Golf Guide: Ocean City - MD

Ocean City on the northernmost coast of Maryland is well named. Set on an incredibly beautiful barrier island and the mainland, Ocean City is a playground for everyone who loves the sea, beach and a boatload of activities for people who come for the big oceanfront experience - big hotels, big nightclubs, big amusements, major fishing. And golf.

There are 17 championship courses in the Ocean City area designed by famed architects like Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, Gary Player, P.B. Dye, Dr. Michael Hurdzan and others.

There are municipal courses like Eagle's Landing certified as an Audubon Sanctuary and revealing stunning views of Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague National Seashore. At the Links at Lighthouse Sound in Bishopville designed by Arthur Hills the views are of the Bay and Ocean City skyline and 10 holes border the marshlands.

In nearby Berlin you can play the two Bay Club courses, East and West set in the woodlands and wetlands of the state's celebrated Eastern Shore. West is known for its island green, Devil's Island. Also tee up at Deer Run Golf Club, home of the Bob Beckelman Golf Academy.

Several courses in the region serve as centerpieces for golf communities like River Run Golf Club with its world class Gary Player track; GlenRiddle Golf Club's two courses; and Heritage Shores Club evoking Nantucket with a New England-style clubhouse and a splendid Arthur Hills-designed golf course.

The Newport Bay Course and the Seaside Course at the Ocean City Golf Club as well as Ocean Pines, an RT Jones Sr. track, add options to this golf-rich area.

While in town be sure to take a stroll on Ocean City's classic wooden boardwalk, named one of the "Top 10 Great Boardwalks" by USA Today. Enjoy the street performers, arcades, roller coaster, carousel, and local food like Maryland crab cakes and fried chicken. It's all great fun.