or after an event.
Southern Delaware
Baywood Greens
Baywood Greens, located in Long Neck, is a scenic and challenging 18-hole golf course that consists of two nine-hole experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the area, according to Tony Hollenback, the course’s golf pro.
“The front nine, known as Woodside, is named for its tree-lined fairways,” he said. “The back nine, named Waterside, features water on eight of the nine holes.”
Bridges lined with flower displays take golfers over serene ponds and creeks throughout the entire course, including hole No. 18, which Hollenback referred to as a “visual marvel.”
Before or after play, groups can dine at the Baywood Greens Clubhouse Restaurant for casual or fine dining.
“The Baywood Greens Clubhouse is an award-winning venue offering smart detail and nature-inspired decor,” Hollenback said. “Luxurious but understated, the clubhouse features grand sweeping staircases that lead to the 225-person ballroom, the perfect setting for any large function.”
Bear Trap Dunes
Bear Trap Dunes, which will host the 2017 Delaware Open, is a 27-hole championship course that was built on a World War II U.S. Army radar site, according to Justin Blades, the course’s associate golf professional.
Located in Ocean View, Bear Dunes offers customized tournament packages for groups of up to 216 golfers.
“We have a full complement of proximity markers available for closest-to-pin contests, long drive contests and more,” Blades said.
Prizes can be included in tournament packages, he added.
