Old Landing Golf Course ready for the new season
April 23, 1999
Old Landing Golf Course is the only full-size, 18-hole public golf course in the Cape Region. It won’t have that distinction for long. Baywood Greens will soon add nine more holes to its existing layout. Robert Marshall, the owner of Old Landing, is making changes to rise to the new challenge.
“This is not the same place it was,” said Marshall. He showed off several improvements at the 145-acre facility on Old Landing Road off Route 1.
Some of his latest efforts are easily seen. Golfers now ride new golf carts. A spacious maintenance barn is just south of the renovated pro shop. Adjacent to the pro shop is an impressive dining facility overlooking the 18th hole and Rehoboth Bay.
Some other changes are not so noticeable to first-time visitors. Last fall, Marshall installed an irrigation system on all fairways. The new sprinklers should keep the turf in good condition.
The previously installed watering system for the bent grass greens was integrated with the new structures. Superintendent Will Lawson will oversee this aspect of course maintenance along with his other duties.
Several years ago Marshall removed a stand of trees between the 4th and 13th greens, giving both holes much-needed light and air.
Recently Marshall removed more trees from both sides of the 15th tee. The results are startling for those who recall how hard it was to keep grass on that tee box throughout the season.
The holes in the wooded section also suffered in the past from haphazard cart use. Marshall installed a series of short fence posts and roping to keep the carts on the improved paths, to eliminate turf damage and rutting.
Look for new bunkering later this season. Marshall completed the renovation on one bunker at the 18th hole, and plans to re-work the rest of the bunkers during 1999.
Yardage markers are now in place throughout the course. They are color-coded for 200 yards, 150 yards, and 100 yards, and should speed up play.
Some things haven’t changed. Sheila McCall still greets the customers with her friendly smile behind the counter. A round of golf during the season, beginning May 1, is still $32; cart rental is still $12. In the off-season, rates are still $20 to walk and $30 to ride.
A new batch of rental club sets from Spalding should be delivered soon, and the rental fee will be a reasonable $15. The existing rental sets are now for sale for $95, and look to be in pretty good shape.
The course’s year-round privilege program is $720; golfers can play as much as they want for 12 months and also gain a $2 discount on each cart rental.
Marshall is looking forward to the upcoming season. With all the changes he’s made, it’s only fitting that he should be optimistic. Stop by or give them a call at 302-227-3131.
Short Putts
Cape’s varsity golf team beat Lake Forest at Shawnee Country Club, April 14, by the wide margin of 171-205. Mark Johnson led all scorers with his 42, and Dan Prettyman, Adam Talley, and Josh Marr each scored 43. Cape won again, April 15, beating Sussex Central 169-180 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Prettyman and Johnson both scored 40, joined by Talley’s 43 and Josh Marr’s 46.
The Vikings then received a bit of a reality check April 20, losing to perennial powerhouse Dover, 154-171, at Maple Dale Country Club. Prettyman’s 39, Talley’s 41, Johnson’s 41, and Croce’s 48 were no match for the Senators.