Rehoboth Golf Park–a course for every golfer
April 2, 1999
In his prime, Masters champion and two-time U.S. Open winner Billy Casper amazed golf fans with his chipping and putting.
Billy Casper Golf Management now wants Cape Region golfers to have fun with their short game. The company recently assumed management of Rehoboth Golf Park, on Country Club Road just outside Rehoboth Beach.
Last fall, the Golf Park opened its 25,000 square foot putting green and its nine-hole, lighted pitch-and-putt Wee Course. This spring the Golf Park opened its mid-length Creekside Course, combining three fun golf facilities at one location.
Creekside’s 18 holes stretch over 3000 yards from its back tees. Four holes are par 4s and the rest are par 3s. William Love is the course architect. His design will help novice golfers have fun, while giving more experienced golfers some challenges.
The bunkers are shallow to make it easy to recover. The mounds on the sides and back of the greens redirect errant tee shots. Short-hitting players can run their ball up to the greens on most holes. Better players should be intrigued by the fourth and ninth holes. Both par 4s are adjacent to a large pond and present good risk-reward opportunities.
Bob Mauragas and Alex Elmore are the Billy Casper regional managers preparing the Golf Park for full operations. They are now interviewing club professional candidates. The club pro will be the primary facility manager, in coordination with a food and beverage manager and the course superintendent, Brian Haxton. Haxton brings years of experience to the new course. He previously worked at the Port Royal course in Bermuda.
Mauragas joined Casper Golf over a year ago, and is a former club pro. He believes the Golf Park will provide “a total family experience.” Mauragas said the Golf Park gives its players a step up from the golf available on the Boardwalk, without putting a large dent in either vacation funds or vacation time.
Greens fees are $15 for all three courses all day. Later this year, the fees will change to $16 for the Creekside Course, $10 for the Wee Course, and $5 for the putting green.
Director of Instruction and PGA Professional Steve Smith will oversee kids camps for one and three-day sessions during the summer. Individual lessons are also available.
The Golf Park provides several other playing options. Annual memberships are available at $575 for unlimited greens fees, tee-time reservations, guest discounts, and other privileges.
Mauragas also plans to set up leagues for family play and for local businesses. Catered golf outings can also be arranged.
On May 6, the Creekside course will be part of a 54-hole event sponsored by the Delaware State Golf Association. The new layout will join Rehoboth Beach Country Club and Kings Creek Country Club for the DSGA’s annual spring warm-up.
The new management is enthusiastic about their new public golf amenity for the Cape Region. Look for an announcement soon for the official grand opening ceremony, and give them a call in the meantime at 302-227-2500.
Short Putts
Cape Henlopen’s golf team roared back from its initial loss with three straight victories. The Vikings beat Sussex Central 163-208 on March 25. Mark Johnson’s 39 led Cape, joined by Josh Marr (40), Danny Prettyman (41), and Adam Talley (47). Cape then whacked St. Thomas More Academy 153-268 at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course March 29. Adam Talley parred the front nine (35) for medalist honors. Josh Marr (37), Prettyman (38) and Johnson (41) followed Talley’s fine performance.
The Vikings then beat Indian River March 30 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, 176-190. Prettyman’s 42 lost to medalist Frank Bunting’s 41, but Cape’s depth came through for the victory. Josh Marr shot 43, followed by Talley’s 44 and Johnson’s 47.
The Vikings were scheduled to face Lake Forest High School’s Spartans at Shawnee Country Club on April 1. Rain caused the match to be rescheduled to April 19.