Southern Delaware Golf Club adds golf and entertainment options
January 17, 2025
Southern Delaware Golf Club is putting the finishing touches on the construction of a new practice range amenity that should enhance the club’s appeal to Cape Region golfers and the tourists who come here.
The east-facing wall of the large white building just south of the pro shop is nearly all glass garage doors, easily opened when conditions warrant and providing protection from the elements when needed. The west side of the building features ten hitting bays looking out at the expanded practice range, using 100 feet of continuous artificial turf. Individually controlled heating units hover above the bays, along with lighting for evening use.
Two of the stations will have Flight Scope launch monitors with TVs. Eventually all of the stations will be similarly outfitted.
Bar-height counters stand just behind each of the stations, providing a convenient space for golfing buddies to call out helpful hints or rude remarks to their friends as they swing.
A beautiful fireplace and several large ceiling fans, along with restrooms, couches, tables and chairs, mounted TVs, and other features, create an inviting Golf Cave atmosphere.
Stewart Fisher
Food and beverage orders to the adjacent Big Oyster restaurant will use a QR code system.
SDGC head golf pro Stewart Fisher said, “We’re very excited to be able to provide year-round golf and a fun golf entertainment experience, similar to Top Golf, that will let golfers play year-round and enjoy the other amenities of the course. We’re looking forward to being able to provide golf however you want to enjoy it.”
For more information, including options for rentals and events, contact Fisher at 302-491-7933 or by email at southerndelawaregolfclub@gmail.com.
Oakley wins PGA event
Congratulations to The Rookery’s Pete Oakley for his Jan. 9 playoff victory at the 2025 PGA Quarter Century Championship, held at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL.
The 2004 Senior British Open winner and Rookery co-designer/co-owner, now a spry 75-year-old, competed in the 65-and-older division in cold and blustery conditions. His 69-71 4-under-par total in the two-day, 36-hole tournament put him in a tie with Darrell Kestner of Glen Cove, NY. However, Oakley won the playoff with a two-putt birdie that Kestner could not match.
“I drove the par 4 tenth green to 8 feet with $1,500 on the line and no money for second. It was nasty weather, cold and windy – perfect Oakley weather where survival is the key,” he said. “I still love the game and continue to work at it.”
Gabbard makes another ace
Jacob Gabbard
Jacob Gabbard is a senior at Cape Henlopen High School and a multi-year varsity player on the Vikings’ golf team. He also swims for Cape under the watchful eye of head coach Bill Geppert and uses those water skills as a lifeguard at Delaware Seashore State Park in the summers.
Gabbard apparently decided to take a break from all those laps in the pool and see how his golf game was holding up over the winter.
He did okay, with an ace Dec. 7 on the 85-yard par 3 14th hole at Midway Par 3. His proud dad Carl noted that Jacob made his shot into the wind with a sand wedge.
Gabbard previously made a hole in one at Midway March 17, 2021, as a 13-year-old at Beacon Middle School. On that occasion he used his sand wedge on the second hole, also set at 85 yards.
PGA Junior League signups at Plantation Lakes
Since its creation several years ago, the PGA Junior League expanded to a country-wide operation, with thus far over 500,000 juniors competing in golf’s version of Little League.
Open to golfers 17 and under, the teams are placed in two age groups: 13-under and 17-under. Teams are issued numbered jerseys and compete against other local teams in a scramble format, providing more contribution options for players of all skill levels. Successful competition at the local level can lead to a national final.
Plantation Lakes Golf Club in Millsboro is currently taking registrations for its Spring Series 13U Lakers team. Practice sessions are set for 90 minutes twice per week, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Club professionals provide coaching and instruction as well as skill-building activities and weekly competition opportunities. Enrollment also comes with a 10% discount on U.S. Kids golf products.
The club’s announcement of the program included this statement: “Lakers learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and golf skills in a fun and engaging environment. We are committed to fostering a love for golf through programs that emphasize growth, sportsmanship, and community. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of golfers by offering engaging instruction, top-tier facilities, and opportunities to compete and learn. We strive to cultivate an environment where players feel supported in their journey, with a focus on continuous improvement and a deep appreciation for the game.”
The season fee is $289, payable at the Club’s Golf Shop. There is an additional, one-time PGA Membership fee of $110, plus a 3% processing fee. Registrations can also be made at pgajrleague.com.
For more information contact the club at (302) 933-8072.